What is FolkArt® paint and how does it dry?

FolkArt paint is an acrylic based paint system that has a flat finish and dries within minutes of application.

On what surfaces can I use FolkArt paint?  Do I need to prepare the surface?

·         Canvas:  Use gesso-primed canvases or apply gesso to unprimed canvases.

·         Wood:  Sand and seal before painting.

·         Tin or Metal:  Wash to remove dirt and wipe with alcohol to remove oil.

·         Paper Maché:  No preparation needed.

·         Glass or Ceramics: FolkArt® paint is not recommended on either of these surfaces.

Can FolkArt colors be mixed to create new colors?

Yes, even though there is a very large line of colors to choose from, FolkArt paints mix easily to create any color you desire.

How do I clean FolkArt paint out of my brushes and off of surface areas?

FolkArt can be cleaned up using soap and warm water.  It is better to clean up FolkArt paints while they are wet, but dried paint can be cleaned up easily as well.

Can I use FolkArt paint on plaster?

Yes, you can use FolkArt paint on plaster. However, because plaster is very porous and sometimes dusty, you should to first seal the piece with a clear acrylic matte spray sealer. 

How resistant to fading are FolkArt Acrylic Colors and FolkArt Artists' Pigments™?

Paints are rated on a light-fastness scale that runs from 1 to 5.

1=Excellent

2=Very good

3=Good

4=Fair

5=Poor

All of the FolkArt Acrylic Colors and FolkArt Artists' Pigments are rated Excellent or Very Good (1 or 2). These paints are made from some of the purest pigments available, which results in its superior quality.

What is the difference between FolkArt and Apple Barrel paint?

FolkArt paint is a high quality pre-mixed acrylic paint. FolkArt is a favorite of decorative painters, but can also be used for other projects, such as painting furniture.

Apple Barrel is an all-purpose acrylic craft paint. It works great on craft projects using Styrofoam, wood, paper, etc.

My acrylic paint has clumps and strings in it! What should I do?

Strings and clumps occur when the top layer of paint starts to dry. Air gets trapped in the top part of the bottle and forms a skin. When you go to use it, it gets mixed back into the other liquid and causes clogs.  Sometimes you might be able to remove the clumps if they haven't been mixed in with the rest of the paint. 

If the paint looks like chunks of rubber bands, it has frozen and thawed too many times.  At this point, it is unusable.

What is the difference between the AP symbol and CL symbol on the paint labels?

All of Plaid’s paints go through rigorous toxicological testing for safety.  AP stands for non-toxic paint and CL stands for paint that has to be handled with more care due to possible health issues.  CL paints need to be used by adults and can be used in a very safe manner if the directions on the bottle are followed.

Do FolkArt Acrylic Colors or Apple Barrel® colors contain latex?

In recent years, press accounts have reported instances of severe reactions to natural rubber latex. Natural rubber latex refers to a group of materials derived from the sap or rosin of rubber trees. One common use of natural rubber latex is in the manufacture of rubber gloves.

Plaid does not use any natural rubber latex in any of its current paint products. Plaid’s paint products use acrylic latex materials that are synthetic.  Any individual who has experienced a reaction to natural rubber latex should consult with his or her physician prior to using products of synthetic acrylic latex.