THE BEST AND WORST SEALERS FOR PAINTED FURNITURE

The topcoat or sealer you choose to use on your painted furniture can affect the finish as much as your paint, so you want to pick the right one. Here are some details that may help...

MINWAX POLYCRYLIC

MINWAX POLYCRYLIC

Price: $13-$20 per quart Application: can be applied with a brush or sprayed. Verdict: In my opinion this sealer isn’t always easy to work.  But, if you use a quality paintbrush and apply thin, even coats, it can work well.

MINWAX POLYURETHANE

Price: $10-$20 per quart Application: can be applied with a brush, a foam brush, or with a rag. Verdict: I often use Minwax polyurethane on stained wood furniture because it is inexpensive and available locally. It is not a good topcoat for painted furniture as it yellows and affects the appearance of the paint color.

FURNITURE WAX Price: $8-$25 per pint (the other sealers are priced per quart).  Application: Wax can be applied with a rag or a wax brush, then buffed with a clean cloth. Verdict: I personally find it difficult to apply wax well. It is very easy to apply way too much wax and a bit of a pain to remove the excess.

GENERAL FINISHES FLAT OUT FLAT Price: $25-$30 per quart (a pint costs nearly as much as a quart, so go for the quart.) Application: goes on easily with a smooth paintbrush, a foam brush or sprayed with a paint sprayer. Verdict: This is my favorite sealer for distressed furniture or furniture you want to have a vintage feel.

GENERAL FINISHES HIGH PERFORMANCE TOP COAT Price: $25-$30 per quart  Application: goes on easily with a smooth paintbrush, a foam brush or sprayed with a paint sprayer. Verdict: this is my number one pick for a great all-around sealer. It is easy to apply, holds up well, and works well over all kinds of paint and stain.

DIXIE BELLE GATOR HIDE Price: $25-$32 per quart  Application: can be applied with a brush but you will get the smoothest finish using Dixie Belle’s popular blue sponge applicator. Verdict: I haven’t had a chance to try Gator Hide yet, but included it because it comes so highly recommended by other bloggers and furniture painters.

Get even more details and furniture makeovers with sealers here.

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