Battle of My Favorite Topcoats w/

This video is sponsored by Skillshare. The first 1000 people who click the link will get 2 free months of Skillshare Premium: skl.sh/christinamuscari08201
It's the Battle of the Top Coats! I'm teaming up with @Katie Scott SALVAGED by k. scott to test out the durability of popular top coats used on chalk like paint. Do top coats yellow over white chalk paint? Can they stand up to stains? What about water marks and grease stains? We have some fun durability tests for these top coats to put them to the test. Download your Battle of the Top coats guide here 👉 www.prettydistressed.com/batt...
Go watch Katie's video 👉 • BATTLE OF THE TOPCOATS...
Subscribe to her channel 👉 / @salvagedbykscott
Follow her on Instagram 👉 / salvagedbyk.scott
Topcoats Used:
Jolie Finishing Wax - joliehome.com/collections/top...
Shackteau Interiors Hemp Oil - shackteauinteriors.com/collec...
Rust-oleum Chalked Matte Clear - amzn.to/2YHP3IG
General Finishes Flat Out Flat - amzn.to/3hEpjEr
General Finishes High Performance Flat - amzn.to/3gJ0o1r
Dixie Belle Paint Company Gator Hide - dixiebellepaint.com/gator-hid...
Topics Covered 0:00
Skillshare 0:58
Meet Kate Scott of Salavaged by K Scott 2:30
Intro to top coats 3:07
Applying top coats 3:45
Do top coats yellow? 8:11
Durability of top coats 9:04
Results of durability tests 10:30
Wardrobe: Coffee & Painting Tee teespring.com/coffee-and-pain...
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Disclosure: These links contain affiliate links. I will receive a commission for items purchased through these links at no extra cost to you. I appreciate your support. Please read all labels and follow all manufacturer safety recommendations when working with paints, stains, and other equipment. This video is sponsored.

[@ChristinaMuscari]

This video is sponsored by Skillshare. The first 1000 people who click the link will get 2 free months of Skillshare Premium: skl.sh/christinamuscari08201

[@marieloub8180]

Hello Christina, I need help in how to protect painted wooden Adirondack chairs ? What kind of sealer can I use? Thank you!

[@kimaoyama9594]

I watched both videos and was really surprised about the wax being so protective. I was under the assumption that the liquid top coats would create a tighter bond. Waxing feels like it takes more work if you do it properly but the rewards are clearly there. Thanks so much for taking the time to do this video! What a great help for all of us.

[@ChristinaMuscari]

You're welcome!

[@mediamichele]

So glad you and Katie did this comparison! You’ve answered my questions!

[@bethanydentes4116]

Thank you for this video! This was so helpful! Your content is so clear and to the point. Much appreciated.

[@spearageddon3279]

Your comparisons are done so well and extremely helpful. Thank you for taking the time to do these! :)

[@jackieoda7632]

Thank you Christina and Katie for your amazing videos! I’ve been counting down the days until this premiered! So informative and fun, keep it coming!

[@ChristinaMuscari]

You are so welcome!

[@paulai9645]

Hi, Christina! Thank you for posting the topcoat video. I especially appreciate the "cheat sheet" you added. That's why you are "movin'" on up...it's those little extras that you do...now I have to go find it! Regards, Paula

[@better970]

Thank you for sharing. Extremely helpful for someone who just started. Thank you❤️

[@brianandtamiolson2330]

Absolutely the best two videos out there on this subject. Thanks to both of you for making it❤️👍🏼

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Wow, thank you!

[@mavmom8420]

Thank you for the very informative collaboration. You both have helped take the guesswork out of selecting topcoat(s) for someone like me who is about to take on her first project.

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Glad it was helpful!

[@PinkTaurus93]

Amazing video! Thank you for the experiment AND the guide! 😍

[@dezilaughs]

Wow! Thank you for doing all that work AND making an information sheet to download!! You rock!! This helped tremendously! 🍁🍂🥰

[@ChristinaMuscari]

You are so welcome!

[@kimberlydrake8463]

Hi Christina...Wow great test! Considering the cup, etc sat half hour I was amazed any of it could be removed! Great information and thank you for the results in the form of a sheet I can refer to👍🏻 Thank you so much for sharing😊k

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ReinventedDelaware]

Love this video!! I am sure it took quite some time to complete :), so, thanks so much for doing it! I am surprised at the GF outcomes. They are my favorite top coat for surfaces. I will say that we painted out oak kitchen cabinets about 8 years ago using GF Milk Paint in Linen and I top coated them with GFHP in Satin. Even though I sanded and then did two coats of primer before painting, the Linen yellowed after about 2-3 years. I can't remember what primer I used - probable Kilz. That might have been the problem. Again - great video Christina!!

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Thank you!

[@tonibeauford4200]

This was a great video. Very helpful. I loved seeing this and how you rated them. Thank you!!

[@ChristinaMuscari]

You are so welcome!

[@katrinaklug2202]

Thanks for sharing your results! Very helpful.

[@lisabond7548]

Tbis is so 👌 I needed this big time! Thank you!!

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Happy to help!

[@marshabalderrama8903]

Thank you both for the top coat test this video was great to see. I have a handful of top coats that you used. Good to know.

[@jeffreybelanger3723]

As always very informative and easy to understand. I'm a fan of Jolie Finishing Wax and have wondered about it durability THANK YOU for answering my question. 😁 Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience! 👐

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stuntbonk1]

This is extremely helpful! I painted a table for my shop in white Fusion paint and I’ve been wondering for days what top coat to use to protect from scuffs and stains. General Finishes High Performance it is! Thank you!!!

[@EveryDayTeresa]

How did you know I needed this 😩 Thank you so much 👏🙏

[@ChristinaMuscari]

You’re welcome 😊

[@colombepelletier6796]

This has been so informative. Thank you!

[@ChristinaMuscari]

You are so welcome!

[@CBeccamakestuff]

Such helpful information. When it’s cold here in Minnesota winter I feel cooped up and start painting all the things. 😂 Grateful for this information and now to go see which can be used best indoors 😁 thanks for the calab and well thought out video!

[@tracirothwell8498]

Wow! Two of my favs collaborating!!! Brilliant! Thank you both!!!! 🥰🥰

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Yay! Thank you!

[@sittingprettywiththebolton4427]

Both of your battles had topcoats that surprised me!! Such an awesome and well executed idea!

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Thank you! 😊

[@brentmoseley3176]

Great comparison video, very helpful, thanks! So does scratch resistance also relate to dent resistance? So if a cup is set down a little bit hard, would the scratch resistant coatings avoid denting better? Thanks!

[@MultiFabulous14]

I’m so excited to see which ones come out on top! :) Love your videos❤️

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Yay! Thank you!

[@HelenKerins]

This was awesome!! I've never heard of your channel until I saw the collab on Katie's channel :-) Can't wait to see more of your content!!

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Yay! Thank you!

[@julesgarcia5854]

Thanx to you and Katie for this valuable info. I feel more confident about repainting my dinning table.

[@bethfischer3178]

Found you here from Katie's channel. Thanks for the great information. I am a Varathane fan, but Dixie Belle Gator Hide may be in my future.

[@maixeeyang7902]

Hi, first time DIYer. Loved the bloopers! This was extremely helpful. I'm leaning toward the Jolie wax.

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mala3isity]

When I was a professional finishing specialist working with mostly reclaimed wood, General Finishes was our shop's choice for spray finishes. We also used their stains in my realm, hand and brush finishes. It's nice to see someone else enjoying their fine products.

[@lesliemccormick6527]

This is awesome info! Thank you! I got some Behr white chalk paint to paint my recently acquired china cabinet but don't know what the best top coat would be.... I have a better idea now!

[@Tinyteacher1111]

Dang! I think I missed being the first 1000 people! Great info. Thank you very much!

[@RonnygoBOOM]

I love science, and this was a SUPER useful test that really helps. If you ever do something like this again, PLEASE set aside a section as a control group, meaning a section that doesn’t get any treatment at all, just the paint straight up so we can compare our treatments to it.

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Thanks for watching! Katie did this on her video. I would never not seal a white paint so that is why I tested a topcoat on each section.

[@jewellee2363]

awesome information!! thank you Christina ❤

[@karencruz9744]

That was sooo cool to see and very helpful. Thank you.

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@justdi3347]

Great information! I would live to see results with two more topcoat brands. Debi’s DIY - all varieties and Sweet Pickins- all varieties. I love Debi’s Big Top and I just purchased Sweet Pickins but they both have waxes and SP has oils too. Thanks for the time and effort, this is extremely informative.

[@lorim2074]

I just used rustoleum's chalked matte over white chalked (also by Rustoleum) and Rustoleum Serenity Blue and I now have obvious yellowing. I was only at the first top coat, so I am definitely going to find a remedy to restore that beautiful white and aqua blue finish. I noticed no yellowing during these tests, but I wonder if my topcoat was worked too much or if it was contaminated. Color me confused. That said the tests really opened my eyes and I am absolutely sold on the wax products!!!

[@hilltop9098]

I was hoping it was going to be Rustoleum because it’s the easiest to find and buy for me. Looks like Dixiebelle is really good. ❤️🇬🇧. Ps thank you ladies for taking the time out to do this test for us you tubers x

[@ChristinaMuscari]

You're welcome!

[@craftedeyecandies]

Thank you both for doing these tests! It is most appreciated.... I am so disappointed in the Rustoleum! I almost bought that yesterday! Lol, smh! Take care all and God bless!!

[@TheHappyWhisk]

This was super helpful thank you. Tomorrow I'm doing a test between Gator and General for Hubby's desk and when he gets home and he can pick which he likes. So fun to play and your video was super useful. Thank you!

[@TheHappyWhisk]

PS: Although I just checked my tin and I meant to get flat out flat but got the regular flat by mistake. Grumble, grumble. I got the wrong one we wanted a more flat, flat. But I'll still make him a test board. Thanks again. Cheers, Ivy.

[@jackwilliamson1929]

Hey Christina , that was a interesting video. I like the minwax polycrylic but I haven't tested it quite as extensively as those others. I'd be interested in seeing more transfers as that one behind you turned out so great. Good job.

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Thanks for sharing!

[@organicdance]

OH THIS WAS GREAT! and yes I meant for the caps. Thank you to you and Katie for this. I can't wait to get that Jolie wax and gator hide. Can't wait to download your spreadsheet. So very helpful Christina. Thanks!

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Yay! Thank you!

[@blacksheephouse]

I’m so shocked the wax held up so well! I’m always nervous using wax when I sell to other people. Love the outtakes at the end 😂 for me it’s always a dog barking!

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Right?!

[@heathermehallow2079]

This was very helpful! I refinished a coffee table last year and used the same Rust-oleum finish and barely a year later, it needs a serious re-do. There are stains everywhere! It doesn’t hide anything. Glad I have better options for round 2 😉👍

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Fantastic!

[@jodyab71]

by far the best topcoat video ive seen. so easy and simple to follow. you really helped with my topcoat dilemmas and thx for the 2 month free of skill share. only thing i would’ve like to seen was the sanding if any in between coats, what type of grit etc. thanku

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Glad it was helpful!

[@freeway03]

Did you sand between coats?

[@isabellagramiscelli4410]

Thank you for the very informative video!

[@michelinemclean5553]

Thank you both for the info

[@bback4078]

Awesome review! I’ve used most of these. I wish that Gator Hide was a little less shiny, but I suppose that is part of why is so durable. I’ve mostly been using General Finishes Flat OuT Flat these days, but I may rethink that.

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Thanks for sharing!

[@shetrisrunning7500]

I love using GF Flat out Flat. I go between that and wax which I still love as well.

[@ChristinaMuscari]

nice!

[@dlmckimm1]

very informative, please do more like this.

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

Wow. I’m surprised again at the results. I’ve loved General Finishes and it’s been my go to. I’ve never used gator hide. I may have to switch. Thanks for doing this.

[@teresagrigsby-rose8761]

Your not suppose to use gator hide over transfers are you?

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

@@teresagrigsby-rose8761 I would not use gator hide over a transfer. But I’m not 100% sure

[@Agrillot6]

The tests are great! Subscribed to both of you gals. What would you recommend for a dining room table?

[@tarapfeil7086]

I just discovered you so this is my first video of yours I’ve seen. I would love to see a video on HOW you clean all your brushes and with WHAT you think works the best to clean them. Also any tips and tricks you use on how to keep brushes good while taking breaks in the middle of project’s during dry time and what not. Please let me know if you’ve already addressed these topics in a previous video or if you e watched one on these topics you’d recommend. Thanks!! Absolutely love you and have subscribed!!♥️

[@ChristinaMuscari]

One step ahead of you! :) Check out this video..kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZzCdaauntd9lZI

[@razetw]

The best tip I've found to keep your brushes clean is to buy Floetrol. It is a paint additive that increases the open "working time" of any paint before it begins to dry triggering brush strokes. Adding water to paint can help, but it can also change the hue/tone/color, especially milk paints that get reactivated with water if you aren't mixing EXACTLY the same water every time. Floetrol doesn't do that. It effectively makes your paint more "buttery" not watered down. The secondary benefit (to me almost the 1st) is that if you pour some Floetrol in a cap, then dab your finger in it, and spread it around the TOP HALF of your paint brush (on both sides of course) and work it in, it will help prevent your colored paint to travel UP. Paint as usual and when you go to rinse your brush, only the bottom half will be clogged and dirty and the top half (the hardest to clean) will look untouched and a BREEZE to clean.

[@jamiecalvert9242]

Thank you so much for taking the time for this test. The cheat sheet is icing on the cake

[@jenaj1876]

Hi, love your channel. I need help in how to prep kitchen table that has a shiny, glossy finish. I want to apply GF wood gel JAVA or water wood gel? I want to stick and look nice without blotches.

[@lourdesremaley4049]

Thank you Christina, very important Just yesterday i place my first order Dixxie Belle Gator . I can't wait to try that product.

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Wonderful! Hope you like it!

[@shericreates]

Wow on the Rustoleum. I would have liked to see Polyacrylic as well. I use that a lot because of the non-yellowing. I'm also curious what people use for outside use, like on pots. Thanks for this video.

[@sandymaynard3466]

thanks for the info - i was gifted a beautiful set of waxing brushes so was curious to see how the wax finish rated against the others! will definitely be watching more of your videos:)

[@evelinasaulite4387]

Love your and Katie’s videos! 😍 Those tests are brutal, but also - we need to know. The work was worth it! Question - what about metal? I used rust-oleum primer + paint spray paint in matte white on a METAL kitchen/dining table. What do you recommend?

[@rebeccakonze5644]

Where is the sheet located that we can download? Great test!!

[@heidiwhite6068]

Brilliant and informative video. Top coat is the frustration of my furniture refinishing existence!! I have to say I am super disappointed in rustoleum as it is my fav affordable top coat to use. Thanks so much for this video it was really helpful 👏👍

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@brittanyg2529]

Hi what would you recommend for a protective top coat on kitchen cabinets? Rust oleum top coat yellowed it 😩 used rust oleum linen white 🙏

[@juliemclachlan3815]

Thank you! Very informative.

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Glad it was helpful!

[@soniabanwell6670]

I’ve been using Saman flat floor varnish for table tops but I don’t sell furniture yet. I have one table that’s endured occasional but tough use from my teenage boys. I’d love to see you compare this product and others like it as I respect your opinion.

[@janiceshanks7923]

Hi! First time watching. jumped over from Katie's channel. I just bought the Dixie bell gator hide last night. Haven't ever put a top coat on, 😁, so that was my first choice, So glad you guys did this video ❤️

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Thanks for watching!

[@natalieramsey4091]

Do you like the gator? At what point do you apply? TYIA.

[@ilenebeauchamp11]

Love your video, perfect for my future projects. I se Walmart is the beso for me. Thank you so much

[@jessicaparadis9417]

Hi Christina! First, thank you so much for putting this together. Many of us agree that this was incredibly helpful. I see you used a dawn dish soap and water mixture for cleaner, would you ever use pledge or a furniture polish on something of the sort? Also, cure time for water based poly is generally 30 days, is that correct? TIA!

[@patriciaeccleston9738]

Very informative!! I’m a fan of DB Gator Hide!

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Me too!

[@AdamTheCarpenter]

Three coats of General Finishes with light 220 grit sanding in between coats. That would have been the correct way to apply. Would have had zero damage.

[@judyhustongrounds4262]

Good to know because I just bought some. I have used Annie Sloan Wax, Dixie Belle Matte clear and Poly acrylic so will try Flat out Flat. Thanks again for all the info

[@adripaez]

This is an awesome experiment. It did trigger all my OCD as I watched the poor surface being trashed 😂

[@lindakhoyan1676]

Hi Christina, Love your channel! What top coat isn't going to get white rings on stained furniture. I want to refinish a kitchen table that will get a lot of use. It has a lot of cloudy hot spots! I would like to use gel stain instead of stripping the whole top!! Thanks for the advice.

[@dixilh8244]

Great video Thank you Question... How long do I wait to use Miniwax Polyacrylic over DB Fluff chalk paint? I've read 24hours 2hours and 72hours

[@ashleamendelson1414]

This is going to be extremely helpful, thank you for posting. Where do I find the cheat sheet?

[@ChristinaMuscari]

It's on my website and linked in the description box. www.prettydistressed.com

[@justtracy1832]

You covered everything! Thanks so much 😃

[@xplore_with_tans]

Thanks Cristina & Karen super helpful video

[@tp32133]

I think i want to try dixie bell wax since it is easy to put on and sucha good results

[@carolinarubio9159]

Love all your videos they have been a big help with my dinning room set.. but I cant seem to choose between dark wax and poly protective...can both be used?

[@ChristinaMuscari]

If it's going to be used a lot, like daily, I would use the Poly.

[@urbanistic5]

Hi about top coats , it is interesting if yellowing may show after time , year or so ? And specialy when you paint blue and start turnig turcois ? Thank You for informative tutorial 💕

[@khimgavin7850]

Hi where can locate the downloadable piece you created with all the products?

[@cliffhorman6846]

Excellent! So helpful

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Glad it was helpful!

[@patricia8889]

Your Awesome Christina, Thank you. very helpful.

[@ChristinaMuscari]

You're so welcome!

[@jenniferg1317]

What top coat would you recommend for oak kitchen cabinets?

[@heidil.4651]

New sub! Came over from Katie Scott! This was so interesting:)

[@ED80s]

How about the yellowing test results? Just wondering if any of the sealers yellowed over time?

[@jenniferwilliams829]

@ Christina Muscari love this test . I can't find the cheat sheet. Where do I down load it from?

[@robertcorpuz4891]

Hi! Can you use a wax over general finishes milk paint? I want to avoid yellowing from top coats.

[@AtHomea]

will brushing on the topcoat leave brush marks? can i just use a clear spray paint as a top coat?

[@annamoore7334]

Hi! I want to stain a coffee table with dark wax. Would you say I can just sand and put the dark wax on only? And use that as the top coat?

[@heenaqadir6553]

You tried 2 GF topcoats but no minwax polycrylic? I painted a dresser using Amy Howard and bought minwax polycrylic. Haven't used it yet. I don't want yellowing. Please advise

[@kevincooke6182]

thanks , this was really helpful,

[@michaelweberarts5404]

Great video. Can you run this test again with stronger stain makers and finish wreckers? Motor oil, Highly pigmented street chalk, Lemon Juice, Concentrated laundry soap, Battery Acid, etc.

[@taniadominguez9172]

Great job! Thank you so much!

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Glad it was helpful!

[@scrapteck123]

Hi great video!Which top coat do you normally use for transfers?

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Any water based top coat will work. Dixie Belle Clear Coat in flat is one of my go to products.

[@sineadtwomey5553]

Thanks SO MUCH.. AWESOME help.

[@loserplanet]

Can you layer top coats? And if so, how? Could you use wax and then after it sets add on a polycrylic?

[@ChristinaMuscari]

You can layer top coats if you use a poly first then a wax over the top.

[@juliepearce1564]

Please could you tell me the best paint and top coat I should use on my kitchen cupboard doors/drawers x

[@ulgenahuoverton512]

Which topcoat do you recommend for table top over Dixiebell grey colour please?

[@luckyme621]

do you recommend a topcoat for painted kitchen cabinets?