Flat Out Flat | General Finishes 3.78L

CAUTION: Do NOT use GF Flat Out Flat or any other clear coat, over white or light paints such as GF Milk Paint, or GF White Poly as it may cause yellowing. Any clear coat can become reactive over wood substrates or existing finishes causing tannin, stain or dye bleed-through. All of GF’s White Paints, brushable or spray versions, do NOT require a topcoat.

 Flat Out Flat | General Finishes 3.78L Flat Out Flat Application Steps

1. Watch Flat Out Flat product overview video here.
2. Work in a well-ventilated area.
3. Stir topcoat thoroughly to reincorporate solids that have settled to the bottom of the can before and throughout the application process. Do not shake.
4. Test for adhesion when applying over an existing finish.
5. Thin as desired with distilled water; start with 5%, adding up to 10% by volume.
6. Increase open time, if needed, with 10-15% General Finishes Extender  if allowed by local regulations. GF Extender will improve flow and leveling and increase open time, which is helpful in dry climates. California Residents: Adding more than 2% of GF Extender will make the products non-compliant per SCAQMD Regulations. GF assumes no liability for the improper use of these products.
7. 3 coats are recommended. Additional coats will not improve durability. Flat Out Flat contains more matting agents to decrease the sheen, and the finish can get cloudy when excessive topcoats are applied.
   • Hand application: Apply a liberal amount using a synthetic bristle brush, foam brush, pad applicator or roller with smooth, even strokes & light lap lines.  Avoid heavy pressure and back-brushing. Lap lines will tighten down as they dry.
   • Spray application: Before spraying, strain topcoat through a fine-mesh filter. Spray wet films at 3-5-mil thickness. HVLP: 1.1mm-1.3mm spray tip, medium air cap. Verify tip sizes with your equipment supplier.
8. If a faster build is desired over raw wood, use General Finishes Sanding Sealer for the first coat, followed by 2 coats of Flat Out Flat.
9. Finish sand between coats with a fine-grade (220-320) foam sanding pad to improve smoothness and adhesion. Do not use conventional steel wool.
10. Remove dust with a vacuum, oil-free tack cloth or clean water-dampened rag before re-coating.

Tips to prevent streaking during hand-application
See our video: How to Prevent Streaking with Water Based Topcoat

• To avoid streaking, apply a liberal amount of product and avoid using pressure and back-brushing. Wipe the wood grain using smooth, even strokes. Use a large applicator, such as a paint pad, for larger surfaces.
• Remove streaks by buffing with or fine-grade (220-320) sanding pad, or sanding well and re-coating.
• For the smoothest result, apply with a spray gun.

Mixing Topcoats
Do not mix Flat Out Flat and High Performance topcoats. They are engineered with different resin systems.

Use