General Finishes Conversion Varnish is a clear drying, post-catalyzed, high-solids, two-component urethane formulated for ultimate durability and chemical resistance, and requires General Finishes NCO Catalyst. READ PROTECTION INSTRUCTIONS IN WARNINGS SECTION BELOW BEFORE USE.
CAUTION: Do NOT use GF Conversion Varnish 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 or dye bleed-though regardless of priming. All of GF's white paints do NOT require a topcoat.
Conversion Varnish Application Steps
- Watch product overview video here or comparison video of our topcoats here.
- Work in a well-ventilated area.
- Stir thoroughly to reincorporate solids that have settled to the bottom of the can using a power drill and mixer (recommended) or by hand with a paint stick. Do not shake. See this video here: How To Mix Conversion Varnish
- Test for adhesion when applying over an existing finish.
- Thin as desired, with distilled water (before or after mixing with NCO catalyst); start with 5%,adding up to 10% by volume.
- Increase open time, if needed, with 10-15% by volume of General Finishes Extender if allowed by local regulations. GF Extender can be used to 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 product non-compliant per SCAQMD Regulations. GF assumes no liability for the improper use of these products.
- Slowly add up to 10% NCO Catalyst by volume (3.2 oz. per quart; 12.8 oz. per gallon) to Conversion Varnish while stirring thoroughly. Allow 2-3 minutes when mixing with a power drill, or 5 minutes when mixing by hand with a paint stick. Use gloves and protective eyewear when mixing. Mix only what you are going to use and clean spray gun immediately after use. The finish can only be mixed once, and the leftover product will solidify after 6-8 hours. DO NOT store in a closed container to avoid pressure build-up.
- Let Conversion Varnish sit for 15 minutes.
- Apply 3 coats. For high-moisture areas, apply 4 coats. Additional coats will not improve durability.
- 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. Spray tip recommendations. Keep your gun at a 90° angle, 6-8" from the surface. On large, flat areas, use wet, even patterns 6-8" wide. For narrow surfaces, reduce the fan pattern to 2-3" wide to reduce overspray. Overlap each pass 25% to conceal lines. NOTE; Conversion Varnish is used with NCO catalyst. When using a spray-gun, wear self-contained breathing apparatus. In the event of insufficient ventilation: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus. When respirators are required, select NIOSH/MSHA approved equipment and work in a ventilated space. READ ALL PROTECTION INSTRUCTIONS IN THE WARNINGS SECTION BEFORE USE.
- Face frames on cabinets: Enduro professional products are engineered to be spray-only but can be successfully applied by hand to cabinet face frames or edges with a pad applicator or small, cabinet-specific roller such as Whizz Velour brand. Larger areas may not level with a hand application.
- If a faster build is desired when applying clears over raw wood, use General Finishes Sanding Sealer for the first coat, followed by 2 coats of Enduro Conversion Varnish.
- Finish sand between coats with a fine-grade (220-320) foam sanding pad to improve smoothness and adhesion.
- Remove dust with a vacuum, compressed air, an oil-free tack cloth or a water-dampened rag.
Toning/Tinting
Conversion Varnish cannot be used as a toner and is not tintable.
Warning: Do not use water-based products with Linseed Oils or Danish Oils.
