Paint Application Tips

Not only are zero-VOC natural paints the healthiest, greenest paints on the market, they are also fun and easy to apply!  At the same time, we understand that this is a new way to paint for many people. Below you will find general guidelines to follow. For product specific instructions click on desired link:  

Clay Paint        Textured Clay Paint       MarmoPure Paint       Vega Primer

Using Color:

Pigments

We carry 24 different pigments to help you achieve the exact color you are looking for. All pigments can be blended and added to any of our white paints up to the maximum amount of 10% per volume.  A chart is provided below giving the exact amount of pigment needed to achieve the vibrant (A), medium (B), or subtle (C) shade you're looking for. 

Clay Paints

Our clay colors are made by blending earth and mineral pigments to create a range of harmonious designer colors.  You can also blend different Clay Paint colors together to make your own unique colors.  (Please note that the color Red cannot be mixed with any other color or white.) Unlike our pigments, clay colors are sold pre-blended with our Clay Paint. 

To see a color chart click here

Our Clay Paint color palette comes in vibrant (A), medium (B), and subtle (C) shades.  Here's what you need to make these shades: 

  • For Vibrant (A) Shades, you do not have to mix anything. Just purchase the desired color in the 2.3 kg/1 gallon sized bag and apply.
  • For Medium (B) Shades, use 2.3 kg/1 gallon of Clay Paint - White and three 230 g-1/10th gallon packages of tinted Clay Paint in desired color. (Makes 1.3 gallon.)
  • For Subtle (C) Shades, use 2.3 kg/1 gallon of Clay Paint - White and one 1/10 gallon of tinted Clay Paint in desired color. (Makes 1.1 gallon.)

*Please note that the best way to get an accurate color representation is to buy a sample size of the actual paint color you are considering and test it out on a small sample board.  

Mixing

We recommend first priming highly absorbent surfaces (such as new drywall) and surfaces with varying levels of absorbency with Vega Primer.

  • Start by pouring a partial amount of the recommended water into a bucket. Using a paint stirrer attachment for an electric drill, or a large enough handheld kitchen mixer, gradually mix in the paint and the rest of water. 
  • If using pigments, first thoroughly dissolve the pre-measured pigment packet in water.  Make sure that there are no clumps.  Pour the dissolved pigments into the liquid paint and stir thoroughly.   
  • If adding tinted clay paint to Clay Paint- White, slowly mix it in to the liquid paint and stir thoroughly.
  • Allow powdered paint to sit after mixing.  Unearthed powdered paints require a resting period after you mix them.  Please see product data sheet for specific times.  Stir again thoroughly after resting time.
  • Feel free to thin the paint by adding a little more water to achieve the desired consistency.  The amount of water we recommend that you add to our powdered paints is a good starting point.  Depending on the surface and the brushes or rollers you use, you may find that you achieve a better consistency by adding a bit more water.  Just be conservative, adding only a small amount at a time.

Painting

  • Make sure that the surface you paint is clean and free of dust. 
  • Always finish a whole wall at once.  Do not stop in the middle and allow the wall to dry before it is complete.  This may result in an uneven finish. 
  • A wall should be painted using only one batch of paint.  Minor variations in color may occur from gallon to gallon of natural paint. These variations will not be noticeable from wall to wall, but you should mix up enough paint so that you can finish one wall with the exact same mixed paint. 
  • Keep in mind that brushing on a paint may result in some texture (slightly visible brushstrokes).  Test a small, inconspicuous area to see if this is a look you like. Otherwise, use a roller for a smoother finish.  (*Exception: Tinted Lime Paints cannot be rolled on.)  
  • Apply the paint with a brush or roller using criss-cross strokes. 
  • Do not be surprised if the mixed liquid paint appears darker than the color you selected.  Unearthed natural paints become lighter as they dry.  If you are concerned about the color and would like to see exactly what it will look like before you apply, do a test surface and allow it to dry thoroughly.  (Note that the paint may appear blotchy and uneven as it is drying.)  

Drying

  • Use mixed paint promptly.  Please see your paint’s product data sheet to determine how soon after mixing you must use it.
  • Do not be alarmed when your paint appears blotchy as it dries.  This is normal for natural paints, and they will dry to a nice, uniform finish. 
  • Natural paints become stronger over time.  Try to treat your walls carefully in the days following application.  Unearthed paints will become increasingly durable over time, which means that they will be much tougher a week after application than a day, and will become even stronger over the years.  

 

Thoroughly read your paint's product description page found above before application, and don’t hesitate to contact us by phone or email if you need further assistance.  We want to make your experience with natural paint a great one!