Another Thumbs-Up for Arm-R-Seal

[Thompmd]

I tried some oil based gloss yesterday for the first time on my first Walnut Raised Door Panel and love it. Seemed very user friendly. Excited to try it on some other things.

Only thing is I wanted the water based because they said it went on more crystal clear than the oil base but they were out. They(Woodcraft) said the oil base was a warmer color than the water base?

Anyone used both and have an opinion??

 

[Packard]

I avoid oil based finishes because of the fumes (and the clean up).  But the finishes are still harder and longer wearing than the waterbased equivalents.

And the oil-based white paints will yellow over time. 

If your shop has excellent ventilation, and you don't mind the cleanup (turpentine), then you won't be disappointed with oil based paints. 

They dry slower and self-level better than most waterbased paints.

The gold standard of oil based enamels is Fine Paints of Europe (imported from Holland).  Available direct from the distributor (and expensive).  Brushed examples I've seen look just like sprayed.  Nice stuff. 

 

[tjbnwi]

To be clear (no pun intended) the topcoats are not Arm-R-Seal or any GF product. The pictures are for visual comparison. I'd expect the same results no matter the brand if using a true crystal clear product. There are some waters now that come close to mimicking oil finishes.

Wood is walnut, unstained.

Bar rail has an oil finish, rails and stiles have crystal clear waterbornefinish.

Tom