BATTLE OF THE TOPCOATS | Topcoat Testing over chalk paint w/

This Battle of the Topcoats video is in collaboration with Christina Muscari of Pretty Distressed. I will be testing the stain blocking and scratch resistance of 3 water-based liquid topcoats, a clear furniture wax and hemp oil to see how each holds up over a piece of painted furniture.
Christina will be testing her topcoats over white paint, while I’ll be doing my tests on a darker colour.
Check out Christina’s video here: • Battle of My Favorite ...
Christina’s Channel: / christinamuscari
Products Used in this Video:
+ TSP Cleaner ( amzn.to/3j3PCEm )
+ 220 grit sandpaper
+ Country Chic Paint “Hurricane” ( bit.ly/2QinNf6 )
+ Country Chic Paint 2” Oval Brush ( bit.ly/34aNGpr )
+ Frog Tape ( amzn.to/3gpZ6bg )
+ White Foam Brush Applicators from Dollarama
+ Behr Furniture Wax ( bit.ly/2YhvO8t )
+ Miss Mustard Seed Hemp Oil ( amzn.to/2QjzouA )
+ Shackteau Interiors Hemp Oil ( bit.ly/32lFcsS )
+ Varathane Diamond Wood Finish in Satin ( bit.ly/2B2bAqZ )
*in the US this product is Varathane Waterbased Ultimate Polyurethane
+ Rustoleum Chalked Clear Matte Protective Top Coat ( amzn.to/3hkNUy4 )
+ Minwax Polycrylic in Satin ( amzn.to/31iTrQ6 )
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Facebook | / salvagedbyk.scott
Pinterest | https:www.pinterest.com/katiescott30
TikTok | / salvagedbyk.scott
Website | www.salvagedby...
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Country Chic Paint E-Course: How to Sell Painted Furniture Online
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Country Chic Paint E-Course: The Complete Guide to Furniture Photography
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THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR WATCHING! Please remember to SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss any incredible furniture transformations. I truly appreciate your support.
Music by Epidemic Sound

[@Nicole-ek1ny]

Wow you put so much effort into creating this video! Was exactly what I was looking for when comparing the finishes. Thank you so much, it was so helpful :)

[@ltriff6609]

like a scientist in a lab sharing your results with the world. I'm impressed and thankful. this saved me so much time

[@melissabrun770]

I have used the minwax polycyclic on my bathroom vanity top with a vessel sink ( 7 coats ) and it has held up for many many years even with my husband who gets water EVERYWHERE!

[@cassandragauvreau5863]

What kind of counter tops I prime and painted my counter tops in bathroom would this work

[@jermainewalker3042]

By far best representation and actual test I have seen so far! Very informative

[@jacquuiiieeeeee]

YES! I was just about to make the same comment, totally agree 👏

[@connieh.4689]

So enlightening...I currently use wax, think I'll stick with it. Single, so just me, my coffee and wine, Lol.

[@joycestewart4893]

I've used Tung Oil with wax over it and I have been thrilled at the finish and durability. I learned that from my father-in-law who has refinished antique furniture for decades. Sometimes the old ways can be a good option.

[@salvagedbykscott]

Cool!

[@dot2dal]

Joyce Stewart what brand of Tung Oil have you found? I’m interested in trying it on a very old table from 1940

[@truetonorth]

Did you use the tung oil over chalk paint?

[@mmartin685]

Is this combo durable enough for a dining room table?

[@robertmcmahon4549]

Nice tip,i would have thought the oil would have caused the wax to lift

[@ethan3942]

Finally someone else who uses Behr wax ... barely any videos on it when I bought mine and was just beginning..this would’ve been extra helps but can’t wait for the video!

[@salvagedbykscott]

You’re gonna like it! 😉

[@HelenKerins]

This was so informative!! I'm re-watching, taking notes and then heading over to my hardware store to buy my painting supplies!

[@salvagedbykscott]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mavmom8420]

I am a current subscriber to your channel as well as Pretty Distressed. A million thanks for your collaboration! This helps take the guesswork out of deciding which topcoat(s) to use for those of us wanting to embark on furniture painting!

[@dannabridget517]

Wow these videos are well organized and edited. Thank you so much, these are so helpful ! :)

[@sunsetkizz1]

This was fantastic! It helped me make up my mind on which top coat I’d choose for my first refinished product. Ty

[@lisaroth7526]

I definitely appreciated that one block of yours was without any topcoat. There are some paints out there that claim not to need a topcoat. It might be interesting to see how they compared with each other. But I did enjoy this video and Christina's too. Great idea!

[@salvagedbykscott]

Thank you so much for watching! I think we may try to do another video comparing the “no top coat required” brands 😉

[@heenaqadir6553]

What about yellowing? You should have done something similar using a white board

[@salvagedbykscott]

If you watch Christina’s video she did hers over white paints! But, Water-based topcoats do not yellow over white paints. If you ever have discolouration it’s from something underneath your paint 😉❤️

[@mayabeading]

Super test. I work with polymer clay, which needs sealing depending on paints, chalks , mica powder, etc used. This is helpful for me. Thank you!

[@salvagedbykscott]

So cool!

[@Msdianaanica]

"Since I dont want to waste too much wine" -hahaha that's right it's hard times out here!

[@audreysshabbychicboutique3540]

Great informative, fun video Katie! That’s so sweet you used the boys LEGO! I pretty much use AS wax, (have not tried Behr wax). Wax cures rock hard when fully cured so I do like that. Recently discovered WO varnish, it’s a nice durable finish too. Yes, coasters are a must - no matter the finish for sure! Congrats on your continued success on KZbin!!🙌🏼

[@kimstairs4697]

Hello from Montreal! Great video. Glad I found you through Christina. Nice to see someone use/test products that I can easily get in Canada. Looks like Varathane Diamond will be what I use on my coffee and end tables. I was curious why you didn’t test the Fat Company Clear Top Coat.

[@salvagedbykscott]

Hey Kim 👋🏻 I wanted to stick with easily accessible hardware store brands for this test but I might do some specialty brands in another video 😉 Thanks for watching!

[@bback4078]

Great review! I’ve used every one of those products except the Hemp Oil. I used to use the Rustoleum Chalked sealer and got some terrible water spots on a table top that was awaiting client pickup, after a very brief encounter with a small splash of water. I’ve steered clear of that product since then. Great to know that the wax is pretty durable!

[@kimberlyumphries6018]

Have the same issue with their sealer! It dried looking AWFUL! I’m trying to find something different now. May need to try wax

[@bback4078]

@@kimberlyumphries6018 -I've really liked Dixie Belle Best Dang wax.

[@kimberlyumphries6018]

@@bback4078 oh thanks! I’ll look into that!

[@martinacrafton1252]

Excellent testing video! I too am a fan of Tung Oil and wax for antiques (usually Minwax Low sheen as I'm not a great lover of glossy finishes). The Varathane was another favourite of mine - until I discovered Varathane Triple Thick Polyurethane (Clear Matte)! The equivalent of 3 coats in one application, quick drying, water based. It's worked really well on painted and bare/stained/chalk painted wood tabletops (forgiving with no coaster cold drink glasses too)! The finish is similar to a soft wax polish.

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Great test with surprising results! I’m gonna have to order me some varathane 👍

[@LauraOnTheMove]

Very helpful! Thanks!!

[@lizzethrios8843]

Such a great and informative video! I’m impressed with the wax. I bought it to try it out but hesitated to use it as a top coat.

[@ARayofSunlight]

This was SOOO interesting to see!! I started doing a similar test about a year ago and never finished it. 🤦🏻‍♀️ I can’t believe the wax held up so good!

[@paigedesignswpg]

So excited to see how well the Behr wax stood up! I’ve been finding it hard to get the finish I want with liquid top coats. May try the wax on my next piece!

[@lizh1988]

I sometimes wonder if I should just paint strong coffee over furniture and then add a finish over that, haha, stains won't show up. This turned out well, I am glad to know. I usually am such a looky loo, but I might someday need to know this.

[@salvagedbykscott]

LMAO! Brilliant.

[@keyanna5054]

Wow!! You out so much detail and provided the visuals for every possible question that I could have thought of. I really typically don’t comment, but I cannot show love to someone who did such an amazing job

[@ReinventedDelaware]

Awesome video Katie!! First, thanks so much for taking the time to do this comparison - I know it must have been time consuming! Second, I am shocked about the wax too! I have avoided wax on the tops of many of my pieces for the exact same reasons! Thanks again and you did a great job on this!!

[@salvagedbykscott]

You are so welcome!

[@VIncentSunflowers]

Your comparisons test is such a huge help! Thanks so much.

[@mrststreasures9628]

I want to drink all that coffee hahahaha

[@craftedeyecandies]

This was awesome! I was searching for something else and landed here.... I was stuck instantly and it is very much appreciated. Thank you for taking the time and energy to make such a great video. I'm so disappointed in the Rustoleum I have to say...! I almost bought some yesterday. This was a huge help and now I'm off to the wax section! Take care all, and God bless!

[@jules6299]

ha ha, I love your technique so you don't waste too much red wine!

[@casa_refined]

This was VERY helpful. Thank you for this video!! 🙏🏼

[@aidacaro1141]

Hi Christina i wanted to know what should use as a topcoat if i am stenciling a floor. Thank you .

[@salvagedbykscott]

I’ve seen others use the Varathane diamond finish on floors with good success.

[@twhitten828]

Ugh...after many mistakes and re-do's... I'm afraid of my 'Final' STEP! YIKES!... Should be the easiest... Here we go...

[@Spacedye80]

Amazing video and format!! We just painted our kitchen cabinets with Benjamin Moore Advance for iInteriors and it stains when water stands We are also questioning durability and have been looking for a topcoat. It’s been daunting since we have little experience in high traffic painting projects. This is just what I needed. The extra effort to include the results in greyscale is much appreciated ❤

[@luidee28]

I have painted some furniture black. Using black primer then black furniture paint. But I've used a rustolem "clear" top coat and it keeps drying with white streaks or flecks . What am I doing wrong? :(

[@333meemee]

Great test! Thank you! I love Annie Sloan wax best of all the waxes. It is very durable. Would love to see battle of the reds! Red paint takes so many coats to get good coverage. Would love to see "brushed on' comparison between Country Chic Devotion, Fat Paint Red Barchetta, Annie Sloan Emperors Silk, Dixie Belle Honky Tonk Red, Fusion Mineral Paint Fort York Red, Wise Owl Antique Red. Paints that are available in Canada.

[@kimberlielafavor505]

Super informative! I use polyacrylic and love it but great to see the other options and how they hold up!

[@TheGeordie1882]

This was great but you could have added in a Scratch test too (of some kind, keys coins and finger nail scratch?) If you were doing a metallic finished by say something in the patina/pixie mineral style paint. Would you be tempted to use a lacquer in satin or gloss to finish the metallic effect or would the wax/buff be a better option? What’s your thoughts on this system? My thoughts being the satin and gloss would help achieve the carnival glass look more accurately for example. ( I understand if I was doing a flat/matt finish then I’d use my polywax or was) Also this may not be your thing but there’s stains, varnishes, lacquers, a ton of different ways to colour wood. No one has done a video of coloured wax videos sealed with a range of different binders and solvents, how they all interact. I feel there’s a lot of experimentation has to happen before I can really understand how all these medias can work together to create art on furniture. Would be awesome to see some weird combinations to see how they all interact. Because I like the idea of applying highlights with the metallic/coloured waxes, but you know, million ways to skin a rabbit (U.K. 😅) and logic tell me satin or gloss might help seal that pearlescent type of look) boho I think they call it 😅 (noob) but I’m here to learn from your experience and push the boundaries in what is possible with mixed media on furniture. I think it’s art personally and hate the idea of people using these beautifully crafted refinished furnishings and furniture 😂😂 AS LONG AS I CAN PROTECT MY WORK , I will be humble and happy 😊 Fantastic video too, thumbs up from me 👍🏼 more of these 🔥🔥🔥

[@barrywilmeth3554]

That was a GREAT test. Thank you very much for doing all this. It helps so very much.

[@iveyd8327]

Thank you for this video! I’ve been trying to decide what topcoat to use on my newly refinished and painted furniture that I used chalk paint - first furniture painting project. This was definitely the shortcut I was looking for bc there are so many different options and opinions out there I was going down a wormhole! You def saved the day! Thanks again!

[@cliffhorman6846]

This was an excellent tutorial, it was very helpful and informative. Products choices are so limited here in Australian "colonies" and unbelievably expensive.

[@GoingCoastal]

I've used General Finishes High Performance Top Coat and Varathane Crystal Clear Water Based Polyurethane on my projects and I find them to be very frustrating to work with at times, but fell in love with General Finishes ARM-R-SEAL oil based polyurethane. I tended to steer clear of wax, until now. Since I'm a die-hard fan of BEHR Paint, I will definitely give the wax a try. Thanks!

[@annaberzitskaya9865]

Thank you!!! Exactly what I was looking for ❤

[@purplethang]

This is the best thing Ive ever seen.

[@DnBQemist]

Apologies if this was covered in the video and I missed it, but will these work with other paints that are not chalk paint? Needing a top coat for a mud room shiplap wall

[@salvagedbykscott]

Absolutely. The Minwax and Varathane options are able to be used over any finish.

[@Benintende1952]

I have used wax for least 25 years for my white-painted furniture and have always been happy with it- it has such a nice natural soft sheen. A few times I have used a matte sealer and I’ve been so disappointed. First of all, they always seem to yellow, no matter what claims are made. Second even the matte sealers are too shiny and artificial looking. I just paint for myself and do treat my painted surfaces with respect and have had no problem with it holding up or having stains.

[@amayalumb]

Oh my, I just got the rustoleum for a project :/ but it is for my kid's beds. Which hopefully won't get any coffee or wine stains? Lol should I run to get wax instead?

[@kellyyoung5298]

LOVE LOVE LOVE your experiment! I hardly ever watch a video all the way through but I did yours! Going out to buy Varathane Diamond coat for my kitchen island top after painting it Waverly Ink. Thanks again! 😊

[@kathyb-007]

Omg. Those first two are the ones I use... mostly because they were readily available in the stores here in Ontario but now I'll continue to use them for sure. Do you need to use TSP to clean laminate furniture also? Can I use just dish soap? Thanks a mill!

[@alexandremoralescasanas9754]

Thank! You help me so much with my doubt. I purchased the Behr wax and i’am so confused to used. Now I know how to use it. Thanks!!

[@marilynbodeker1685]

I have been using Diamond wood finish over Black paint, 3 coats added a little blk paint to finish sanded with 400 lightly in between can I wax a little over last coat, not sure to get shine back , thanks love your video, I’ve just started refinishing ?

[@clarabow2479]

This was so helpful, thank you for the invaluable information Katie. I always look forward to your fantastic videos 😉

[@jeane1209]

Thank you very much for doing it for us! What an amazing informative video!! Love your channel :)

[@sittingprettywiththebolton4427]

Haven’t even seen it yet and I already know it’s gonna be AMAZING!!!!! 😍😍😍

[@elettramia6380]

Hello, can you use the Varathane Diamond Finish on all materials such as laminate or veneer? Or can it only Be used on solid wood? Thank you

[@bonzibonnie]

I have been using wax for a while now. I can see scratches over the 6 years, but not stains. Never worried to much with the grand kids, because if I had to I could just repaint it. Lol I do plan on painting my table this year anyway. Thank you so very much for this valuable information! Hugs.... You go girl!!!!

[@kimberlydrake8654]

Hi Katie....I watched both and I too am amazed by the protection the wax gives! I have never tried the Varathane product but definitely think I should try it! Thank you for sharing 😊k

[@lizcrafts1]

I used minwax polycrylic on a huge kitchen table. Worst thing I could of done. Scratched so badly I had to take steel wool and buff it out so that I could stomach it. I’ll never use that product again. I followed the directions to a T. I’ve used wax on other pieces and never had an issue. Dumb me for believing the product claims.

[@jamiharris2092]

Hi Katie! Love the video! 😍 I am now trying to track down the carat game diamond wood finish and I can’t find it anywhere! I can only find the “outdoor” version... where did you buy it?

[@salvagedbykscott]

Hi Jami! I purchase it from the big box stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Canadian Tire, Home Hardware.

[@organicdance]

What a great idea Katie! Thank you for sharing your results. I appreciate the time needed for this! Can't wait to pick up more wax!

[@salvagedbykscott]

You are oh so welcome! Thank you so for watching.

[@heathermarshall5656]

Thank you for conducting this test of top coats. These videos are so informative and helpful to us novice.

[@salvagedbykscott]

I’m glad they were helpful. We both learned a lot too!

[@deborahpiasecki613]

Thank you for this side by side comparrison. It confirmed what I expcted, Varathane would be the winner. I is so nice to see how all the dif products with dif stains held up. Very informative!

[@mala3isity]

Thank you for this. For those of us that don't have the strength/stamina to wax anymore, the test of paintables is important. I'd like to see how shellac, either pre-made or mixed from chips, holds up.

[@lisataylor739]

Hi Katie I know you say this is clear furniture wax but can I clarify that this is the same wax you would buy to polish wood furniture and that beeswax is also suitable?

[@taniamariani7064]

Thank you for that video !I've been going thru so many just to get a straight answer ! You don't talk too much it's quick and to the point ! Your videos should be first on the list especially for people with short attention span

[@tammyrhodes3707]

Awesome! I've been loving my Behr wax for a while now! I was super surprised as well. Great job Katie.

[@melindaverner8831]

Katie! Awesome video! I was shocked by how well the wax held up too! Varathane for the win though! ❤️

[@sarebear4351]

I love when creative content makers collaborate. ❤

[@amydillardGypsySoul]

Wow thanks Katie-- This was eye opening! I've been undervaluing wax for a long time.

[@lisademayo8589]

hey Katie? i chalk painted a small plastic table on my patio that i just keep a little statue on top of. I figured i'd try it. My question is, what type of clear top coat can i use on it? it's outside so i'm not sure how to seal it?

[@imagohouse7412]

And why didn't the wax win??? For the red wine stain there was nothing on the wax while the diamond stuff showed residue. For all other stains, the diamond and wax were a tie. To me, the wax was the clear winner coming out of the stain portion.

[@nicci4126]

omg! this was just the video I was looking for! thanks so much!

[@brianandtamiolson2330]

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

[@salvagedbykscott]

Wow, thank you!

[@FknNefFy]

I don’t know the exact name but they have some kind of poly that is made for boats and is waterproof the only downside is it has a little bit of a yellow tinge but if you’re not painting something white it’s great

[@RonaldJMacDonald]

Have you considered promotional coasters as giveaways whenever you sell one of your creations?

[@lorinewton1]

Thank you for doing this experiment! It saves all of us so much time and wasted effort! You are the best!

[@themotherspassport4458]

does the verithane make the table thicker? I spent hours using a wire brush to make my table have texture, and am wanting to keep that texture.

[@sarebear4351]

I used rustoleum and i have lots of stains. Im about to sand it all back and white wash stain . Im now going to wax coat ❤

[@carmengustin5118]

this was GREAT!! you did such a wonderful job of comparing the finishes . Thank you!

[@TB2BS]

Who drank all that coffee🤣☕

[@salvagedbykscott]

LMAO! I actually froze it in some ice cube trays and have been making myself blended Frappuccinos all week.

[@jeremynoakes]

Than you for the video . I got a quart of the varathane on clearance at Rona last week Will have to looke for wax next time Cheers

[@sweetds1]

I wish youd given the cost or price differences. Thank you!

[@dannaj2295]

This was absolutely brilliant. Thank you.

[@suewheeler1351]

Great video Katie - thanks for taking time to do this for us all. Cheers, Sue in Sydney

[@Hellokinni]

WAIT what was the original finish before she painted it? How to get that finish?

[@Burgundysky]

Thank you!! This is what we needed actually seeing it your like the only person who did it this way

[@65farah]

Yesterday I was thinking to stop using wax as top coat, but here we go, wax gives the best results!

[@salvagedbykscott]

It did WAY better than I was anticipating. 🙌🏻

[@johnsuechandler478]

Liked the comparison. Is the price of the Behr wax more or less than the other topcoats? Thanks for giving us this info! Love your channel.

[@salvagedbykscott]

It’s $18.97 per 227g can here. The liquid top coats vary in price from $22-$37. The coverage is also very different between the 2 types so it’s hard to say.

[@suesherman3587]

Thank you Katie! I was happy to see Behr wax was a true contender. I’ve been using it for several years and recommending this products to my friends. Enjoyed watching you and Christina!

[@cnn9697]

Hi question, is it safe to use as top coat for my wood sign with a lettering on top of it using posca pens

[@suesherman3587]

@@cnn9697 I would use polycyclic

[@cobwebsbristles8490]

Great video! I got here from your reels video on Instagram! 😊

[@salvagedbykscott]

Thanks for coming. Welcome!

[@jillprouty412]

Thank you --love the rug -where did you purchase it

[@elizabethlnu2775]

Nice video, thanks!

[@salvagedbykscott]

Glad you liked it!

[@lillianesparza213]

Thanks for sharing this is very useful.

[@debrap947]

Great timing! I just painted the floor in my bedroom using the Varathane topcoat, so good to know. Thanks Katie.

[@salvagedbykscott]

You are so welcome!

[@sophiayost5512]

Which is best for NOT yellowing? Doesn't the Poly yellow? I'm trying to find a top coat that doesn't do this. Suggestions?

[@salvagedbykscott]

Only oil based polyurethane’s yellow or amber.

[@sushiegirl]

The wax goes over the top coats? I would have done the opposite lol

[@karinacabrera17]

loved the comparison test! awesome video 🙌🏻

[@jacquelinesloss4163]

This is great, thank you 🙏 Can you tell me if the apply Goulding wax before or after waxing the piece of furniture? Thank you in advance 🙏

[@jacquelinesloss4163]

Should read guilding wax!

[@dot2dal]

Katie-This is such an informative video. These winners are actually my two favourite top coats. I usually use them over a stain finish for the top of a table. What are your thoughts about layering these two? If you did that which one would you do first? Thanks so much for all your research and your collaboration with Christina! Well done

[@salvagedbykscott]

You cannot use a poly top coat over wax. It’s like oil and water. The poly will bead up and make a giant mess. You can apply wax overtop of cured poly however.