Paints + Plasters + Pigments
What kind of coverage do I get with Unearthed natural paints? How does this compare to conventional paints?
Coverage will vary somewhat based on the type of Unearthed natural paint you use and the surface you paint. Typical coverage for each of our paint types are, per gallon, as follows:
Vega Italian Marble Paint: 250 square feet
Clay Paint: 216 square feet
These numbers are somewhat lower than the coverage claimed by most conventional paint manufacturers. Unearthed natural paints go on a bit thicker and are not watered down.
How many coats do I need to apply?
To achieve the best results, use two coats of most of our paints. In some cases, one coat of Clay Paint or Textured Clay Paint will be sufficient.
Do I need a primer? A thinner?
Use Unearthed Vega Primer if you are applying the paint or plaster to an unfinished, absorbent surface.
If you are applying paint/plaster to a wall that has already been painted, consider the current finish of the wall. If the surface is at all uneven, from patches or chipped paint, you will want to prime first. If the preexisting paint is a glossier finish, or one that an all natural paint will have a hard time binding to, you will also want to prime first.
You may find that you achieve a better consistency and easier application- depending on the surface, temperature, and method of application you use- by thinning the paints somewhat. All Unearthed paints can be thinned with water if you desire.
How do I apply Unearthed natural paints?
Applying Unearthed natural paints is easy (not much different than applying conventional paints), and can be done with the following tools, depending on the paint you select:
Clay Paint: Rollers, Brushes, Airless Spray Guns
Textured Clay Paint: Rollers, Brushes
Vega Italian Marble Paint: Rollers, Brushes Airless Spray Guns
For further information, see the product data sheet of the particular paint you are considering and also check out our Paint Application Tips. Please note that applying the paint with a brush may result in slightly visible brushstrokes. If you do not like this appearance, you may prefer to use a roller.
Do I need any special tools to mix Unearthed natural paints?
We recommend that you use a hand-held kitchen mixer or a paint stirrer attachment for an electric drill to mix water and pigments into powdered paints (Vega Paint, Clay Paint, and Textured Clay Paint) and to mix in the pigments into liquid paints (Lime Paint). You do not need any mixing tools if using white liquid paints.
What do you mean by calling your paints 100% VOC-free?
Paint manufacturers are allowed to call their paints “Zero-VOC” or “No-VOC” even if their paints contain as much as 5 grams of VOCs per liter of their un-tinted paint. Adding colorants to conventional “Zero-VOC” paints can further raise VOC levels. We call our paints 100% VOC-free because there are 0 grams of VOCs per liter of all Unearthed paints, which applies to all of the colors we sell.
Can Unearthed natural paints be used to paint fabric?
We do not recommend using our paints on fabric because they will likely crack due to the flexibility of the fabric.
Can I sleep in a room that was painted with Unearthed paints the same day?
Yes, it shouldn’t be a problem. Our paints have a very minimal odor that won’t bother most people, they are made with nontoxic ingredients and are 100% VOC-free.
Do Unearthed paints smell?
Unearthed paints have a very minimal, earthy smell that disappears as the paint dries.
Can I use Unearthed paints to paint over old conventional paint?
Yes, but we recommend that you do a test application. We have successfully applied the whole range of Unearthed natural paints over old conventional paints. However, there have been thousands of different paint formulas on the market over the years, with innumerable undisclosed chemical ingredients, so it is impossible for us to say with absolute certainty that our paint will bind to these surfaces. To ensure that the natural paint you selected will properly adhere to your old paint, do a small test area in an inconspicuous area before painting the whole room.
Do you offer color matching?
No. As a small company, we do not have the resources to offer color matching. We also use a tinting system (natural earth and mineral pigments- NOT synthetic colorants) than conventional paints, so it's not always possible to get an exact match. We are happy to offer you suggestions about colors and how to blend your own colors.
How much pigment do I mix in? At what ratios?
All pigments can be blended and added to any of our white products up to the maximum amount allowed in the specification sheets (10% for paints and 5% for plasters). Please see the chart below for specific amounts as it applies to your product.
I want to purchase the Textured Clay Paint but you don't have the color I want in stock. You do, however, have the color I want in the Clay Paint. Can I buy the natural white Textured Clay Paint and mix it with the desired color Clay Paint?
Yes. The Clay Paint and Textured Clay Paint are the same product, with the addition of marble sand in the Textured Clay Paint. Keep in mind when mixing that the color will dry lighter than if applied on it's own. Same goes for the texture.
Why is there so much variation in a paint's price depending on which color I choose?
The cost of your natural paint will vary depending on the color you select. This is because earth and mineral pigments vary significantly in cost, and it is impossible for us to completely average out these differences. In general, spinel and ultramarine colors will significantly add to the cost of your paint, especially if you choose the darkest shades. Light shades of ochers and umbers will only minimally raise the price beyond the cost of the white base paint.
The Clay Paint and Textured Clay Paint colors are derived from blended earth and mineral pigments, and we have averaged pigment costs to create uniform pricing for these products.
See our Guide To Earth and Mineral Pigments for more information about what makes our colors unique. Trust us, once you see the depth and radiance of natural paint colors, you'll see that they're worth every penny!