We often get asked, “What is the difference between your topcoats?” So here is a brief overview of each of them, so that you can make an educated decision on what you need.
We offer 4 different topcoats for wood finishing, and 1 topcoat for Tumblers: Acrylothane, Extreme Protection, CrabCoat Marine/exterior, Brite Tone, and Grande Finale.
Here is a helpful Topcoat Comparison Chart to help guide you in the right direction.
All of our topcoats are Non-toxic, Eco- friendly, and food-grade safe. They all are non flammable, non-yellowing, and they self-level for easy application. They can be brushed on or sprayed straight from the container.
We are a specialty topcoat manufacturing company and have been making topcoats for over 50 years! So, no matter what topcoat you choose, you can feel confident knowing the quality is higher than items purchased at a box store. None of our products will give you water rings, and they can withstand heat up to about 350◦ once cured. We do not recommend contact with direct heat/flame, but they are durable enough for coasters, on ceramic mugs etc.
Acrylothane(AT): Acrylothane is an acrylic blend and does not contain UV protection, but is a great general wood finishing topcoat. It is high quality, durable, yet affordable.
It is offered in Matte, Satin, and Gloss. It is often used for items such as cabinets, side tables, chairs, and more due to it's durability. It does all the things described above and is a great general all-purpose topcoat that provides quality protection of your project.
Extreme Protection(EP): Extreme Protection is offered in Matte, Satin, Semi-Gloss and Gloss. It is often used for high traffic areas such as kitchen counters, bar tops, and floors. It has basic UV protection to prevent fading of your projects from the sun. This is especially important if painting items with red/purple pigmentation such as purple heart wood or a red stain. It is a great all-purpose topcoat and a great go-to if you are unsure what you need.
Brite Tone (BT): Brite Tone is offered in Matte, Satin, and Gloss. It is often used for instruments, coasters, jewelry, and items where you are trying to achieve a “glass” like look similar to the look of epoxy. It has our highest quality resins and offers the highest solids content. This doesn’t mean that it is a thicker coating, as much as that it BUILDS faster with less coats. It is scratch resistant and durable enough for something like a bar top as well.
Crab Coat Marine/Exterior (CC): Crab Coat is offered in Satin and Gloss. It is designed for exterior projects such as signs, sailboats, and outdoor furniture such as a porch rocking chair. It can flex with the wood during temperature and humidity changes, which prevents cracking and gives it better exterior longevity. Of all our topcoats it has the highest UV protection and stabilizers, as well as mildew protection built in. It is the only topcoat we recommend for outdoor use. This does not make it better than our other topcoats. It is just designed perfectly different for exterior needs.
Grande' Finale 2.0 (GF): Grande' Finale 2.0 is specifically formulated for tumblers as a durable, FDA compliant topcoat to seal and protect your tumbler designs. It has a fast 2-hour dry time and will self-level no matter how you brush it on.