Step 1: Surface Preparation

All wood projects require preparation sanding. If you skip this critical step, your finish may fail.

Raw wood

1. Sand with 120-grit sandpaper followed by 150- or 220-grit.
2. Remove dust.

Sealed Surface

1. Scuff clean with a Scotch-Brite™ pad or maroon synthetic steel wool & 50:50 mix of denatured alcohol & water.
2. Dry 1-2 hours.
3. Sand lightly with 220-320-grit foam sanding sponge.
4. Remove Dust

Step 2: Priming

CAUTION: General Finishes Enduro White Poly is engineered to adhere well to raw wood, General Finishes White Undercoat and General Finishes Stain Blocker.

When working over raw wood, 2 coats of either Stain Blocker or White Undercoat MUST be applied before applying Enduro White Poly to prevent tannin bleed through and ensure a successful outcome. Both work very well but Stain Blocker will achieve a slightly brighter sustained white.

When working over an existing finish, 2 coats of Stain Blocker MUST be applied before applying Enduro White Poly to prevent tannin bleed through, improve adhesion and ensure a successful outcome.

​​​​​​1. Raw Wood Tannin Bleed-Through is unpredictable; yellowing can appear immediately or months later with seasonal temperature changes. Oak, pine, mahogany, and Douglas fir are particularly prone to bleed-through.

1. Knots in Wood tend to bleed and are dense, making paint adhesion a challenge. Stain Blocker may improve adhesion and prevent bleed-through.

2. Existing Finishes Bleed-Through may be caused by wood tannins, previous stains or aniline dyes, surface contamination, and incompatibility between brands. ALWAYS apply 2 coats General Finishes Stain Blocker before applying Enduro White Poly over an existing finish for adhesion and to prevent bleed-through.

3. Non-Wood Surfaces may be able to take paint if primed first. Primer may improve adhesion over laminate and prevent bleed-through from MDF. Metal requires a primer made specifically for metal. Always test first before completing your entire project.

NOTE: Do not tint or use General Finishes Stain Blocker on projects that will be stored outdoors.

Priming Non-Wood Surfaces for Paint
Always test for adhesion on a hidden area of your project before getting started.

Metal:
Enduro Pigmented White Poly is engineered for wood surfaces, but may adhere to metal, such as aluminum or steel, if a metal primer is applied first.
1. Clean the surface well.
2. Apply primer.
3. Dry 48-72 hours before painting.

Laminate:
Enduro Pigmented White Poly MAY adhere to laminate with a bonding primer; however, we cannot guarantee it. You may increase your chances of success by abrading the surface.

1. Prep: Deep clean, dry thoroughly, sand with 150- then 180-grit sandpaper, and wipe off dust.
2. Prime: Apply bonding primer, dry 12+ hours before painting.

MDF:
Enduro Pigmented White Poly can be applied directly to MDF, but the MDF may cast a brown color if not primed first. Two base coats of white-pigmented shellac-based stain-blocking primer, or Stain Blocker, may prevent bleed-through. Alternatively, one base coat of General Finishes Seagull Gray Milk Paint may block brown tone caused by MDF.

Step 3: How to apply General Finishes Enduro White Poly

CAUTION: Do NOT use any type of clear topcoat over GF White Poly, as it may cause yellowing.

1. Work in a well-ventilated area.
2. Stir thoroughly to reincorporate solids that have settled to the bottom of the can before and throughout the application process.
3. Test for color & adhesion over existing sealed surfaces.
4. Thin as desired with distilled water; start with 5%, adding up to 10% by volume.
5. 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.
6. Ready to spray from container. Apply up to 2 coats of primer, plus 2 coats of GF White Poly. Additional coats will not improve durability.
7. If a faster build is desired over raw wood, use General Finishes Sanding Sealer for the first coat, followed by 2 coats of White Poly.
8. Dry time based on ideal conditions: 70°F/20°C; 50-70% humidity. Tack-free: 5-10 minutes. Ready to sand: 30-45 minutes. Re-coat: 1 hours.
9. Finish sand between coats with a fine-grade (220-320) foam sanding pad to improve smoothness and adhesion.
10. Remove dust with a vacuum, compressed air, an oil-free tack cloth or a water-dampened rag.
11. A topcoat is not required.

Warning: Do not use water-based products with Linseed Oils or Danish Oils.