General Finishes

High Performance

To care for wood finished with General Finishes High Performance, clean spills immediately with a damp cloth, dust with a soft cloth, and avoid harsh chemicals like ammonia, bleach, or oil-based products; for deeper cleaning, use General Finishes Orange Oil Polish, and maintain consistent temperature/humidity to protect the durable water-based topcoat, allowing 30 days for full cure before heavy use. Always follow the manufacturer’s label for application and cleanup.

Daily & Weekly Care (After Full Cure)

  • Dusting: Use a soft, clean cloth or duster, wiping with the wood grain.

  • Spills: Wipe up immediately with a slightly damp, soft cloth in the direction of the grain.

  • Protection: Use coasters, placemats, and felt pads under items to prevent scratches and rings.

  • Environment: Keep furniture in a stable environment with consistent temperature and humidity (around 35% is ideal).

Cleaning & Deeper Maintenance

  • Mild Cleaning: A damp, water-rinsed rag is usually sufficient.

  • Grease/Grime: Add a tiny bit of strong dish soap or vinegar to your damp cloth for tougher spots, then rinse with a clean, damp cloth.

  • Deep Clean/Rejuvenate: Use General Finishes Orange Oil Polish (apply thin, let sit 1-2 mins, then buff off with a pad) or General Finishes Satin Finishing Wax. 

  • Always follow the manufacturer’s label for application and cleanup.

What to Avoid (Critical) 

  • Silicone/Oil-Based Cleaners: Avoid furniture polishes and dusting sprays with silicone, as they contaminate the finish and prevent future adhesion.

  • Harsh Chemicals: Do not use ammonia, bleach, or acidic cleaners.

  • Steel Wool: Never use steel wool on water-based finishes like High Performance; use synthetic wool (like Mirka Mirlon) or Scotch-Brite pads instead, as steel wool particles rust.

  • Wax-Based Products: Avoid wax cleaners on polyurethane finishes.

  • Always follow the manufacturer’s label for application and cleanup.

Repairing Minor Issues

  • Scratches: Lightly wet a cloth, press with a warm (not steaming) iron over the wet spot, and repeat to raise wood fibers.

  • Buffing: For gloss sheens, use fine-grit (2000/4000) sandpaper or similar polishing pads, potentially with a lubricant like mineral spirits (not water) for high gloss.

  • Always follow the manufacturer’s label for application and cleanup.