Extreme Guard Instructions

Topcoating for Success
Paint Couture Extreme Guard Topcoats come in four amazing sheens of Flat, Satin, Semi-Gloss and Gloss.  When extreme protection matters, use our renowned Extreme Guard Topcoats to protect your cabinetry, furniture, and craft projects.  Our topcoats can be used on top of Paint Couture paints, metallics, textures, and glazes as well as many other products, however we recommend you do a test sample prior to starting your actual work.  Extreme Guard Topcoat is a water resistant, low VOC, extremely durable varnish that also doubles as a clear bonding primer.  Having built-in UV protection, our unique formulation is designed for outdoor use; however, it may be used indoors as well.  Extreme Guard also contains built-in mold and mildew resistant properties and is designed for furniture, cabinets, outdoor use, and other high traffic surfaces. 

Prior to applying topcoat, be sure the painted surface has dried at least 4 hours.  Our Acrylic Mineral Paint and Topcoat products dry from the inside out.  Even though the outside surface area may be dry to the touch you want to allow ample time for the products to properly dry prior to applying topcoat.  If the surface is glazed, wait 24 hours or until the glaze is thoroughly dry.  For increased smoothness, if desired, use 400 grit sandpaper on your painted work prior to using topcoat.  Wipe off the dust with a lint free cloth or use a damp cloth and let the surface dry.  Extreme Guard Topcoat is not recommended for bare metal surfaces.

Failure to properly prep some wooden surfaces may result in a discoloration of the topcoat, especially noticeable on light paint colors. Certain wood species (for example: Oak, Cherry, Popular and Mahogany) have tannins that can leach from the wood to the surface causing a yellowing or brownish look.  It is NOT the topcoat yellowing. This yellowing or brownish look problem can happen with Varnish, Lacquer, and many topcoat products. While curing, these products dry from within and have a tenacity to pull out the tannin material.  Proper prep can eliminate this problem.  A good practice is to use two coats of our Sure Prep Blocking Primer or Premium Plus 2-in-1 Primer.

Applying Topcoat Your Project:
Do not shake but stir thoroughly before use.  If you accidentally shake, let container sit for one hour prior to use to avoid bubbles on your project.  Apply in even thin layers.  Be sure Paint Couture Paint has fully dried at least four hours and glazed pieces 24 hours before applying topcoat.  Apply Paint Couture Extreme Guard Topcoat with a good quality synthetic brush, foam brush, or roller, or use a sprayer.  It may be lightly sanded 45 minutes after the first coat.  If adding a second coat of Extreme Guard Topcoat, allow the first coat to dry for two hours.  Once dry, lightly sand with 400 grit sandpaper, wipe away any dust residue, then apply the second coat.  Paint Couture Topcoat products are recommended for a more durable finish.  Not for use on decks or floor surfaces.

Clean up
Use warm soapy water.

Coverage
Approximately 20 square feet @ .70 mils per quarter pint (4 fluid ounces) / 118 ml
Approximately 40 square feet @ .70 mils per half pint (8 fluid ounces) / 237 ml
Approximately 80 square feet @ .70 mils per pint (16 fluid ounces) / 473 ml
Approximately 160 square feet @ .70 mils per quart (32 fluid ounces) / 946 ml
Approximately 640 square feet @ .70 mils per gallon (128 fluid ounces) / 3.79 L

Caution
Use with adequate ventilation.  Do not take internally.  Stir completely, DO NOT SHAKE.  If accidentally shaken and you see a lot of bubbles let the product sit for one hour.  Close container after each use and pour out what you need, pour Extreme Guard Topcoat into a paint tray or container.  Do not use Extreme Guard Topcoat directly out of this container.  Avoid contact with eyes and prolonged contact with skin.  If accidentally swallowed, contact a physician or the local poison control center.  Keep out of reach of children. Use and store between 50°-90°F.  Do not apply in direct sunlight or near air movement as this will impact the self leveling ability of the topcoat.

Apply thin even layers of Extreme Guard Topcoat, you want to build up your topcoat protection in layers.  We highly recommend a quality foam brush or Synthetic Paint Couture Brush to apply the topcoat.  An example of a high quality foam brush is Jen Poly that is made in the USA as opposed to a low density foam brush sold in big box stores made in China.  If using a brush, a soft synthetic brush such as the of Paint Couture Paint Brushes work best. Make sure it is dedicated to topcoat only and do not use brushes or rollers that have been used with paint.  In addition, a lambs wool applicator is great to use for large flat areas.  Use the proper applicator based on the size of the piece.  Be careful not to overwork Extreme Guard Topcoat as you apply.  If you choose to roll it on, use a velour roller with 1/4” nap or a high density white foam roller.  An added bonus about Extreme Guard Topcoats is that they spray beautifully, and they are easily sprayed without the need of thinning with Extender or water.

WARNING!
If you scrape, sand, or remove old paint, you may release lead dust.  Lead is toxic.  Exposure to lead dust can cause serious illness, such as brain damage, especially in children.  Pregnant women should also avoid exposure.  Wear a NIOSH-approved respirator to control lead exposure.  Clean up carefully with a HEPA vacuum and wet mop.  Before you start, find out how to protect yourself and your family by contacting the National Lead Information Hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD or log on to www.epa.gov/lead.

NOTE
Visit a Paint Couture Retailer to view Paint Couture Extreme Guard Topcoats to ensure sheen satisfaction.