Replies

1. 
   nikkiwood | Jun 29, 2005 02:06am | #1

   I used both products for a while several years ago, but I gave them up, simply because it is so easy (and cheaper) to make your own wipe-on products -- and vary the proportions/ingredients to get exactly the finish you want.

   I especially liked Arm-R-Seal for table tops -- since it is supposed to be the tougher of the two, and of course, it is easily renewable (which is true of any wipe-on finish).

   ********************************************************
   "I tend to live in the past because most of my life is there."
   -- Herb Caen (1916-1997)

2. 
   JeffHeath | Jun 29, 2005 06:22am | #2

   UrbanRedneck

   I use General Finishes exclusively on all of my furniture, as it does an excellent job of enhancing and protecting the beauty of the wood.  In 8 years, I have not had a single complaint or callback.  I really honestly won't change just because of the article.

   Jeff

3. 
   kcgolfer | Jun 29, 2005 07:24pm | #3

   I used the Arm-R-Seal on my kids furniture because it was supposed to be non-toxic. I think it turned out real nice. It can be easy to leave white streaks after drying by brushing the finish on over and over. Just brush once and let dry.

   kcgolfer

4. 
   PeteBradley | Jun 29, 2005 08:07pm | #4

   I really like ARM-R-Seal. Really durable, easy to use, and not as "plastic-y" as a lot of durable finishes. Haven't had any complaints.

   Pete

5. 
   Paul_Snyder | Jun 30, 2005 04:18am | #5

   General Finishes makes some really good finishing products. The Seal-A-Cell and Arm-R-Seal are the "tung oil" finishes that David Marks uses on his show. The Arm-R-Seal is a very good, attractive looking poly. It's on par with Waterlox.

   Paul S
   Website

1. 
   UrbanRedneck | Jun 30, 2005 04:30am | #6

   That's what I thought!  I just finished my oak cabinet and the wood really "popped".  It went on pretty easy, I had to sand one coat off because of the white streaks talked about earlier.  Other than that, I'm pretty happy with it. 

6. 
   rob26 | Jun 30, 2005 05:36am | #7

   I'm going to weigh in and agree with the others. I've had great luck with Arm R Seal, especially on cherry. Couldn't be easier to apply, builds nicely, and leaves a very protective and natural-looking finish.

7. 
   RickW | Jun 30, 2005 03:53pm | #8

   I've been using General Finishes since the old days, when it was a three step process with three different products.I've always been satisfied with the results. It looks paticularily good on cherry and walnut.
   I'm going to continue using it for as long as it is being made!
   Rick W.

1. 
   Jimma | Jul 01, 2005 06:47pm | #10

   Me, too, Rick. I refinished a high-end walnut dining room table top with their 1-2-3 system about thirty years ago and people still comment on what a nice finish it is.

8. 
   MichaelPB | Jul 01, 2005 12:21am | #9

   I have made plenty of fine gunstocks using nothing but General's finishes and I don't even bother with the two step process.

   I AM going to look at making my own though!