FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
PRODUCT
Bottom line, Alkemis Paint is the outstanding option for healthy, earth-friendly, high-performing interior paint without toxic ingredients. Alkemis is best-in-class from a health, environmental and durability standpoint.
Alkemis eschews the environmentally harmful synthetics and toxic pollutants typical of many modern paint brands. Our products contain no VOC's, odor, solvents, plasticizers/phthalates, preservatives, fungicides, biocides, alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs), hazardous organic pollutants (HAPs) or synthetic pigments.
We stand by our product with a 20-year warranty that it is free from defects in workmanship (pending the product is applied according to paint specifications and label instructions).
Alkemis Paint has been awarded Cradle to Cradle Certification by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, and is one of the only paints in North America to have received this distinction. Cradle to Cradle Certified® is the world’s most advanced, global, science-based standard for designing and making products today that enable a healthy, equitable and sustainable tomorrow... a pathway for setting sustainability ambitions and transforming circular economy commitments into action.
Unlike other certifications, which tend to focus on a singular measure of sustainability, Cradle to Cradle Certified® assesses all aspects of product design and manufacturing by evaluating a product’s performance across five categories:
- Material Health
- Product Circularity
- Clean Air and Climate Protection
- Social Fairness
- Water and Soil Stewardship.
Our mineral paint is naturally eco-friendly, as it is made from sustainable raw materials, clear quartz and earthen, artist-quality pigments with functional wellness benefits. The product is always zero VOC, and emits no odor or toxic chemicals, making it safe for all living beings.
Traditional architectural may paints contain toxic pigments, hazardous organic pollutants (HAPs), biocides, petrochemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs), plasticizers/phthalates, preservatives, solvents and more, which contribute to both short and long-term health problems including respiratory issues, damage to the nervous system and organs, endocrine disruption, birth defects and disease. Detrimental aspects of the existing paint industry include harmful production practices, dependency on petroleum products, negative environmental and health impacts, plus an end product that is difficult to dispose of, recycle and store.
Alkemis Paint is as indestructible as stone and in most cases, will typically give 20+ years of satisfactory performance before repainting is necessary (far exceeding the life cycle of traditional latex or acrylic paints).
Because our ingredients come from the earth and can go back to the earth, Alkemis Paint offers an improved and alternative architectural paint that is healthier for our bodies and the environment.
Because we do not use any synthetic and harmful glosses, varnishes, plasticizers, oil-based binders or volatile solvents, our paint retains a strikingly beautiful matte velvet—yet concurrently luminous—finish with high light reflectance value.
The surface luster or shine of conventional paint is created by the ratio of pigment to the resinous binder, and typically in the world of paint, more sheen equals more plastic/alkyds.
Our matte velvet finish is reminiscent of artist's chalk (highly regarded as a prized drawing material from the 15th century on), or the earthen minerals, rocks and crystals from which it is made.
Absolutely! As one of the only Cradle to Cradle Certified® paints in North America, Alkemis is thoughtfully and ethically produced to help customers like you and your family breathe easier and live more harmoniously.
Alkemis Paint eschews the environmentally harmful synthetics and toxic pollutants typical of many modern paint brands. Our products contain no VOC's, odor, solvents, plasticizers, preservatives, fungicides, biocides or synthetic pigments, nor do they ever off-gas, making it an exceptionally safe choice for all living beings.
In addition, Alkemis is completely non-flammable & non-combustible (Class A ASTM E 84 fire rating) and mold, algae and fungi resistant.
Always and forever!
We are currently developing our all-natural non-toxic exterior paint line, as well as our all-natural artisan lime wash line, and plan to launch in the not-too-distant future. Please sign up here to receive news.
Our retail prices are comparable and on par with other premium interior paint brands. Our product is superior in quality to lower-cost paint brands for the following reasons:
- We are one of the only paint companies in North America that is Cradle to Cradle Certified®, assuring you that our product meets the strictest global standards for material health, product circularity, clean air and climate protection, water and soil stewardship, and social fairness.
- The perceived money saving from using cheaper materials at the beginning of a project can lead to much more expensive consequences in the long term, whereas choosing Alkemis Paint from the onset is the more practical, more affordable, cost-effective and environmentally-friendly solution overall.
- Around 80% of costs are ultimately incurred during use for maintenance and repairs. Therefore, the selection of initial building materials should be based on value, quality, stability, sustainability and performance over the entire service life of a building.
- In most cases, Alkemis Paint will typically give 20+ years of satisfactory performance before repainting is necessary (far exceeding the life cycle of traditional latex or acrylic paints). Consequently, it is conspicuously efficient economically, with long renovation intervals and long-term savings, so maintenance costs are minimized due to long-lasting functionality and appearance.
We source our sustainable ingredients and raw materials from a 350-mile radius in Europe, and manufacture the product right here in the USA.
Approximately 12 months in a tightly closed container under cool, frost-free conditions. Please protect the paint from heat, direct sunlight and freezing.
COLORS & SAMPLES
Yes! We have a very sexy 2x6 in. fan deck featuring all 119 unique colors from our Premium Interior Mineral Paint core collection.
We have beautiful 8x11 in. sample swatches available, which work great to tape on the wall in order to envision your color choice (we recommend using blue painter's tape). We also offer 1-quart cans in the full range of 119 colors, if you'd like to physically test the paint on your wall.
Absolutely! We would be thrilled to help you choose an existing color from the Alkemis palette, or even a custom color. Please contact us and our color specialists will work with you to find or develop your dream paint color.
APPLICATION & INSTRUCTIONS
Please note: although Alkemis Paint is easy to apply and requires no special equipment or training, it is fundamentally different than latex/acrylic paints.
To set you (or your painting contractor) up for best success and optimum long-term paint performance, please read and follow the application instructions carefully.
You can also access our full technical data sheet here (with prep, supplies needed, application specifications & touch-up instructions).
If you still have additional questions or require technical assistance, we are here to help at any step along the way! Please email us at support@alkemispaint.com or call us at (347) 867-8209.
USE ON: Walls and ceilings of drywall, plaster, brick, masonry, concrete & stucco, non-ferrous metal, low-traffic wood trim & molding & previously painted latex or acrylic surfaces.
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: glossy paints or varnish, floors, high-traffic wood cabinetry or doors, ferrous metal or plastic surfaces.
Mineral paint is very heavy. Please ensure that Alkemis Interior Mineral Paint is stirred very well, as the pigments may have settled during transport!
Boxing paint (combining paint into a larger container) helps prevent shade variations from bucket-to-bucket and on large surfaces.
Interior Mineral Paint may be applied by brush, roller or airless spray.
BRUSH
Use a nylon/polyester brush (2 - 2.5” angled brush recommended for cutting in)
ROLLER
Use a 3/8” nap synthetic roller (for drywall) or a 1/2” – 3/4” nap synthetic roller (for
masonry)
AIRLESS SPRAY
— Recommend back rolling
— Pressure: 2000 psi
— Tip: .025 in, minimum
— Must remove filters from spray gun and pump manifold
- PREP: Surface must be clean, dry and free of dust and contaminants. Prior peeling paint should be removed and sanded smooth. Glossy surfaces should be sanded dull. New plaster or masonry should be cured at least 7 days. Stains from water, smoke, ink, pencil, grease, etc. should be sealed with the appropriate primer. New drywall should be primed with Alkemis Mineral Primer. Mask, cover and/or tape off to protect surfaces which are not to be coated (e.g., glass, natural stone, ceramics etc.).
- MIX: We recommend stirring all containers thoroughly with a paddle mixer attachment on a power drill at a very slow speed. If you do not have a paddle mixer, please stir as thoroughly as possible by hand with stir sticks. Continue to mix paint regularly while applying. Please "box" paint (combine multiple paint buckets into a larger container for color uniformity.)
- THINNING: Paint can be applied as supplied. Alternatively, up to 10% water may be added to the first and second coat to make it easier to keep a wet edge so you do not get lap marks. Do not apply more than 10% water as it will impact the durability and washability of the surface. Add: 3 oz. for 1 quart / 1.5 cups for 1 gallon / 5.5 cups for 3.5 gallon
- APPLICATION: Cut-in with a nylon/polyester brush. Only cut-in what you can paint within an hour. Dampen the roller nap with spray bottle to ensure the paint will absorb into the roller evenly. Use a 3/8”—1/2” (depending on substrate) nap synthetic roller and roll into damp cut-in paint. Work quickly as paint is fast-drying. Last pass should be from ceiling to floor to even out rollerpattern.
- TEXTURE/APPEARANCE: For a uniform matte mineral finish, roll on or spray two coats. Back roll for most even appearance. For a velvety suede texture, apply the second coat with a block brush in an X pattern (similar to limewash).
- FIRST COAT: Apply first coat to cover surface with no runs and allow to dry 2—4 hours.
- TOPCOAT: For best results apply second coat and allow to dry overnight.
Please note: do not “overwork” the paint during application or touch-up. Mineral paints are approximately 40% higher in volume solids than even the highest quality latex/acrylic paint. This translates to high build in a single coat. Overworking or over-application can lead to a difference in layer build-up and texture, which can be noticeable in angled light.
Our Interior Mineral Paint is self-priming in most scenarios. Alkemis Interior Mineral Primer is recommended for new drywall and masonry, or if you are painting over a very dark or uneven surface.
Please measure your space first. We recommend checking with your contractor or interior designer/decorator.
ESTIMATED COVERAGE
1 Quart covers ≈ 65 sq ft
1 Gallon covers ≈ 275 sq ft
3.5 gallons covers ≈ 975 sq ft
We recommend two coats of Alkemis Interior Mineral Paint for optimal coverage, appearance and durability.
It's important to note that coverage will differ based on a variety of factors, such as the surface type, texture and permeability, as well as the application methods, equipment and workmanship.
Need help estimating coverage?
Please note: our Interior Mineral Paint is self-priming in most scenarios. Alkemis Interior Mineral Primer is recommended only for new drywall and masonry, or if you are painting over a very dark or uneven surface.
Yes! Spraying the top coat (or both coats) is an amazing way to get a flawless-looking matte finish. Alkemis Paint may be applied by airless spray, 3000 PSI minimum with 0.25—0.29” tip. Please remove manifold and spray gun filters.
Recommended for walls and ceilings of:
- previously painted latex or acrylic surfaces
- drywall
- plaster
- brick
- masonry
- concrete
- concrete block
- hempcrete
- stucco
- non-ferrous metal
- low-traffic wood trim & molding
NOT recommended for:
- glossy paints or varnish
- floors
- high-traffic wood cabinetry or doors
- ferrous metal
- plastic surfaces
Definitely! Our premium mineral paint is suitable for interior walls and ceilings, and residential and commercial applications.
For best performance, Alkemis Paint is intended for interior walls and ceilings, but can be used on low-traffic molding or trim.
However, we do not recommend it for high-traffic doors, cabinetry, or large swaths of wood.
Our paint does not contain any synthetic and harmful glosses, varnishes, plasticizers, oil-based binders or volatile solvents. The surface luster or “sheen" of conventional paint is created by the ratio of pigment to the resinous binder, and unfortunately, in the world of paint, more sheen usually equals more plastic/alkyds.
**Please use the same batch of paint and method of application for touch-up.**
Touch up of mineral paints is very similar in nature to touching up any flat latex or acrylic paint. Use of common “best-practices” for touch up of latex paint can be applied effectively to Alkemis mineral paints. Prepare touch-up paint by stirring completely to ensure the paint is completely homogeneous and all color has been worked back into aged paint. Ideally, touch-up should be done using the same batch as the original paint to minimize the potential for color variations.
Touch-up should be conducted with the same type of applicator (brush, roller or spray) as the original mineral paint application. Application equipment can create a unique “texture” which should be reproduced as much as possible.
Thin touch-up paint 10% with water before applying. Thinner paint will avoid “build-up” that may occur using the thicker, original paint. Use a damp sponge and moisten the mineral paint immediately adjacent to the touch-up area. This will allow you to paint into a damp edge and not a dry one.
Wet applicator, but do not “saturate” the roller to minimize the film build of the touch-up paint.
Apply touch-up paint as lightly as possible, paying attention not to create “harsh” edges or angular marks. Use only enough touch-up paint to cover the unsightly area. Do not overwork the touch-up paint or you may develop dry edges, which can appear lighter than the original color.
Most importantly, feather edges of wet touch-up paint from the center of the touch-up area outward in all directions to end with as little paint build as possible. This feathering step will eliminate the potential of a “ridge” of new, thicker paint forming on the wall and being visible from an angle.
Please note: mineral paints are darker when wet and dry lighter to match the surrounding dried paint. Anytime the dried paint finish gets wet, as during washing, it naturally darkens, then dries back to the original color.
Please let any leftover paint dry before disposing of it. Alkemis Paint can go directly into the landfill and requires no special paint disposal. From the earth, back to the earth. 1-gallon and 1-quart cans are made from steel, which is infinitely recyclable.
ORDERS & SHIPPING POLICY
Due to the hand-crafted, made-to-order (and never mass-produced) nature of our products, orders take 3-5 business days to process prior to shipping.
All orders are processed within this timeframe (excluding weekends and holidays) after receiving your order confirmation email. You will receive an additional email notification when your order has shipped.
We offer FREE SHIPPING for orders over $250. Shipping for all other orders is calculated and displayed at checkout according to the volume, weight, shipping speed and geographical location of your order. Ground or expedited shipping is available.
It depends on where you are and what shipping speed you choose!
Due to the hand-crafted, made-to-order (and never mass-produced) nature of our products, orders take 3-5 business days to process prior to shipping.
Delivery details will be provided in your confirmation email.
We take great pride in the fact that all of our items are handcrafted, made-to-order, and never mass-produced—as well as our commitment to sustainability with shipping. Therefore, all sales are final.
We accept returns for refunds or exchanges only if items are damaged in transit. Please contact us here if your order arrives damaged.
Alkemis ships to customers in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
We offer FREE SHIPPING for orders over $200. Shipping for all other orders is calculated according to the volume, weight, shipping speed and geographical location of your order.
RETURNS & EXCHANGES
We take great pride in the fact that all of our products are handcrafted, made-to-order, and never mass-produced—as well our commitment to sustainability regarding shipping. Therefore, all sales are final.
We accept returns for refunds or exchanges only if items are damaged in transit. Please contact us here if your order arrives damaged.
Refunds will be credited back to the original method of payment (credit or debit card). Most refunds typically take 5-7 business days (excluding weekends and holidays) to appear in your account.
In addition, if a product is proven to be defective, Alkemis Paint shall, at its own discretion, replace the defective product free of charge. Such replacement is subject to verification of the defect and presentation of original proof of purchase. This does not apply to any defect or damage that is caused by (1) negligence, accident, abuse, or misuse of the product; (2) improper surface preparation or any defects of the substrate, to which the product is applied; (3) poor or improper storage, transportation, application, use, care or maintenance of the product; (4) normal wear and tear or unauthorized use of the product; (5) unauthorized application of, or modification to, the product; and (6) unsatisfactory color due to a personal preference. Please contact us here if you believe your product to be defective.
BILLING
We accept all major credit cards (American Express, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa) as well as Apple, Meta, Google, Shop Pay, and PayPal and Venmo.
PACKAGING & RECYCLING
Yes! Alkemis Paint 1-gallon and 1-quart cans are made from steel, which has the highest recycling rate of any material—at more than 88 percent—and can be recycled infinitely with no loss of quality. Our 3.5 gallon bucket is made from FDA compliant HDPE, which is easy to recycle, and according to recent studies, can be recycled up to 10 times for new products. #2 containers are typically accepted in most curbside recycling programs, and as with all recycling, please ensure the containers are clean, rinsed and dry before disposal.
Our kraft shipping boxes are 100% recyclable.
WARRANTY
We stand by our product with a 20-year warranty that it is free from defects in workmanship (pending the product is applied according to paint specifications and label instructions).
HELP
Please email us at support@alkemispaint.com or call us at (347) 867-8209