FAQs about this item
Can FolkArt Flash Iridescent Topcoat be mixed with other paint products?
No, direct mixing of FolkArt Flash Iridescent Topcoat with other paint products will compromise the color, finish and ability to shift colors. However, you can create a sheen story by layering a matte acrylic paint over sections of Flash Iridescent Topcoat, or by applying the topcoat over sections of the surface rather than creating an overall finish.
Can I use water to thin FolkArt Flash Iridescent Topcoat?
Although FolkArt Flash Iridescent Topcoat is water-based, the use of water to thin the topcoat is not recommended as it will reduce the adhesion properties as well as disperse the optically variable pigments of the topcoat.
Can I wash glassware that has been coated with FolkArt Flash Iridescent Topcoat and is cured?
Yes, painted glassware can be safely washed by hand and is top shelf dishwasher safe without chipping, cracking or fading. Do not soak in water.
Does FolkArt Flash Iridescent Topcoat hold up well on outdoor surfaces?
Absolutely. FolkArt Flash Iridescent Topcoat is formulated so that it can be used on interior surfaces as well as on surfaces that are outdoor worthy. By the nature of the acrylic polymers used to make FolkArt Flash Iridescent Topcoat, it is weather resistant. When cured to the surface, (approximately 48 hours), it is self-sealing. Once cured to the project surface, it is water and fade resistant under normal conditions.
How long does it take FolkArt Flash Iridescent Topcoat to dry?
FolkArt Flash Iridescent Topcoat will dry to the touch very quickly, when painted on most surfaces, however, it will take approximately 48 hours before it is cured to surfaces other than glassware or ceramics.
How should I clean up my painting tools when working with FolkArt Flash Iridescent Topcoat?
FolkArt Flash Iridescent Topcoat because it is non-toxic and water-based, is easy to clean out of painting tools immediately after use, while wet, with soap and water.
How should I prepare surfaces before painting with FolkArt Flash Iridescent Topcoat?
FolkArt Flash Iridescent Topcoat does not require a lot of surface prep. The main concern is to have the surface thoroughly cleaned, and basecoated with FolkArt Acrylics well, prior to applying the topcoat.
- Wood – Sand smooth any rough areas, apply a basecoat of acrylic paint; allow to dry. Lightly sand smooth and reapply the base color. Allow to dry.
- Terra Cotta – Wipe to remove dust. If the terra cotta has been previously used, be sure to thoroughly clean in warm soapy water to remove all dirt deposits and allow to dry completely. If the terra cotta flower pot will be used with live plants, seal interior prior to planting so water does not seep through possibly blistering exterior paint. Apply a basecoat of acrylic paint.
- Metal and Tinware– Metal that has been enameled or sealed should be washed in warm soapy water, dried and then wiped with rubbing alcohol to remove remaining grease or soap residue. Allow to dry and then apply the desired basecoat.
- Canvas – No prep required prior to painting the basecoat on canvas.
- Rigid Plastic – Wash the surface well in warm soapy water, rinse and thoroughly dry. Wipe over surface with rubbing alcohol prior to painting on rigid plastic to remove remaining grease or soap residue. Then apply desired basecoat color.
- Papier Mache – Wipe over surface with dry paper towel to remove dust and then basecoat.
- Glass and Ceramics – Wash surface well in warm soapy water, rinse and allow to dry thoroughly. Wipe over surface with rubbing alcohol to remove remaining soap or grease residue. Paint desired basecoat of color or use directly on glass.
- Bisque or Unglazed Ceramics – Wipe to remove dust or loose dirt. Basecoat acrylic color of choice.
Is it necessary to bake-to-cure FolkArt Flash Iridescent Topcoat when painted on glassware?
Yes, FolkArt Flash Iridescent Topcoat, when applied to glassware, should be baked-to-cure the paint to the glass making it permanent and washable. See
how to cure painted glass projects to learn more.
Is it necessary to seal or varnish FolkArt Flash Iridescent Topcoat?
No it is not necessary to seal or varnish FolkArt Flash Iridescent Topcoat, as it is self-sealing, and was developed to be used as a topcoat or top finish alone.
On what surfaces can I use FolkArt Flash Iridescent Topcoat?
FolkArt Flash Iridescent Topcoat can be applied to most paintable craft surfaces such as wood, terra cotta, stretched canvas, rigid plastic, papier mache, metal, bisque ware or unglazed ceramics, glass and ceramics. However, the color shifting properties of this amazing topcoat appear best when applied onto a smooth, basecoated 3-dimensional surface that will reflect light. Keep in mind that FolkArt Flash Iridescent Topcoat was developed to be used as a topcoat and not a paint.
What is the best color to use as a basecoat before applying FolkArt Flash Iridescent Topcoat?
FolkArt Flash Iridescent Topcoat can be applied over many different colors as well as a variety of different color values. For the most vivid color effects, apply FolkArt Flash Iridescent Topcoat over a dark color base.
What is the best way to apply FolkArt Flash Iridescent Topcoat?
FolkArt Flash Iridescent Topcoat can be brushed directly onto most basecoated craft surfaces. However, it can also be applied on sealed surfaces without a base of color such as glassware or glazed ceramics.
Will I immediately see the color shifting properties upon application of FolkArt Flash Iridescent Topcoat?
FolkArt Flash Iridescent Topcoat, when applied to a surface, will appear milky white while it is wet. As it dries, the color shifting properties will become apparent.
Related FAQs
After creating a stripe or shape using FolkArt Frost Effect, can I either paint or stencil on top of the etched area?
Yes, etched areas can be embellished with painted FolkArt Acrylic designs.
Can FolkArt Flash Iridescent Topcoat be mixed with other paint products?
No, direct mixing of FolkArt Flash Iridescent Topcoat with other paint products will compromise the color, finish and ability to shift colors. However, you can create a sheen story by layering a matte acrylic paint over sections of Flash Iridescent Topcoat, or by applying the topcoat over sections of the surface rather than creating an overall finish.
Can FolkArt Gesso be used to add texture to a project surface?
Because FolkArt Gesso is created as a medium body product, it can be used to create slight textures to a project surface using a variety of texture tools.
Can FolkArt Pouring Medium be used with FolkArt Pouring Paints?
No, direct mixing of FolkArt Pouring Medium with FolkArt Pouring Paint is not necessary as FolkArt Pouring Paints are already premixed with the necessary amount of Pouring Medium and no mixing is required. NOTE: FolkArt Pouring Paint (paint that does not need to be mixed with Pouring Medium) can, however, be used as one of the desired colors when creating a fluid art project along with FolkArt Acrylic Paints (that do need to be mixed with Pouring Medium.)
Before squeezing FolkArt Frost Effect onto a palette, should I shake the bottle?
FolkArt Frost Effect should be thoroughly mixed before using, however, do NOT shake the bottle. It is best to “roll” the bottle on a tabletop to thoroughly mix.