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FolkArt Sign Shop FAQ

No, once fully dry, the paint has a no-smudge beautiful chalk effect.  As a matter of fact, if the message or design were sealed with a spray clear acrylic sealer, it would no longer be erasable and the surface could no longer be reused.  However, if the project is to be a permanent, non-changeable sign, then yes, of course, the surface can be lightly spray sealed with a clear acrylic sealer to seal and protect the design.

Yes, FolkArt Sign Shop Stencil Paste will mix well within the colors of each variety set.  Simply squeeze out a small amount of each color to be mixed. Begin by adding a small amount of the darker color into the lighter color, then continue adding small amounts of the darker color, a little at a time, until the desired color or value is achieved. It is recommended to use a palette knife to mix two or more colors when creating a custom color. 

No, FolkArt Sign Shop Multi-Surface Chalkboard Paint should not be mixed with water, mediums or other acrylic paints.  Mixing will destroy the properties that make this paint work as a chalkboard surface.

Yes, simply coat the inside of the pot with a brush-on varnish or sealer to prevent water from seeping through the terra cotta which could possibly blister the chalkboard paint.

If using a textured surface, it is possible that a raised textured surface area will prevent a FolkArt Sign Shop Mesh Stencil from making flat contact with the surface.  Therefore, there is more chance for a paint bleed or possible distortion the design.  It is advisable to select smooth surfaces when designing with FolkArt Sign Shop Mesh Stencils.

The beauty of painting with FolkArt Sign Shop Stencil Paste is that a surface does not require massive preparation work.  The Stencil Paste can be applied to both basecoated or non-basecoated surfaces.  However, when applying a base color, it is best to prepare the sign making surface using FolkArt Acrylics or FolkArt Multi-Surface Acrylics.

Do not seal the chalkboard surface.  FolkArt Sign Shop Multi-Surface Chalkboard Paint will not work as a chalkboard surface once a sealer has been applied.

No, it is not necessary to shake or stir the tube of FolkArt Sign Shop Stencil Paste as this paint is manufactured as a thick consistency, creamy paint that will not separate.  

No, it does not matter if the FolkArt Sign Shop Multi-Surface Chalkboard Paint is applied with the grain.  However, each layer or application of paint should be applied in the same direction for a smooth, even surface.

FolkArt Sign Shop Stencil Paste should be immediately cleaned from Applicator Tools and Mesh Stencils while still wet, after each use.  Use soap and water and then rinse well.  Blot to dry.  Replace the FolkArt Sign Shop Mesh Stencil back onto its own backing sheet for safe storage until its next creative use.

To clean a FolkArt Sign Shop Multi-Surface Chalkboard painted surface, use a soft cloth dampened with water and lightly wipe to remove excess chalk designs. 

FolkArt Sign Shop Erasable Liquid Chalk is easy to remove.  Simply dampen a sponge or paper towel and wipe the paint away.  Then use a dry paper towel to completely remove the paint from the surface.  Once completely dry, always re-condition the chalkboard surface before creating a new design using FolkArt Sign Shop Erasable Liquid Chalk.

When using a FolkArt Sign Shop Mesh Stencil on most surfaces, FolkArt Sign Shop Stencil Paste dries to the touch within an hour.  Note: a few variables such as the project surface and how it was prepared, paint application and how thick the Stencil Paste was applied, also the humidity and air flow will determine the total dry time.  

Just one coat of FolkArt Sign Shop Erasable Liquid Chalk is needed to create an erasable chalked message.

A soft bristle brush, roller or sponge applicator is the best way to apply FolkArt Sign Shop Multi-Surface Chalkboard Paint to the surface of choice.

Yes, FolkArt Sign Shop Erasable Liquid Chalk is durable and will “stay” on the surface without smudging until the design is removed.

Although, FolkArt Sign Shop Multi-Surface Chalkboard Paint can be used on surfaces that are suitable for outdoor use, as long as they are protected from the elements, FolkArt Sign Shop Erasable Liquid Chalk is not.  Once moisture or water attacks the Erasable Chalk surface, the message or design will wash away.

Yes, FolkArt Sign Shop Multi-Surface Chalkboard Paint dries to a tough finish.

FolkArt Sign Shop Multi-Surface Chalkboard Paint uses the same durable pigments as FolkArt Acrylic Paints; however, direct sunlight will dilute the color over a span of a couple years.

Yes, FolkArt Sign Shop Multi-Surface Chalkboard Paint is permanent on any surface.  Be careful not to spil onto clothing, rugs, flooring, etc.  Immediately, clean up while wet with soap and water.

FolkArt Sign Shop Multi-Surface Chalkboard Paint can be used on surfaces that are suitable for outdoor use as long as these surfaces are protected from the elements.

It is best to apply several thin coats of paint, allowing the paint to dry between coats.  And if working on a wood surface where the paint will raise the woodgrain, it is best to sand lightly between coats.

The surface should be “conditioned” before use.  To condition the surface, wait 24 hours (recommended cure time) after the last coat of chalkboard paint.  Lay a piece of chalk on its side and rub the painted surface from side to side covering the entire chalkboard painted surface.  Lightly dampen a paper towel with water and wipe the surface to remove chalk dust. 

FolkArt Sign Shop Multi-Surface Chalkboard Paint can be applied to most porous surfaces, such as:  wood, terra cotta, papier maché, artist canvas, and even metal and glassware. 

FolkArt Sign Shop Stencil Paste can be applied to many different types of surfaces such as wood, terra cotta, metal/tin, canvas, paper mache and plaster.  It can also be applied to ceramic and/or glass surfaces for decorative purposes only as the paint is not dishwasher safe. 

FolkArt Sign Shop Stencil Paste is the best paint to use when decorating a surface using a FolkArt Sign Shop Mesh Stencil and any FolkArt Sign Shop Applicator Tool.  FolkArt Sign Shop Stencil Paste is a versatile, creamy, thick consistency paste that is the perfect paint viscosity to use in combination with FolkArt Sign Shop Mesh Stencils.  Stencil Paste is formulated thick enough to set up on the Mesh Stencil, yet it will easily flow through the design areas effortlessly without bleeding or creating any run under paint blobs.  These paints are available in a variety of colors perfect for any home décor project.  They are also formulated non-toxic and are water-based, which makes clean up very easy from both the Applicator Tools and the Mesh Stencils with mild soap and water immediately after each use!

FolkArt Sign Shop Stencil Paste is the best paint to use when decorating a surface using a FolkArt Sign Shop Mesh Stencil.  FolkArt Sign Shop Stencil Paste is a versatile, creamy, thick consistency paint that is the perfect paint viscosity to use in combination with FolkArt Sign Shop Mesh Stencils.  Stencil Paste is formulated thick enough to set up on the mesh stencil, yet it will easily flow through the design areas effortlessly without bleeding or creating any run under paint blobs.  These paints are available in a variety of colors perfect for any home décor project.  They are also formulated non-toxic and are water-based, which makes clean up very easy with mild soap and water, immediately after each use!

Select a FolkArt Sign Shop Mesh Stencil, remove the backing sheet and then apply to the painted chalkboard surface smoothing it in place.  The adhesive backing on the Mesh Stencil will hold it in place.  Next, squeeze a small line of FolkArt Sign Shop Erasable Liquid Chalk along the top of the design area of the Mesh Stencil.  Using a FolkArt Sign Shop Applicator Tool, such as a Squeegee, Paste Brush or Silicone Spreader, pull the Erasable Liquid Chalk downwards over the design area.  Repeat stroking downward over the design until the entire area is covered with the Erasable Chalk.  Carefully, lift to reveal the painted chalk design.  Allow to dry.

When designing home décor projects, the first step is to design and place each section of the FolkArt Sign Shop Mesh Stencil where desired.  Remove the mesh stencil from the backing sheet.  Press in place with the adhesive side towards the smooth surface.  Next, apply a small amount of FolkArt Sign Shop Stencil Paste onto the Mesh Stencil.  Using a FolkArt Sign Shop applicator tool of choice, (Squeegee, or Stencil Paste Brush, or a Silicone Spreader), at a 45-degree angle to the surface, gently pull the paste across the Mesh Stencil until the entire design area has been filled and the entire design has been painted.  Once covered, carefully lift the Mesh Stencil to reveal the gorgeous design transferred precisely with great detail.   

FolkArt Sign Shop Stencil Paste is non-toxic and water soluble.  Clean up is easily accomplished using soap and water to clean your Mesh Stencils and applicators.  It is best to immediately, after each use, rinse the FolkArt Sign Shop Mesh Stencils well under running water and then, if necessary, add a touch of a mild soap to thoroughly clean both the FolkArt Sign Shop Mesh Stencils and the application tools.

Use soap and water to clean your screens and applicators.  It is best to immediately after each use, rinse the FolkArt Sign Shop Mesh Stencils well under running water and then if necessary, add a touch of a mild soap to thoroughly clean both the FolkArt Sign Shop Mesh Stencils and the application tools.

The suggested dry time between coats is 1 hour and cure time is 24 hours depending on humidity and air flow.

FolkArt Sign Shop Stencil Paste will dry to the touch within an hour; however, it will take 24 to 48 hours before it is fully cured to the surface.

FolkArt Sign Shop Multi-Surface Chalkboard Paint, FolkArt Sign Shop Erasable Liquid Chalk and FolkArt Sigh Shop Mesh Stencils … all in combination, can be used to create a wide variety of home décor signs perfect for any room in the home.  These products are also perfectly used to create a family calendar, chore board, a menu board, or even a family message center. 

FolkArt Sign Shop Erasable Liquid Chalk can be used perfectly in combination with any FolkArt Sign Shop Mesh Stencil.

Smooth, non-textured surfaces such as wood, metal/tin, papier mache, and canvas are perfect surfaces.  And note that surfaces can also be round or cylindrical too, because the Mesh Stencils are very flexible. 

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