While I was out running a few errands yesterday, I stop in at a store that carries the General Finishes line. I have been seeing the discussions here and a lot of positives comments about them.

 

So I went in and ask if they have the Enduro-Var. The guy behind the counter said, "They use that for bowling lanes, what are you going to do with it?" So I commented I was looking for something to replace the P&L 38 that I have been using on furniture and this was recommended. Again he said it is used for bowling lanes. So without being ugly, I said if it will hold up to a bowling lane, it should be great on furniture. Do you have any?

 

So here is my question to you. I paid $29.00 for a quart. I went on an purchased it but was just wondering what you all might be paying for it in your area. It is higher than I was paying for the P&L 38.

 

Anyway, give me your thoughts on this product.

John

Just did a quick search at Rockler, Highland and Woodcraft. They are priced the sme at $26.99 qt. The only difference was the finish, Satin, Semi and Gloss.

Hope this helps.

Wayne

 

Its great stuff. You may try contacting Rob at General Finishes and seeing if you can buy it wholesale. Works as well as a solvent base. As a water base, you will notice the nicer smell. No strong fumes at all. Drys much faster then the P&L stuff does.

Hi John , It is the best product to date from GF . We have been using it for the last 18 months on floors, doors ,tables , and a wide variety of architectural trim . Sands well and is very hard after full cure. Does water spot in table top applications .Tints well as an additional tool . Last week at the NWFA I saw the newest technology in coatings and hope to have some testing done shortly-stay tuned.

Thanks for the great input. I guess I could have searched it, but I appreciate your doing it for me.

I am looking forward to giving it a try very soon. I understand it sprays very well also. Any tips on spraying?

I also picked up a can of the gel stain. How do you like it as compared to others?

Don't know about the gel stain . Mostly I tint with dyes in the finish. I use an Apollo spray gun - the Enduro Var sprays , brushes , and squeegees well .

Yup the Enduro Var is awesome. While I have only tested it. I like what I see. The Rockler woodworking store by me sells for 75.00 a gal.

It's not cheap, but first, you have to ask yourself, (and I have to give the guy at your store some kudos for asking), what are you looking to get out of your finish? In the world of finish, finishes are formulated in a variety of ways. Some cost more to make than others. Some finishes need to remain flexible. Some need to be hard, others need to perform in kitchen and bath environments, bar tops, and so on!

You get what you pay for. Why do some guys/gals use cheap mass produced tools from off shore, while other guys/gals use only quality name brand tools from a little guy who pays attention to quality, uses the best steel and ingredients.


As to the gel stains, I have used them for years and personally think they are the best. 

 

Hey John, maybe Rob Szwedo or Sheryl Monahan of General Finishes (each are members of this Forum) could chime in more fully about the Enduro-Var and Robs water-spot issues.

 

-Ace-

Good comments Ace !

Ace HoleInOne said:

Yup the Enduro Var is awesome. While I have only tested it. I like what I see. The Rockler woodworking store by me sells for 75.00 a gal.

It's not cheap, but first, you have to ask yourself, (and I have to give the guy at your store some kudos for asking), what are you looking to get out of your finish? In the world of finish, finishes are formulated in a variety of ways. Some cost more to make than others. Some finishes need to remain flexible. Some need to be hard, others need to perform in kitchen and bath environments, bar tops, and so on!

You get what you pay for. Why do some guys/gals use cheap mass produced tools from off shore, while other guys/gals use only quality name brand tools from a little guy who pays attention to quality, uses the best steel and ingredients.


As to the gel stains, I have used them for years and personally think they are the best. 

 

Hey John, maybe Rob Szwedo or Sheryl Monahan of General Finishes (each are members of this Forum) could chime in more fully about the Enduro-Var and Robs water-spot issues.

 

-Ace-

On pricing tier one is less than 1000$/year . Tier two is up to 3000$/year . Tier three is over 3000$ year. The store you bought it from after shipping might have made 5-6 bucks on you gross profit according to the price sheet in front of me .Then there are their costs . The price you paid sounds  "ok " to me . Again when you use it - you will know where the money went.

Following this thread makes me want to run out and get some. GF could probably use this stuff for an ad. Shame too, I waas at Rockler today picking some curly maple, cherry and walnut for some projects. Maybe next week end. By then I will be ready to finish. What a great conversation.

I wasn't upset with the price. I was just wondering if that was about average. Like I said, it was a little more than the P&L but I was getting it through a manufacturers rep. There was not a dealer in the area. I am hoping this is really good. I think it will become a staple in the shop.

 

I have read a lot about there products and I hope the water based Var will be just what the Dr. ordered.

Hey John...I have found spraying water-based. It's best to apply the first few coats just a wee bit thinner and not piled on high. After a few light coats. Then spray a good full wet coat. I like to see the finish turn a little bit blue and looks orange peel. Then sit back and enjoy the show. Will flow out flat and smooth. Water-based take a few times to get the hang of it, but nothing anyone can't handle. 

 

The top photo is Targets EM6000 and the bottom pic is General Finishes High Performance.

 

-Ace-

That bottom photo looks like a great finish.

 

Thanks, I am looking forward to giving it a try.

Hey Gene here is a link to the one. I entered it over at a Fine Woodworking Contest. Just click on the link and then the images.

Keeping Chest

 

The Other, just go to my home page on the Forum here under photos, I believe its image number 7. Its a Shaker clock I made from box store pine. (its the one with the can of Target alongside)

 

Thanks for noticing .

 

-Ace-

 

 

when dry is about bullet proof, rubs out super nice as well, also it has the slight amber tint, that gives it a solvent look, great stuff, i have ot on some floors,,

That is a great looking piece Ace. I love it.

Ace HoleInOne said:

Hey Gene here is a link to the one. I entered it over at a Fine Woodworking Contest. Just click on the link and then the images.

Keeping Chest

 

The Other, just go to my home page on the Forum here under photos, I believe its image number 7. Its a Shaker clock I made from box store pine. (its the one with the can of Target alongside)

 

Thanks for noticing .

 

-Ace-

 

 

Although I have not used the waterbased products..after June 13th I will be.. glad to be reading all this input..I have,for years..used the solvent based lacquers.. was using the post cat. Varnish..and while it did a good job..there were many drawbacks..the shrink back..the smell..and after about a week..the solvent burn off which bases the finish and requires repolishing..all these issues to my understanding will be eliminated with the waterbased finishes..so.. I will be learning from Charles Neil when I arrive at his shop next week to teach the rocker class..this will be a major turning point in my career.. thanks all