SHERWIN WILLIAMS Finish 1 Ultimate Overall Clearcoat - High Gloss

In this review of SHERWIN WILLIAMS Finish 1 Ultimate Overall Clearcoat the bottom line is simple: this is a high-solids urethane clearcoat best for automotive technicians and serious DIYers who want a professional-looking, durable topcoat. It delivers excellent gloss and depth of image (DOI) with a smooth, level laydown that makes blending and buffing straightforward. The 41 mix ratio and compatibility with both air dry and force dry curing mean it fits into shop workflows, and customers consistently praise the shine and long-term durability in tough environments.

Key Features

• High solids urethane: Provides a thicker film build for improved gloss and long-term protection compared with lower-solids clears.
• Works in air or force dry: Offers flexibility to cure at ambient temperatures or in a bake cycle depending on shop setup.
• Excellent gloss and DOI: Produces a lustrous finish that customers describe as professional and showroom quality.
• Blending and buffing properties: Levels smoothly and buffs quickly, allowing technicians to achieve uniform transitions and a glass-like polish.
• 41 mix ratio: Simple, repeatable proportioning that fits standard spray processes and reduces mixing guesswork.
• Durable performance: Holds up well over time in sun-exposed climates, giving sustained clarity and resistance to wear.

Who It's For

This clearcoat is aimed at professional collision shops and experienced DIYers who need a high-performance finish for overall repairs and spot blending. Its forgiving leveling and strong buffing response make it a good choice when final appearance matters, and the fast buffing properties suit busy shops that need a quick turnaround.

Those with only occasional, small hobby projects or who require waterborne systems for regulatory reasons should look elsewhere; this product is an acrylic high-solids urethane designed for conventional solvent workflows and force or air dry processes.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Delivers a deep, lustrous shine that many users call professional-quality.
• Excellent leveling and buffing characteristics reduce time spent on final polishing.
• Flexible cure options work in both air dry and force dry environments.
• High solids formula gives durable film build and long-term performance.

Cons

• Solvent-based urethane may not suit users who require waterborne or low-VOC systems.
• Requires correct mixing at the 41 mix ratio and use of the specified hardener for best results.

Specifications

Product	Finish 1 Ultimate Overall Clearcoat
Brand	SHERWIN WILLIAMS
Type	High solids urethane clearcoat (acrylic)
Use	Overall repairs, blending, force or air dry applications
Mix ratio	41 mix ratio with hardener
Included hardener	Hardener Slow - FH613 (sold/paired)

Our Verdict

Finish 1 Ultimate Overall Clearcoat is a smart pick for professionals and skilled DIYers who need a high-gloss, durable finish that blends and buffs with minimal effort. Its high-solids formula and flexible cure options deliver long-lasting results and good value for shops that require reliable appearance and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this clearcoat be force dried?
Yes, it is formulated for use in both air dry and force dry environments for flexible shop workflows.

What mix ratio is required?
The clearcoat uses a 41 mix ratio and is paired with the specified hardener for correct curing.

Is it suitable for buffing and blending?
Yes, customers report excellent blending and fast buffing results, with a high gloss and glass-like finish after polishing.