Finish School | General Finishes

General Finishes learning, gathered in one easy place.

Welcome to Finish School

Finishing a piece should feel exciting—not confusing. This is Carolina Pine’s little learning corner for the official General Finishes videos, color guides, and product resources that help you choose with confidence. Start with the section that matches your project, then come back anytime you need a refresher.

Need a second set of eyes? Text Kathy a photo of your project or a color you are considering at 919-432-7230. She is always happy to help you think it through.

Start here

Find My Finish — a simple place to begin when you are not sure which product fits your project.
Official product support — General Finishes’ current instructions, technical information, and frequently asked questions.
Watch the General Finishes video library — official demonstrations, project ideas, and application help.
General Finishes University — deeper classes and training from the maker.

Paint, glaze & painted furniture

For Milk Paint, custom color, and Glaze Effects projects, begin with this helpful color and product overview. It also points you toward the related topcoat and stain-blocker choices.

Open the Milk Paint & Glaze Effects Guide (PDF)

Water-based stain & dye stain

Exploring interior wood stain, dye stain, a pre-stain conditioner, or a clear topcoat to finish the job? This guide lays those choices side by side.

Open the Water-Based Wood Stain & Dye Stain Guide (PDF)

Gel stain & traditional oil-based stain

For rich, hand-rubbed-looking color on furniture, cabinets, trim, and more, these are the best places to start.

Open the Gel Stain & Liquid Stain Guide (PDF)

Watch: Gel Oil-Based Stain Product Overview | Watch: Everything You Need to Know About Gel Stain

Exterior projects

For outdoor furniture, doors, and other qualifying vertical wood surfaces, use this Exterior 450 guide before you begin. Be sure to follow the maker’s current instructions and test your finish first.

Open the Exterior 450 Guide (PDF)

Hard Wax Oil

A warm, low-luster option for raw-wood furniture and woodworking projects. This two-page guide covers preparation, application, coverage, dry time, and care.

Open the Hard Wax Oil Guide (PDF)

Touch-ups & little repairs

For touch-up markers and fill sticks, use the color guide below. Screen color, lighting, wood species, and age all make a difference, so test in an inconspicuous spot first.

Open Carolina Pine’s Touch-Up Color Guide

Looking for every official brochure?

General Finishes keeps its current retail brochures and color charts together in one place. For easy access, here are two additional favorites:

Browse the complete official brochure library.

These resources are provided for helpful reference. Always read the current manufacturer directions, safety information, and product label, and test your complete finish system on a sample before beginning your piece.