Battle of My Favorite Topcoats w/

[@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!

[@spearageddon3279]

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

[@mediamichele]

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

[@tracirothwell8498]

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

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Yay! Thank you!

[@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

[@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!

[@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!!!

[@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!

[@brianandtamiolson2330]

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

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Wow, thank you!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@sittingprettywiththebolton4427]

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

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Thank you! 😊

[@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!

[@bethanydentes4116]

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

[@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

[@better970]

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

[@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!!!

[@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!

[@PinkTaurus93]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@katrinaklug2202]

Thanks for sharing your results! Very helpful.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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?

[@CBeccamake]

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!

[@jamiecalvert9242]

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

[@EveryDayTeresa]

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

[@ChristinaMuscari]

You’re welcome 😊

[@tonibeauford4200]

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

[@ChristinaMuscari]

You are so welcome!

[@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 🙏

[@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!

[@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.

[@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?

[@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!

[@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?!

[@Tinyteacher1111]

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

[@julesgarcia5854]

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

[@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!

[@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 💕

[@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.

[@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

[@maixeeyang7902]

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

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Glad it was helpful!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@shetrisrunning7500]

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

[@ChristinaMuscari]

nice!

[@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!!

[@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

[@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.

[@jewellee2363]

awesome information!! thank you Christina ❤

[@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.

[@ED80s]

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

[@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.

[@Agrillot6]

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

[@jennystimson7104]

I had a terrible experience with Rust-Oleums chalk paint and coating. Very streaky, chunky and hard to work with. I've since switched over to Dixie Belle and have had a lot of success. Their satin top coat is a little streaky over dark colors but I don't mind.

[@allenhume4136]

Me too...not the paint as much as the topcoat.

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Thanks for sharing. I heard a tip that if you add a little bit of your dark paint color to your top coat it helps with the streakiness. Katie and Pam at 44 Marketplace have both done this.

[@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!

[@michelleskolozynski9738]

Wow!!! How have I not seen THIS video?!? I thought during Covid and beyond I saw them all, even went back to your early ones back then! I’m the one who used to go to cousin Jamie for my hair, and live in South Elgin. Anyways…. I refinished my 25 year pine kitchen table, the original finish i was told was just a bees wax. Over the years the finish got gross, kind of gummy from the oils of our skin(?) where each of us sit. Last week I did a wash to give it a weathered old look to cover the yellow natural color. It was too dark with the wash I did so I went over it with voodoo gel stain, Au Natural and love it. I don’t EVER want to do this again so I have been searching high and low for a finish, bought gator hide, but after seeing this I’m thinking that’s not the right choice for looks, but definitely for durability. Do you think it’s got too much of a sheen for the natural farmhouse look?

[@michelinemclean5553]

Thank you both for the info

[@lisabond7548]

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

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Happy to help!

[@karencruz9744]

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

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@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!

[@readingwhenican]

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!

[@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

[@MultiFabulous14]

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

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Yay! Thank you!

[@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.

[@JustLikeDadbydesign_kc]

Very cool!!! Helps out so much!! Thank you!

[@sharondinwiddie308]

Thank you!!! I really struggle with top coats. I have been using a coat of DB top coat, let dry according to directions, then two coats of gator hide and finish with another coat of the top coat. This was recommended to me by the owner of the store where I buy my Dixie Bell Products. I’ve used this method on the drop leaf of my kitchen island and have had no yellowing with easy clean up. Again, thank you. This was so helpful!!!

[@ChristinaMuscari]

You are so welcome!

[@aidegarabedian2073]

Can you share exactly what did you use ? I am about to paint my kitchen cabinets and can’t use químico thank you

[@sharondinwiddie308]

@@aidegarabedian2073 I used DB chalk paint.

[@colombepelletier6796]

This has been so informative. Thank you!

[@ChristinaMuscari]

You are so welcome!

[@justtracy1832]

You covered everything! Thanks so much 😃

[@tasl2010]

I used rust oleum a chalk paint straight in a sanded maple dresser. Both coats went on drying very quickly. Is that normal fur chalk paints? Ir just crappy brand chalk paints? And us that why you add a bit of water?

[@jenniferwilliams829]

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

[@meme2255]

This was SUCH a WELL TIMED Video! I had just watched Katie's video and went to watch yours as I'm about to do my top coat on my Desk redo 100% inspired by Katie's Popsicle desk! I used this EXACT Dixiebell color! So this was super helpful! I want to ask, as the wax seemed to do a great job on both of your experiments, I am heavily considering going with wax over my General Finish High performance Flat or my Minwax Polycrylic. But my question is, I have Annie Sloans soft clear wax- do you think this will act as the Jollie wax you used?? I also have Sweet Pickins oil wax. And Dixiebell big mamma butter and Varathan Polycrylic ... so please let me know which you think I should use on this desk I've slaved over ;) thank you both!! You ladies ROCK!

[@RM-uo9oc]

I've used annie sloan wax with great results. I had awesome results with Maison blanche was as well. In Katie's video I was very impressed with the Behr wax. I think you'd be happy with Annie Sloan.

[@meme2255]

@@RM-uo9oc thank you! I ended up using the Annie Sloan Clear wax I had on hand. I did one coat. I haven't used in a while. I know I need to do probably 2 more coats, but do I buff in between or after all 3?

[@RM-uo9oc]

@@meme2255 I've only done 1 coat of wax but I would buff bt coats.

[@lindagraef1679]

Watched your topcoat. My question is do you mix Brands? Like paint with Annie Sloan and Top coat with Country Chic?? Or any combo or must they both be same brand?

[@michelleskolozynski9738]

Wow!!! How have I not seen THIS video?!? I thought during Covid and beyond I saw them all, even went back to your early ones back then! I’m the one who used to go to cousin Jamie for my hair, and I live in South Elgin. Anyways…. I refinished my 25 year pine kitchen table, the original finish i was told was just a bees wax. Over the years the finish got gross, kind of gummy from the oils of our skin(?) where each of us sit, and very orange. Last week I sanded the top down and did a wash to give it a weathered old look to cover the yellow natural color. It was too dark with the wash I did so I went over it with voodoo gel stain, Au Natural and love it. I don’t EVER want to do this again so I have been searching high and low for a finish, bought gator hide, but after seeing this I’m thinking that’s not the right choice for looks, but definitely for durability. Do you think it’s got too much of a sheen for the natural farmhouse look? I’m grateful for any advice. You’re the best! 😊

[@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.

[@tp32133]

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

[@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.

[@robertcorpuz4891]

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

[@khimgavin7850]

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

[@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.

[@cassnot3710]

Have you ever tried BB Frosch paint transformation for paints?

[@rebeccakonze5644]

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

[@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.

[@jenniferg1317]

What top coat would you recommend for oak kitchen cabinets?

[@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.

[@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!

[@dlmckimm1]

very informative, please do more like this.

[@xplore_with_tans]

Thanks Cristina & Karen super helpful video

[@juliepearce1564]

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

[@taniadominguez9172]

Great job! Thank you so much!

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MelissaJune411]

I'm going to hand paint a wooden table and I'm trying to figure out what would be the best top coat.... Obviously a kitchen table would be washed more frequently than the pieces you've suggested... What would be your suggestion for that?

[@ChristinaMuscari]

The General Finishes High Performance Flat. It’s on my kitchen table and I think it’s held up well.

[@ulgenahuoverton512]

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

[@sineadtwomey5553]

Thanks SO MUCH.. AWESOME help.

[@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?

[@denisewilson1319]

The rust-oleum chalked topcoat will yellow in heat and it will change the color of your piece almost daily. I live in a 100 yr old farm house, so I don't have A/C and all the pieces that I top coated with the rust-oleum do have a yellow tinted on them. I know that the yellowing in heat will happen with oil based topcoats but not water based, so I assume that the rust-oleum is oil based even though I couldn't find where it says oil based. I will say that on some pieces the yellowing makes it look older...

[@ninamarie8669]

best top coat for matte kitchen cabinets?

[@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:)

[@patriciaeccleston9738]

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

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Me too!