General Finishes Pro Image Flooring Topcoat is a single-component urethane for
hardwood floors designed to be applied over Pro Floor Stains or Pro Sealer.
It is a durable, self-cross-linking urethane/acrylic, making it a leader among
single-component technologies.
Please click the below headers to reveal the instructional info for this product.
Step 1: Preparation for Pro Image Topcoat
Preparation for Application over Raw Wood
- The floor must be sanded properly using NWFA specifications, finishing
with a 120-grit screen. If this is not done correctly, the finish may
have visible scratch marks.
- Water popping is optional and can slightly darken a floor. If you
water pop, you may apply General Finishes Pro Floor Stain immediately
because it is a water-based floor stain.
- When dry, abrade with maroon pad and 240-grit strip or equivalent
abrasive. Vacuum thoroughly then wipe with water-damped towels.
If Recoating an Existing Floor
- Clean off all wax, grease, and oils with an appropriate hardwood
floor cleaner or a 50|50 mix of denatured alcohol and water.
- Buff the finish with a maroon pad and 240-grit strips.
- Vacuum all dust followed by wiping with a damp rag.
- Apply 1 or 2 coats of Pro Image.
- A test area is recommended before applying to the full floor to check
for adhesion.
Step 2: How to Apply General Finishes Pro Image Topcoat
General Finishes Pro Image Flooring Topcoat Application Steps
IMPORTANT: Record moisture meter readings in several places before applying
Pro Image. These readings will provide a benchmark at later stages to determine
when the floor is dry enough to apply another coat of finish.
- Stir to reincorporate solids that have settled to the bottom of the can
before and throughout the application process. Do not shake topcoat.
- If desired, add General Finishes Extender to improve flow and leveling
and increase open time, helpful in hot, dry climates. Add no more than
4-8 ounces per gallon.
- Apply 2-3 liberal coats of Pro Image using a T-Bar with mohair cover,
pad applicator or microfiber roller at a rate of 500-600 square feet per
gallon. Wipe along the grain using smooth, even strokes and avoid pressure
and back-brushing. Light lapmarks will self-level as the finish dries.
- Dry 2-4 hours in ideal conditions, 70°F/20°C; 50% humidity, or until
the moisture meter readings return to their original numbers.
- If conditions are dry and warm, decrease or restrict the amount of
airflow. Also, increase the application rate and block direct sunlight
when possible by closing shades or blinds.
Buffing: If applying a second coat or third coat within 24 hours of
applying Pro Image, buffing is not required. If applying after 24 hours,
buff first with a maroon pad and 240-grit sandpaper strips, or a 3M Hi
Pro Pad or equivalent.
Remove dust thoroughly with a vacuum followed by wiping with a water-dampened
rag before re-coating.
NOTE: Many closed-grain woods, such as maple, walnut, and cherry, may
only require 1 seal coat and 2 finish coats. Most open-grain woods, such
as oaks and ash, will need 2 seal coats to increase the build of the
finish and improve the final result.
Immediate Use of Floors Finished With Pro Image
- Floors may be carefully walked on, in socks only, after six hours.
- You can replace furniture in 3 days, and rugs in 10 days.
- Be cautious during the first 10 days, when the finish is more susceptible
to scratching and scuff marks.
- Place heavy furniture on carpet pads.
Storage of Pro Flooring Products
Life of Product
Water-based products do not last forever, even when unopened. General Finishes
products are best used within 1 year of the manufacture date listed on the
container. The life of the product may be extended with proper care and
storage.
Storage Tips
The following best practices will increase the life of your product:
- Keep the containers closed after decanting what you need.
- Store in moderate temperatures. Avoid temperatures below 50°F/10°C or
above 100°F/26°C. Frozen and heat-damaged product cannot be revitalized.
Temperature-controlled spaces, such as a basement, are ideal for storage.
Do not store product in an attic, garage, in direct sunlight, or next to
something warm like a water heater or furnace.
- Decant leftovers to a smaller container when the finish is almost used up.
Alternative storage containers for water-based products are plastic FIFO
bottles or glass bottles. Do not fill metal-lidded containers completely
to prevent them from rusting.
The following water-based product mixtures can be stored:
The following product mixtures should NOT be stored:
- Any water-based product thinned with tap water. Water often contains
bacteria that will adversely affect stored paint.
Floor Care and Maintenance
Usage Restrictions after Final Coat of Topcoat is Applied
Immediate Use of Floors Finished With Sealer: Floors may be carefully
walked on, in socks only, after six hours.
Intermediate Use: You can replace furniture in 3 days, and rugs in 10 days.
Be cautious during the first 10 days, when the finish is more susceptible to
scratching and scuff marks. Place heavy furniture on carpet pads.
Cure Time: Water-based finishes cure for full use in 21 days.
