Paint Instructions:
With Aspire all you need to do is make sure it is clean and dust free. Always clean off any mildew and loose or scaling paint. If your piece has a glossy surface no problem, Aspire will paint that!! It’s important to keep in mind that some old pieces and certain surfaces, such as mahogany, pine and stained surfaces, may bleed and should be primed with a stain blocking primer first. You can test this by trying the paint on a small section first.
Aspire clay/chalk/mineral paint is the real deal. It comes thick and is not pre-diluted. This is awesome value for you! We Recommend adding some bottled water to the paint before you use for the first time which makes the consistency even creamier, easier to apply and also creates more paint for you to use! you do not need to store the can upside down or worry about pigments sinking to bottom of the can. You do not need an expensive brush to have amazing results with Aspire!
Once your paint has been set up for success, you are ready to paint! open the lid, dip in your brush and start applying in thin even strokes any way you want to!! you do not want to paint the same way each time. this will create thick brush marks you may not want. Example: First coat paint left to right and second coat paint up and down. if a third coat is needed paint corner to corner! You paint your way! Each coat of paint takes approx. 1.5 hours to dry. Make sure the coat is dry before applying your next coat. No sanding is needed between coats unless you feel you have applied the Paint too thick.
If you do want to distress your piece and create that aged look, you can use a wet, lint-free cloth as this is one way to get a beautiful shabby chic look. Just soak your cloth in water and start rubbing the paint off gently. The most Common way to add shabby chic or distressing is with sanding. We recommend a fine to medium sanding block. Spend more time in areas you want the paint to be removed and less time where you want the paint to stay!
If you do not want any distressing, we recommend using a fine sanding block and lightly sand the entire piece. Do not sand the edges and these will distress first and easily. avoid corners and concentrate on the flat surfaces.
Once you have finished sanding, clean your entire piece so it is free of the dust created from sanding. We like to use the soft end attachment on a vacuum cleaner. This is where you decide what to seal your piece with,. For pieces with light to no traffic clear wax is the right choice for you. it is the most matte and creates a protected surface. Remember wax does evaporate from time and cleaning, you will have to re-wax every 6-12 months. For pieces with high traffic such as chairs, end tables, Topcoat or final finish is recommended. For dining tables or Kitchen cabinets, Final finish is the most durable option for your project.
All of our retailers are experienced and ready to help with your projects. Please feel free to call or stop in any time, we would LOVE to help you!
We are not afraid to share what we make our paint with! Water, Clay, Porcelain Clay, Chalk, Alcohol Ester (as a binder), Cellulose, Pigment, Preservative.
Clear Wax Instructions:
Aspire's wax is a care product that creates a dirt and dust resistant, anti-static seal to help keep surfaces protected and cleaner longer. Use for care and maintenance of furniture, floors and other interior architectural surfaces.
The surface to be waxed must be dry, clean, and free of contaminants. If using Aspire wax on latex or acrylic based paints they must be completely cured before applying this wax. Surfaces must be clean, free of grease, absorbent and dry. Apply in a thin and even manner with any brush or a lint-free cloth. After four hours, buff surfaces with a dry, lint-free cloth, or use a machine buffer. If needed, apply an additional coat, allow to dry and buff. An additional buffing can take place within two to four days after the initial buffing and will increase the durability of the surface.
Coverage: Approximately 150 to 200 square feet per 0.40 liter. On previously waxed and over very smooth surfaces the coverage may be higher.
Drying Time: 12-24 hours between coats, depending on climate, temperature and humidity. Product is fully cured after two to three weeks.
Storage: Unused contents should be kept in a well-sealed container in a cool, dry place. Do not store near heat or open flame. Dispose of excess by drying the contents out and in accordance with local, state and federal ordinances.
Ingredients: beeswax, linseed oil, orange peel oil, isoaliphatics, carnauba wax, larch resin, essential oils, and lead-free dryers (zircon and cobalt octoat)., Eco-Friendly Soft smooth great smelling natural wax!
Topcoat
Make sure your painted surface has been sanded, distressed if desired and cleaned prior to sealing. Stir before use. Apply with a brush or sponge. Best applied at temperatures between 50-70 degrees F (10-20o C) and normal moisture conditions in order to ensure proper curing of the paint. A minimum of 3 coats is recommended on surfaces with low traffic, more coats on higher traffic areas or use Aspire Final Finish.
Clear Glaze:
Take 1 Part of your favorite color paint and mix with 4 parts Aspire Clear Glaze to create your own custom color.
Ready to use colored Glaze
1 part water can also be added to make the wiping off easier. Ensure your piece to be glazed has already been sealed with a clear finish. Apply glaze with a brush and immediately wipe away with a clean lint free cloth where you would like less glaze and leave where you want more glaze rotating the cloth around so you are consistently using clean areas of the cloth.
IMPORTANT: Allow each coat to dry 1-2 hours before the next coat is applied.
Cleanup & Storage: Clean brushes, rollers and trays with warm water before the glaze dries. Unused contents should be kept in a sealed container in a cool, dry place. Do not freeze.
Ingredients: Cellulose, Alcohol Ester, Silica, Carnauba Wax, Clay, Water, and Preservative. Zero VOC
Final Finish Instructions:
Final Finish is a Clear, transparent, water-based finish for interior floors and furniture. Use on absorbent surfaces made of wood, cork, stone, brick that have been Painted with any Paint. This product also may be used on sanded concrete surfaces. Final Finish is also well-suited for doors, work surfaces, tables, stairs, and other furniture as well. Final Finish has Excellent flow, high water resistance, high strength, and durability. Satin sheen, transparent.
Surface Preparation: Surface must be clean, dry, free of grease, and absorbent. Before applying the first coat, all surfaces must be sanded and cleaned.
Application: Apply Aspire Final Finish at a room temperature above 15 degrees C (59 degrees F). Stir product well before use. (Extreme agitation such as heavy shaking or mixing by machine may cause surface bubbles, and should be avoided.) Apply one priming coat by brush or applicator. Allow to dry. Light sanding between coats (#220-320) is optional for best results. After the first priming coat apply two additional thin and even coats, allow to dry between each coat.
Coverage: 70-80 square feet per Pint, depending on thickness of coat.
Drying Time: Depending on temperature, humidity, and surface, Final Finish needs to dry 1-3 hours between coats. The product will cure over a period of approximately one week to reach the final hardness.
Ingredients: Dispersion of Polyurethane in Water, Alcohol, Micro Wax, Silicid Acid, Silicone, Anti-skinning Agent. Product contains less than 115 Grams of VOC per liter.(this is the only Aspire product with very low Voc's)