using melange paints:
What are the differences between our three paint formulas?
Artisan Mineral Paint- This is our original paint line, and is the formula most similar to chalk style paint. It is zero-low VOC, comes in 91 colors, has an acrylic water-based formula, and easy soap/water clean-up. It will need to be sealed with a protective coat, as it has a porous, flat finish texture. Our customers love the ease of blending, coverage and self-leveling (no brushstrokes!) properties of this paint. It includes a primer; however when using over new/raw wood/previously stained wood, a stain blocking primer is recommended for tannin blockage. The Mineral formula comes in 32, 16, 8 and 1 oz sizes. See below for prep, application, coverage, and other info.
ONE Paint- This is our signature one step (primer, paint and topcoat) furniture paint. It is zero-low VOC, comes in all 95 colors, has an acrylic water-based formula and easy soap/water clean-up. It includes a primer; however, when painting new/raw/previously stained wood, a stain blocking primer is recommended for tannin blockage. ONE does not need to be sealed as it has the protective topcoat built right in; however, for high use areas such as dining tables, cabinetry etc., you may use additional primers and topcoats, as preferred to ensure coverage and durability. The finish of this paint has a lustrous sheen; you can really see and feel the protective finish. We recommend using our Rachel brush, and if needed, a continuous mister bottle with this paint line. It can be a bit of a learning curve to get a brushstroke free finish with this paint (as opposed to a chalk/mineral style) because of the added topcoat, but by using the right tools and with a little practice, you’ll be well on your way to perfecting the flawless finish that our customers love acheiving with the ONE line! The ONE formula comes in 32, 16, 8 and 1 oz sizes. We also offer select shades in ONE in gallon sizing. See below for prep, application, coverage, and other info.
Modern Cabinetry Enamel- This is our hybrid water-based urethane alkyd formula for cabinetry, doors and trim. It can also be used on furniture when a satin enamel sheen is desired. It is not low VOC, so please ensure adequate ventilation during use. It will cure to a rock-hard enamel finish, do not apply additional topcoat. Modern includes a primer, like our other formulas, but in the case of new/raw/previously stained wood, a stain blocking primer is recommended for tannin blocking. It comes in quarts and gallons. See below for prep, application, coverage, and other info.
Application:
Give the paint a good stir/shake and check to see if the viscosity is to your preference. Some of our mineral formula lighter colors can thicken in the jar; this can be easily corrected by adding a little filtered water to bring the paint to your preferred consistency. Always strain before using in a sprayer. Please note: we recommend that you test any product in a small/hidden area before use. Each project is different, depending on surfaces painted and products used. We recommend using our primers and topcoats where needed. If you use other brands for these products, please test first to ensure no reactions between products.
A natural bristle oval brush is perfect for using with our Artisan Mineral paints. Zibra brushes also pair very well with Mélange for a smooth, silky finish. Our Rachel Brush is the perfect brush to pair with ONE paint. Additionally, our paints can be diluted by 5% and used with a paint sprayer, as well as rolling on with a foam or microfiber roller. Most colors take 2-3 coats for full coverage with the notable exceptions of highly pigmented Bohemian Gold, Bikini Pink, Carbon Black, Tobacco Brown, and Palo Verde Green, which take 4-5 coats for full coverage. Bright whites such as Sonnet and Perfect can also take 4-5 coats depending on surface being painted and if primer is used. For using in a sprayer, you will want to go by the instructions included with your sprayer as they are all different and have varying requirements. There should be information included in the owner's manual about required viscosity and how to test for proper consistency. If no dilution rate are recommend by sprayer manufacturer, start with 5% dilution. After that, test and adjust; it comes down to a matter of environmental conditions, personal preference and technique. You will probably want to practice with a test board or piece to find what works for you. Always strain before using in a sprayer.
A thorough cleaning of your piece with a degreasing agent, followed by rinsing, and at least a light scuff sanding, then a good wipe down are recommended for best results. If using Melange Anvil Furniture Cleaner there is no need to rinse.
Our paints are self priming; additional primer is not needed in most applications unless you are painting over an extremely slick surface (for this, sand well and use an adhesion/bonding primer) or painting over a surface with staining or potential bleed through such as raw wood (use a stain-blocking primer for this.) We recommend pairing our primers with our paints. If using other brands, test for compatibility.
Re-coating:
for Mineral line: allow 2 hours in 72° or above weather, with 50% or less humidity. For cooler temps, allow more time for drying between coats.
For ONE line: allow 2-4 hours before recoat at temps of 50° or above. For cooler temps, allow more time for drying between coats.
If it is very cool or damp, the paints can take longer (up to 24 hours) to fully dry before the next coat. To prevent this, paint in a climatized area.
After applying all coats, lightly sand Mineral Line if desired with a fine grit (220+) to remove any remaining brush strokes. Our paint is self leveling, but some brushstrokes may still remain. A light sanding before sealing will give you a buttery finish after top-coating. ONE paint does not require sanding or sealing.
Coverage:
Quart (32 oz): Approx 150 square feet.
Pint (16 oz): Aprox 75 square feet.
Half-Pint (8 oz): Approx 35 square feet.
Sample (1 oz): Approx 2 square feet.
Top Coating:
Our ONE paint does not require sealing as it has topcoat built in for a lustrous finish. You can add additional protection by top coating with wax, poly, etc. if desired for high use pieces such as tabletops and cabinetry.
Our Artisan Mineral Paint does require a topcoat. It works beautifully with any wax, hemp oil finish, varnish or poly. Oil and wax finishes will require reapplications over time. If using a poly finish over a light color, use a water based product to avoid yellowing. If using poly over a dark color, tint the poly with a bit of the paint color used on the project to avoid fogging or streaking.
Storing:
Keep the paint from freezing temperatures (do not store outside or in non-climatized areas as paints do not have an anti-freezing agent added). Wipe rim clean, and tightly screw lid back on after use. Opened paint will store for approx. 1 year, unopened paint can store indefinitely. Do not add unfiltered water directly to jar, decant into different container and dilute with filtered water.
Cure Times:
20-30 days for all paints.
Brush Care:
To clean brushes after using any of our paints, use a good quality brush cleaner like our Brush Shampoo. Keep brushes facing downward while cleaning and rinsing so they do not collect water in the metal ferrule. Place with bristles pointing downward to dry. If the brush has some dried paint in the bristles, you may use a Brush Comb to help clean it. In between coats, store brushes in a tightly sealed plastic bag in refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Clean Up:
All of our paints and products are soap and water clean up. Note: do not use Dawn dish soap to clean Stain Blocking Primer from brushes. To remove paint (wet or dry) from surfaces it may have accidentally gotten onto, use soap and water clean up and gentle blotting and/or scraping depending on the surface type and age of spill.