Artisan Enhancement Clear Top Coat
It is suggested to apply a coat of the Clear Top Coat Sealer PRIOR to painting since this Top Coat is a penetrating sealer. This means it is quite strong and will sometimes pull tannins or stain up from the substrate or wood and into the paint. (disregard if painting over metal) So, by applying a coat of the Clear Top Coat Sealer initially- it will seal the base in and prevent this. The finish helps protect your painted, plastered and stained surfaces. Clear Topcoat Sealer is a highly versatile product which works well with the entire Artisan Enhancements line, as well as other decorative paint lines.
It is a great option to use over clear and dark wax once they have completely cured - after your last application of wax - 20+ days before applying the Clear Topcoat Sealer over it!
Clear Topcoat Sealer is the sealer we recommend for an application continually exposed to moisture. However, the soy oil resin which makes Clear Topcoat Sealer durable and exterior grade is water resistant but not waterproof. For bathroom applications we recommend extending cure times as long as possible before exposing to moisture ie about an additional 1 week. The longer cure the better to make sure the resin is hardened and all moisture has evaporated from the sealer coats. Please also advise to stay a way from abrasive cleaning methods (scrubbing) caustic cleaners, bleach, and chemical solvents. Those types of cleaners will break down the biobased resin and soften/strip the sealer over time.
Typicall, we Do NOT to apply a polyurethane, shellac or lacquer over wax. That statement holds true - but we have found that the Artisan Enhancement Clear Top Coat is the exception and can be used over a light application of wax that has fully cured. Again, the wax cannot be applied super heavy.
It is always suggested to wait a week or two after the LAST application of wax before applying the Artisan Enhancement Clear Top Coat Sealer. Some will go back over the topcoat once it is has fully dried with a light coat of clear wax just for the glide and sheen- and because they want that patina only wax creates. BUT that is not necessary.
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APPLICATION" It is important to apply using a brush specifically made for "varnishes" and respect the instructions otherwise you will see brush strokes or - could cause the flattening agents to flash which will create a white haze appearance. This Topcoat/Varnish brush is handmade in Sweden and is a very high quality lightweight brush. This tool is mostly made with natural bristles but has a light blend of synthetic bristles to lessen the opportunities for brush strokes. A huge benefit of this brush is that it helps you not apply too much Clear Topcoat Sealer or Clear Finish (which many people do when using a fully synthetic brush). It also works well with any other oil based products or stains. Clean up is easy with soap and water.
SHEEN: Regarding the sheen after applying the Topcoat Sealer - or lack of it - keep in mind that the Artisan Enhancement Clear Top Coat Sealer will only create by design a matte finish. So, even if you have buffed the wax beneath first, the top coat will still remain flat because the topcoat dries flat. The sheen of the surface beneath does not matter. You can buff it slightly and get a small amount of a sheen, but NOTE - the the Clear Top Coat Sealer will not be shiny like wax can be after buffing.
The Artisan Enhancement Clear Top Coat Sealer does protect the dark wax though - which makes this a great option on table tops or even cabinetry!
Speaking of using dark wax on cabinets or table tops...for kitchen cabinets, if wanting to use the dark wax, but concerned about the longevity of the aesthetics since you scrub your cabinets or table top often, consider this high level process proposal:
Paint, apply clear wax, distress, then dark wax. Wait a good week and make sure the dark wax has fully dried and does not feel waxy at all! Then after the Artisan Enhancement Clear Topcoat Sealer to lock in the dark wax stain. WAIT 24 HOURS between wax applications though! Otherwise there could be excess moisture trapped between each layer. Excess moisture can sometimes increase the sheen level of the Clear Topcoat Sealer.
Please at least a week AFTER applying your clear or dark wax before applying the Clear Top Coat Sealer. Make sure your wax is totally cured.
Then if choosing to do a Clear Wax finish OVER the Clear Topcoat Sealer, wait 48 hours after the Clear Top Coat Sealer application. This gives some time for products to set up a bit.
Basic Recommended Use: Clear Topcoat Sealer is formulated for application on surfaces that require a protective coating or seal. It is recommended for use on furniture, wood, painted or stained surfaces.
Clear Topcoat can be used as an exterior application.
How To Use: Stir and shake thoroughly before application.
Application:
Apply at least 2 very thin coats using a brush, roller or sprayer and allow product to dry before reapplication. Topcoat dries to the touch very quickly (approx. 30 minutes). If it is not dry quickly that means there is something chemically interfering beneath your painted surface and could take longer to dry. For optimal results let each layer dry for at least 24 hours before reapplying next coat. If cleaning piece with chemical products prior to using, wipe down completely with water before you start painting.
Product Storage:
Seal container tightly and do not let freeze or expose to direct sunlight or extreme heat. Do not apply product when air and surface temperatures are below 50°F (10°C).
Clear Topcoat Sealer is the sealer we recommend for an application continually exposed to moisture. However, the soy oil resin which makes Clear Topcoat Sealer durable and exterior grade is water resistant but not 100% waterproof. For bathroom applications we recommend extending cure times as long as possible before exposing to moisture - 1 week +. The longer cure the better to make sure the resin is hardened and all moisture has evaporated from the sealer coats. Please also know to stay away from abrasive cleaning methods (scrubbing) caustic cleaners, bleach, and chemical solvents. Those types of cleaners will break down the biobased resin and soften/strip the sealer over time.
102-CTOP – TIPS – Clear Topcoat – Artisan Enhancements
Download: 102-CTOP – SDS – Clear Topcoat – Artisan Enhancements