General Finishes Wood Stains and Topcoats

General Finishes makes wood stains, paints and topcoats. It sells only through retailers.

Updated Oct 27, 2026. Edited by: Ilyass Ben Hakim.

Where to buy

The brand does not sell direct to consumers. Its store finder filters for tinting, stain matching, shipping and curbside pickup. Distributors are listed in Canada and the UK too.

Professional insight

Furniture finishers pick the topcoat first. Then they choose a stain that suits it.

Oil based stain needs full cure before water topcoat.
Gel stain suits blotchy woods like pine and maple.
Buy Arm-R-Seal in satin for the most forgiving sheen.
Test on a scrap of the same wood.

Check the label

Product line named, such as Gel Stain or Enduro.
Water based or oil based stated.
Sheen: flat, satin, semi gloss or gloss.
Interior or exterior use stated.
Can size, pint, quart or gallon.
Colour name and tint code if custom tinted.
Dry time, recoat time and cleanup method.

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Types

Main General Finishes product lines
Line	Base	Use
Milk Paint	Water	Painted furniture and cabinets
Gel Stain	Oil	Even colour on blotchy wood
Water Based Wood Stain	Water	Fast drying colour
Arm-R-Seal	Oil	Wipe-on topcoat for tables
Enduro	Water	Topcoats, primers and paints
Exterior 450 and Outdoor Oil	Water and oil	Outdoor wood

Tools you will need

Sandpaper in 120, 180 and 220 grit.
Lint free cotton rags or foam brushes.
Tack cloth to lift dust before each coat.
Nitrile gloves and good ventilation.
Stir stick; do not shake gel products.

Safe use

Open windows or work outdoors with oil based products.
Wear a respirator rated for organic vapours when spraying.
Keep cans closed and away from heat.
Check local rules before disposing of leftover finish.

Common questions

Can I buy from the General Finishes website?: No. It points buyers to retailers and online stockists.
Is Milk Paint a real milk paint?: No. It is a water based acrylic paint with a flat, chalky look.
Does it ship to Canada or the UK?: Professional distributors are listed there. Use the store finder to find one.