An American Story Since 1928, General Finishes has been manufacturing wood finishes to the highest performance standards. Wisconsin-based General Finishes is recognized as a leading innovator in the development of water-based finishes. These award-winning products are easy to use and provide superior color, adhesion and durability.
Gel Stain from General Finishes is home of the popular Java Gel Stain featured across the nation’s social media for up-cycling furniture and cabinets. Gel wood stains are heavy-bodied and do not penetrate as deeply into the wood as liquid oil-based wipe-on stains do, providing the deepest, richest colors of any oil-based stain available.
Hirshfield’s stores stock a number of popular Gel Stain colors (below) with more special order.
General Finishes Milk Paint is a premium low VOC, self-sealing interior/exterior mineral-based paint named for its low-luster sheen. So durable, it is a go-to finish for cabinets and furniture. It is now more environmentally friendly than ever, made with more than 50% RENEWABLE RESOURCES formulated from sustainable materials that decrease the carbon footprint. It can be brushed, rolled, or sprayed.
Hirshfield’s stores stock a number of popular Milk Paint colors (below) with many more available pre-mixed and custom tinted.
Arm-R-Seal Oil-Based Topcoats are made with the highest-quality urethane resin, making them extremely durable and long-lasting. Formulated to be wiped on with a cloth or applied with a foam brush, this ambering finish penetrates to provide deep-down protection for that “natural” look.
Winner of Fine Woodworking’s “Best Overall Choice Award,” High Performance Topcoat was voted as the hardest, most durable consumer polyurethane topcoat. It is so versatile, it can be brushed or sprayed. Now available in a new sheen, Dead Flat, formulated with new patented polymer technology. The new Dead Flat delivers a <5-degree sheen, high-water resistance, and very high chemical resistance.
Exterior 450 Topcoat a clear-drying low VOC finish suitable for vertical exterior surfaces, such as fences, patio furniture, garage doors and entrance doors. It is not recommended as a deck finish. Exterior 450 is fortified with UV absorbers to stabilize and protect the integrity the finish*, and built-in mildewcides to slow mold and mildew growth. It performs well as a clear coat or as an optional topcoat over darker colors General Finishes Milk Paint. Do not use over light or white paints as yellowing may occur. *The UV additive in 450 Clear will protect the integrity of the film, but will not prevent the wood from changing color from sunlight. Brush or spray.