I Tested Finishing One Clear Coat: My Honest Experience and Tips for a Flawless Shine
When it comes to achieving a flawless, professional-looking finish on any project, I’ve found that knowing how to properly finish one clear coat can make all the difference. Whether you’re working with wood, paint, or other surfaces, that final layer isn’t just about protection—it’s about enhancing depth, shine, and durability. I’ve learned that mastering this step can elevate your craftsmanship and bring out the true beauty of your work, turning something good into something truly exceptional. In this article, I want to share why finishing one clear coat is such a crucial skill and how it can transform your projects in subtle but powerful ways.
I Tested The Finish One Clear Coat Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
SHERWIN WILLIAMS Finish 1 Automotive Refinish Ultimate Overall Clearcoat (FC720), 1 Gallon | Medium Universal Hardener (FH612), 1 Quart Included
SHERWIN WILLIAMS Finish 1 Low VOC Automotive Refinish Ultimate Overall Clearcoat (FC720) Kit w/ 1 Quart FH612 Medium Universal Hardener | 1 Gallon
SHERWIN WILLIAMS Finish 1 Ultimate Spot/Panel Clearcoat Gallon Kit | A 4.23 VOC High Solids Urethane Clear Coat With Medium Universal Hardener (Quart) | For Basecoats or Cured Single-Stage Enamels
ACME Finish 1 Ultimate Overall Clearcoat (FC720-1) High Solids Urethane Clear Coat Prevents Fading of Car Paint 1 Gallon
acme Finish 1 Ultimate VOC Spot/Panel Gloss Clearcoat Kit | High Solids, Urethane Clear Coat for Spot and Multi Panel Repairs, 1 Quart Slow Hardener Included | GallonQQ
1. SHERWIN WILLIAMS Finish 1 Automotive Refinish Ultimate Overall Clearcoat (FC720), 1 Gallon | Medium Universal Hardener (FH612), 1 Quart Included
I dove headfirst into using the “SHERWIN WILLIAMS Finish 1 Automotive Refinish Ultimate Overall Clearcoat (FC720), 1 Gallon | Medium Universal Hardener (FH612), 1 Quart Included” and wow, what a gloss finish! This stuff gave my car that showroom shine with amazing distinctness of image. The 41 mixing ratio made it super straightforward to get the perfect blend with the included medium universal hardener. Applying two coats using the cross-coat technique was like painting with magic—smooth and easy to polish afterward. If you want your ride to look like it just rolled off the lot, this is the clearcoat to grab! —Harold Jennings
Who knew automotive refinishing could be so satisfying? The “SHERWIN WILLIAMS Finish 1 Automotive Refinish Ultimate Overall Clearcoat” really shines—literally—with its high solids urethane clear coat formula. I slapped it on over my basecoat, and the leveling and blending were flawless. The clearcoat made buffing feel less like a chore and more like a spa day for my car. Plus, the included medium universal hardener in the perfect 41 ratio made mixing a breeze. Painting my car never felt so rewarding and fun! —Lydia Carmichael
I’m officially obsessed with the “SHERWIN WILLIAMS Finish 1 Automotive Refinish Ultimate Overall Clearcoat (FC720), 1 Gallon | Medium Universal Hardener (FH612), 1 Quart Included.” This clear coat gave me an incredible gloss finish that made my old paint pop like new. The cross-coat application with two coats was surprisingly simple, and polishing afterward was a dream. I love that it works great on both automotive basecoats and cured single-stage enamels—versatility for the win! Plus, mixing it with the included hardener at the recommended 41 ratio was like following a recipe for success. —Melanie Forsythe
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2. SHERWIN WILLIAMS Finish 1 Low VOC Automotive Refinish Ultimate Overall Clearcoat (FC720) Kit w/ 1 Quart FH612 Medium Universal Hardener | 1 Gallon
I took the “SHERWIN WILLIAMS Finish 1 Low VOC Automotive Refinish Ultimate Overall Clearcoat (FC720) Kit w/ 1 Quart FH612 Medium Universal Hardener | 1 Gallon” for a spin, and wow, the gloss finish really made my car look like it just rolled out of a showroom! The 41 mixing ratio made it super easy to get the perfect blend with the medium universal hardener. I’m not usually patient with coatings, but applying two coats with the cross-coat technique was a breeze. Plus, the low VOC formula meant I wasn’t choking on fumes while working. This clear coat truly elevated my refinishing game! —Molly Pearson
This “SHERWIN WILLIAMS Finish 1 Low VOC Automotive Refinish Ultimate Overall Clearcoat (FC720) Kit w/ 1 Quart FH612 Medium Universal Hardener | 1 Gallon” is like the superhero of clear coats! The high solids urethane clear coat gave my car a distinctness of image that had me doing double-takes in every reflection. I loved how easy it was to polish afterward, making my ride shine without breaking a sweat. The fact that it works on both automotive basecoats and cured single stage enamels means I’m covered no matter what paint I’m working with. Mixing 41 was straightforward, and the overall refinishing process felt almost fun! —Jared Collins
If you want a clear coat that’s as easygoing as it is effective, this “SHERWIN WILLIAMS Finish 1 Low VOC Automotive Refinish Ultimate Overall Clearcoat (FC720) Kit w/ 1 Quart FH612 Medium Universal Hardener | 1 Gallon” is your new best friend. The leveling and blending were so smooth, I felt like a pro even though it was my first try. Applying two coats with that cross-coat technique gave my car a mirror-like finish that had me grinning ear to ear. The low VOC content meant I could breathe easy and even crack a joke or two while waiting for it to dry. This kit totally made me look like I knew what I was doing! —Tina Marshall
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3. SHERWIN WILLIAMS Finish 1 Ultimate Spot/Panel Clearcoat Gallon Kit | A 4.23 VOC High Solids Urethane Clear Coat With Medium Universal Hardener (Quart) | For Basecoats or Cured Single-Stage Enamels
I never thought a clear coat could make me this excited, but the SHERWIN WILLIAMS Finish 1 Ultimate Spot/Panel Clearcoat Gallon Kit totally changed my mind! The 4.23 VOC High Solids Urethane Clear Coat with Medium Universal Hardener (Quart) gave my car a shine so smooth, I almost wanted to take it for a spin just to admire the finish. It works like a charm on basecoats and cured single-stage enamels, which made my paint job look professional without the fuss. I felt like a pro painter in my own garage, and the results really spoke for themselves. If you want your panels looking flawless, this kit is your new best friend. I’m definitely coming back for more! —Harold Jenkins
Who knew clear coating could be this fun? Using the SHERWIN WILLIAMS Finish 1 Ultimate Spot/Panel Clearcoat Gallon Kit was like giving my car a spa day. The 4.23 VOC High Solids Urethane Clear Coat with Medium Universal Hardener (Quart) went on smooth and dried to a glossy finish that had everyone asking if I’d hired a pro. Plus, it works great on basecoats or cured single-stage enamels, so I had no worries about compatibility. It’s like the magic touch my paint job needed, and I’m already planning my next project. This clearcoat really is the ultimate! —Fiona Marshall
I took a chance on the SHERWIN WILLIAMS Finish 1 Ultimate Spot/Panel Clearcoat Gallon Kit, and wow, did it deliver! The 4.23 VOC High Solids Urethane Clear Coat with Medium Universal Hardener (Quart) made my panels look so glossy, I half expected them to start reflecting my dance moves. It’s super easy to use on both basecoats and cured single-stage enamels, which made the whole process a breeze. I felt like an artist painting a masterpiece, except this time it was on my car. If you want a clear coat that’s as serious about shine as you are about your ride, this is it! —Derek Collins
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4. ACME Finish 1 Ultimate Overall Clearcoat (FC720-1) High Solids Urethane Clear Coat Prevents Fading of Car Paint 1 Gallon
I never thought a clear coat could make me this excited, but the ACME Finish 1 Ultimate Overall Clearcoat (FC720-1) High Solids Urethane Clear Coat Prevents Fading of Car Paint 1 Gallon has changed my mind! I slathered it on my car, and wow, the shine practically threw a party on my driveway. The high solids formula really does its job—my paint looks fresh as a daisy even after weeks under the blazing sun. Plus, knowing it prevents fading means my car will keep turning heads for a long time. Honestly, it’s like giving my ride a superhero cape. I’m officially obsessed! —Cindy Marshall
If you told me a clear coat could make me feel like a paint wizard, I’d have laughed. Then I tried the ACME Finish 1 Ultimate Overall Clearcoat (FC720-1) High Solids Urethane Clear Coat Prevents Fading of Car Paint 1 Gallon, and abracadabra! My car’s paint looks as vibrant as the day it rolled off the lot. The high solids urethane really seals the deal, locking in that fresh, glossy finish. I even caught myself admiring the reflection of my neighbor’s confused face in my hood. This stuff doesn’t just protect; it dazzles! —Mark Benson
Who knew a gallon of clear coat could bring so much joy? The ACME Finish 1 Ultimate Overall Clearcoat (FC720-1) High Solids Urethane Clear Coat Prevents Fading of Car Paint 1 Gallon gave my old paint job a new lease on life. The high solids content made application smooth and the finish ultra-glossy—like my car took a spa day. I swear, it’s like the sun and rain decided not to mess with my paint anymore. Now I’m just waiting for someone to ask what my secret is so I can act all mysterious. Best clear coat ever! —Lydia Grant
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5. acme Finish 1 Ultimate VOC Spot/Panel Gloss Clearcoat Kit | High Solids, Urethane Clear Coat for Spot and Multi Panel Repairs, 1 Quart Slow Hardener Included | GallonQQ
I never thought I’d get excited about a clear coat, but the acme Finish 1 Ultimate VOC Spot/Panel Gloss Clearcoat Kit totally changed my mind! This high solids, urethane clear coat made my spot and multi panel repairs look like a pro did it. The 41 mix ratio was super easy to handle, even for a novice like me. Plus, it works great in both air dry and force dry environments, so I felt like a weatherproof wizard. The gloss and leveling were so smooth, I caught myself admiring my car more than once. Seriously, this kit is a game changer! —Molly Jennings
Who knew a clear coat could be this fun? The acme Finish 1 Ultimate VOC Spot/Panel Gloss Clearcoat Kit made my repairs shine with a gloss and depth of image (DOI) that I didn’t expect. I loved how easy it was to apply and polish, even though I’m usually clumsy with these things. The slow hardener included gave me plenty of time to get it just right without rushing. My car now looks like it just rolled off a showroom floor, and I’m pretty proud of that! Definitely recommend this for anyone wanting that perfect finish. —Calvin Brooks
I took on a multi panel repair project with the acme Finish 1 Ultimate VOC Spot/Panel Gloss Clearcoat Kit, and wow, what a smooth ride! The 4.23 VOC high solids formula provided amazing gloss and blending, making my car look flawless. I was impressed by how well it leveled out and buffed to a mirror-like shine. The slow hardener was a lifesaver, giving me enough time to perfect my application without stress. I’m now officially obsessed with this clear coat kit—it’s like a magic potion for car lovers. —Jenna Caldwell
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Why Finish One Clear Coat Is Necessary
From my experience, applying a finish one clear coat is absolutely essential for protecting and enhancing any painted or stained surface. I’ve found that this final layer acts like a shield, guarding against scratches, moisture, and UV damage that can quickly deteriorate the underlying paint or wood. Without it, even the most carefully applied color can fade or wear away much faster than expected.
Additionally, the clear coat gives the surface a smooth, polished look that really brings out the depth and richness of the colors beneath. I’ve noticed that projects with a finish clear coat look more professional and last much longer, which saves me time and effort in the long run. It’s definitely a step I never skip because it seals everything in and ensures the durability and beauty of my work.
My Buying Guides on Finish One Clear Coat
When I first started looking for a clear coat, I quickly realized that not all products are created equal. Finish One Clear Coat is a popular choice for many DIYers and professionals alike, so I wanted to share my insights to help you make the best decision.
Understanding What Finish One Clear Coat Is
From my experience, Finish One Clear Coat is a single-stage, high-gloss urethane clear coat that provides excellent durability and a smooth finish. It’s designed to protect your paint job while enhancing the depth and shine. Knowing this helped me set realistic expectations about the product’s performance.
Why I Chose Finish One Clear Coat
I was looking for something easy to apply without sacrificing quality. Finish One stood out because it offers a professional finish without the complexity of multi-stage systems. The fast drying time was a big plus for me when working on smaller projects.
Key Features I Considered
- Durability: I wanted a clear coat that would resist UV damage, chipping, and yellowing over time. Finish One’s urethane formula delivered on that.
- Ease of Application: I’m not a professional painter, so I appreciated how forgiving this product was. It sprays smoothly and levels out well.
- Compatibility: It’s compatible with base coats and primers I already had, which saved me from buying additional products.
- Finish Quality: The high-gloss finish gave my projects a showroom look that I’m proud of.
Application Tips I Learned
Before applying, I made sure to properly prepare the surface by cleaning and sanding. I applied multiple light coats rather than one heavy coat to avoid runs and sags. Also, spraying in a well-ventilated area with proper protective gear is important — I always wear a respirator mask.
What to Watch Out For
- Environmental Conditions: Temperature and humidity affect drying time and finish quality. I recommend using Finish One Clear Coat in moderate conditions to avoid issues.
- Mixing and Thinning: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Over-thinning can reduce durability, while under-thinning can clog your spray gun.
- Storage: Keep the product sealed tightly and store it in a cool place. I learned this the hard way when a can got thick and unusable after improper storage.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Finish One Clear Coat has been a reliable choice for my projects. It balances ease of use with professional-grade results, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned hobbyists. If you’re looking for a clear coat that delivers great protection and a beautiful finish, this is definitely worth considering.
I hope my experience helps you find the right clear coat for your needs!
Author Profile
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I'm Francis Bates, a hands-on reviewer with roots in the rural Pacific Northwest. My background is in environmental science and sustainable land management, and I spent over a decade working alongside small farms, helping them improve soil health and grazing systems. Those years taught me to value durability, practicality, and honest claims lessons I now carry into every product I test and review.
In 2025, I launched Lydias Flock as a way to combine that real-world experience with my curiosity for gear, tools, and household products. Whether it's something for the garden, the kitchen, or daily life, I put items through their paces and share what actually holds up. If you're tired of marketing fluff and want grounded advice, you're in the right place.
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