Earles Interior Limewash

APPLICATION GUIDELINES

Before full application apply a test patch to ensure product compatibility and colour satisfaction.

GENERAL SURFACE PREPARATION
Newly lime rendered surfaces must be given sufficient time for the render to have fully dried and cured before application. We recommend 1-3 months. Check with the render manufacturer for accurate full drying times.

Extreme care should also be taken with surfaces that have been spot repaired.

The use of silicone or polymer based fillers, sealers or water proofers are generally impervious to water and are not compatible with Earles Natural Claypaint. All loose materials should be removed from the surface to be coated. The substrate must be free from dirt, grease and any other contaminants likely to impair adhesion.

It should be remembered that any repairs carried out (filling of holes, cracks etc.) are very likely to be of a different porosity to that of the rest of the substrate and therefore will offer a different absorption rate. This may lead to patchiness when the claypaint is applied.

DILUTION AND APPLICATION
It is recommended that the first coat is thinned with fresh clean water by up to 20%, especially on new surfaces. This will prevent porous surfaces drawing out moisture too quickly and avoid any issues such as mud cracking, poor adhesion and visible brush lines.

If at any point during application the brush feels as though it is snagging or is not brushing out smoothly we would recommend diluting the paint to ensure an even finish is achieved.

Apply and handle Natural Claypaint as you would a modern emulsion using a good quality brush making sure to brush out well and to not apply too thickly.

Existing painted surfaces, particularly silk emulsion, should be lightly abraded before application, this can be done using a stiff brush.

Apply only when temperatures are above 5°C, failure to observe minimum temperature will result in poor film formation and poor adhesion.

Surfaces should not be painted when the relative humidity is above 65%. A good test is to moisten the surfaces and if it dries within 10-15 minutes painting can begin. Immediately before use, thoroughly stir the paint and always replace the lid when not in use.

REPAINT AND TOUCH UP APPLICATION
There may be a time when walls and surfaces have been marked or damaged and a repaint may be required.

We strongly recommend applying a full single coat to the damaged wall or walls to achieve best results and to help avoid any visible variation in colour tones and finish.

OUR PAINTS ARE HAND CRAFTED
Although every batch of material is weighed to within 0.1g and tight specification and quality control guidelines are always observed, slight variations in colour and sheen may occur. Therefore it is recommend that where possible, paint from the same batch is used for any repair/touch up coat.

When a different batch is needed intermix paint with any remaining paint from the same batch used on the wall needing repair. This again will help to avoid any visible variation in colour tones and finish.

CLEANING
Surfaces can be gently cleaned with a damp cloth or sponge. Application tools & equipment should be cleaned with warm soapy water.

STORAGE
Protect from frost. Store upright between 5°C & 25°C. Always replace lid after use.

SHELF LIFE
Free from artificial chemicals and preservatives, Earles Natural Claypaint must be applied within 3 months of purchase.