General Finishes Wood Stain shown on maple and oak.

Cleanup of GF Water-Based Products

Application tools and materials that contain water-based products can be cleaned with soap and water immediately after use.

Product Spills

Spills may be able to be removed from fabric and carpet if cleaned immediately with soap and water.

Disposal

Discard unused product and waste in an environmentally safe manner; check with local fire and health regulations. 

Storage of GF Water-Based Products

Life of Product

General Finishes products do not last forever, even when unopened. They are best used within 1 year. The product's shelf life may be extended with proper can closure and storage conditions. (see Storage Tips below).

Water-based products can last 3-5 years if the can is unopened, in good condition and stored in correct temperatures.

Product that is 3 years old will not look like product that is 6 months to 1 year old. You will see more stratification or separation as the product ages. Settling is natural. Always stir thoroughly before using.

Foul Odour

If your product has a foul odour, it is contaminated and no longer usable.

Clumps & Settling

Gravity can cause some solids to settle on the bottom of the can and slight separation on the top. This is normal. If working with older product stir with a paint mixing attachment on a drill.

If the solids dissolve and clumps smooth out after mixing from the bottom, the product is in good condition for use.

Inability to reincorporate large, chunky lumps after stirring for several minutes is an indication that the product has frozen and can no longer be used.

Storage Tips

1. Water-based finishes crystallise and form a skin due to evaporation when the airtight seal on a can is broken at first use. The following best practices will increase the life of your product:
2. Pry open sealed lids with a paint can opener by hooking under the lid's rolled edge. Using a screwdriver can disfigure the rim and lid, impairing a complete seal.
3. Keep the lid closed while working. Pour what you will use into a bowl, paper cup, or plate, and close the can lid as you work.
4. Clean the can's chime thoroughly with a paper towel before closing to ensure a complete seal. Product falling into the chime can be minimised by using a pouring lid, such as Fitsall. Avoid wiping used brushes on the lid.
5. Pound the lid in place using a rubber mallet to avoid distorting the chime or lid. Dents in the lid from direct contact with a hammer can impair a complete seal. Alternatively, place a flat piece of wood over the can lid and pound it shut firmly.
6. Store in moderate temperatures. Avoid temperatures below 10°C or above 26°C. Keep from freezing. Frozen and heat-damaged product cannot be revitalised. Temperature-controlled spaces, such as a basement, are ideal for storage. Do not store the product in an attic, garage, in direct sunlight, or next to something warm, such as a water heater or furnace.
7. Store the can upside down to create a liquid seal, minimise evaporation and reduce the chance of crystallisation. Decant remaining product from the can before stirring.
8. Decant leftovers into 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:

1. Product thinned with up to 15% General Finishes Extender or General Finishes Accelerator can be stored, except for thinned General Finishes Water Based Wood Stain.
2. Mixtures involving colours & sheens within the same product line, such as:

• High Performance Satin + High Performance Gloss
• Snow White Milk Paint + Coastal Blue Milk Paint
• Amber Dye Stain + Merlot Dye Stain

The following product mixtures should NOT be stored:

• Any water-based product with thinned tap water; water often contains bacteria that will adversely affect stored paint.
• Topcoat + Stain or Paint
• Water-Based Wood Stain + Dye Stain

For the latest Application Brochure, Technical Data Sheet and SDS, please see the SDS/TDS tab on the General Finishes Water-Based Wood Stain product page.