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Surface Preparation for Natural Paints and Coatings

It is important to note that our paints and coatings allow the wall to breathe and do not “block” the surface. Hence, surface spackle touch ups, joints and patch work, must be done with products that do not contain glues and solvents

Preparing your surface is a key step that cannot be neglected to obtain satisfactory results. Apply the products on a sound (no flaking or peeling) dry surface, free from dirt and dust.

 

Choosing the right product:

  • What is the surface to paint and what condition is it in?
  • What is the quantity of surface to paint?
Surface Preparation for Natural Paints and Coatings

 

Preparing your mixture:

  • Review the additional information on pigments here and ensure you review the paint's technical data sheet.
  • Properly mix the product with a hand or electric whisk before application. 
  • The product must have the right consistency. Paint that is too thick or too thin will be hard to work with. If the product feels too thick when applying, you may dilute the product with water, up to a maximum 20%, or according to the technical sheet of the product you are using.
  • Color your mixture: If you have ordered a tinted paint, all the pigments required for tinting will have been shipped with your order. Follow the steps in the Coloration Guide for adding the pigment to the paint mixture. 

Coloration Guide

 

Before you start:

  • Empty the room or gather all the furniture in the middle of the room
  • Protect your floor by using tarps, covers or cardboard
  • Use tape to cover base boards, window and door trims, electrical outlets, etc.  

  • Properly mix the product with a hand or electric whisk before application.  

While you paint:

Stay organized, work quickly and be methodical. Properly evaluate the application time required per room/wall: A wall that is started must be fully completed per coat!! To obtain a consistent appearance throughout the room, it is best if one person applies to all walls.

  • Remember to dilute your paint with a little water if you start noticing your paint is too thick or if your surface is very porous. Remember how much water you add, so you can repeat the same mixture if you require additional batches.
  • You may use a small paintbrush for edges and hard to reach corners but these  should be done progressively.  It is important to always keep a wet edge to avoid any lap marks.
  • While applying the paint, work in sections on a wall. The paint must not dry on the outer edges in order for it to be joined to the next section. If it does dry, the result is a "dry edge" that may create visible lines.
  • When brushing or rolling, work should be done from the dry surface back into the wet paint, working fast enough to keep a wet edge.
  • The best way to minimize lap marks in large areas is to feather out the paint along the edges. The thinner, feathered coat of paint avoids the buildup that causes lap marks. A crisscrossing paint application sharply reduces (if not eliminates) lap marks.
  • Refill your brush or roller often and do not "stretch out" the paint too much while applying.
  • The application of darker colors can be delicate; if you are satisfied with the result after one coat, stop there!
  • To achieve additional nuances/ shades, you can dilute the second coat of paint with a little more water than the first. It will create a 2 tone "cloud" effect. You can also not apply paint everywhere on the second coat.
  • Remember to mix your paint mixture regularly during application.

Once you are done:

  • Properly ventilate the room to ensure uniform drying.
  • Once you are fully done painting all your coats, remove the tape quickly to avoid damaging the surfaces under the tape.
  • Wait until the wall is fully dry before assessing the result. The color will pale as it dries.

Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us

We offer the above information and recommendations for information purposes and in good faith. Result cannot be guarantied as quality, surfaces and application are out of our control.