In this tutorial we'll show you how to apply Clear Coat to achieve a smooth, durable finish that will protect your furniture against heavy wear and tear.
Are you worried about the durability of high-traffic furniture? Let us introduce you to Clear Coat!
Clear Coat is also the best way to seal and protect outdoor furniture and decor from the elements!
Step 1) Paint your piece
Clear Coat can be applied to almost any water-based product, but it's generally used to seal in the finish of Country Chic Paint.
It is very important to make sure that you let your last coat of paint dry for at least 24 hours before proceeding with Clear Coat, otherwise you may end up with a streaky finish.
Step 2) Stir the Clear Coat
Clear Coat should never be shaken. If you do shake it, you can incorporate bubbles which may appear on the finish of your piece. We recommend stirring the contents of your jar for about two minutes, and occasionally during application if you're working on a large piece. You don't want important ingredients to settle at the bottom!
Step 3) Apply Clear Coat
Using a painting sponge, apply Clear Coat in long, smooth strokes in one direction. Clear Coat dries quite quickly, so you'll want to keep a wet edge and avoid going over the same area twice. If you see a patch you've missed, resist the urge to go back and fix it. It's better to wait until the first coat is fully dry before you do touch ups or you can add texture and streaks to the finish.
It's best if the temperature that you are working in doesn’t exceed 70°F or 20°C. If you find that it dries too quickly, you can thin Clear Coat with up to 5% water.
Please note: NO wax should ever be used underneath Clear Coat.
Step 4) Add a second coat
We recommend using two coats of Clear Coat for optimal protection. Your second coat can be applied after approximately 2 hours.
Step 5) Cleanup
Since Clear Coat is water-based, it can be easily rinsed out of your sponge with warm water and a bit of Brush Soap if needed. Your table top will be ready for use in 24 hours, but it's best to wait about a week before you scrub it down at all. Give it a chance to fully cure before subjecting it to any intense cleaning.
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