APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
SUPPLY LIST
First, we recommend you purchase the supplies listed below for the perfect application.
Take this list to your nearest hardware store or order online. We have added links to each product to make it easy!
FOR A MATTE FINISH
You will need:
- Alkemis Mineral Paint
- Nylon/Polyester angled brush 2 - 2.5”
- Drop cloth
- Painter’s tape
- Large mixing bucket with lid (2 – 5 gallon)
- Large metal paint tray (18 – 22”)
- Spray bottle with clean water
- Measuring cup
- Power drill with paddle mixer attachment
- If using a roller, use a 3/8” nap synthetic roller (for drywall) or a 1/2” – 3/4” nap synthetic roller (for masonry)
If using an airless spray gun:
- Recommended back rolling
- Pressure: 2000 psi
- Tip: .025 in, minimum
- Must remove filters from spray gun AND pump manifold
FOR A VELVETY BRUSHED SUEDE TEXTURE
You will need:
Everything on the list above PLUS a block / masonry brush (5 – 7” wide)
DO PAINT
✅ Previously painted latex or acrylic surfaces
✅ Drywall
✅ Plaster
✅ Brick & masonry
✅ Concrete & concrete block
✅ Hempcrete
✅ Stucco
✅ Non-ferrous metal (aluminum, copper, brass, bronze, nickel, tin, titanium and zinc)
✅ Low-traffic wood trim & molding
DON’T PAINT
❌ Wood cabinetry
❌ Doors
❌ Wood paneling
❌ Oil-based, alkyd or glossy paints
❌ Varnish
❌ Floors
❌ Ferrous metal (steel and iron)
❌ Plastic surfaces
❌ MGO board
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Although Alkemis Paint is easy to apply and requires no special equipment or training, it is fundamentally different from latex and acrylic interior paints. To set you or your contractor up for success and to ensure optimum long-term paint performance, please read and follow the application instructions carefully.
If you still have further 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.
APPLICATION NOTES
Alkemis Interior Mineral Paint may be applied by brush, roller or airless spray. Ideal interior temperature for application: 50°F - 85°F.
Mineral paint is very heavy. Please ensure that Alkemis Interior Mineral Paint is consistently stirred very well, as the pigments may have settled during transport!
WARNING! Removal of old paint by sanding, scraping or other means may generate dust or fumes that contain lead. We recommend applicators always wear proper protective equipment.
TEXTURE & APPEARANCE
For a Uniform Matte Mineral Finish
Roll on or spray two coats.
Back roll for the most even appearance.
For a Velvety / Brushed Suede Texture
Apply the second coat with a 5 - 7" block/masonry brush in an X pattern (similar to limewash).
SUBSTRATE SPECIFICATIONS
For maximum durability, 2 coats should be applied. To ensure maximum vapor permeability, please use only Alkemis Interior Mineral Primer where specified, followed by Alkemis Interior Mineral Paint.
Previously Painted Latex or Acrylic Surfaces
- 2 coats of Alkemis Interior Mineral Paint (no primer necessary, unless wall has imperfections)
New Drywall or Wallboard
- 1-2 coats of Alkemis Interior Mineral Primer
- 2 coats of Alkemis Interior Mineral Paint
New Plaster
- 2 coats of Alkemis Interior Mineral Paint
Unpainted Masonry, Stone or Stucco
- 2 coats of Alkemis Interior Mineral Paint
Adobe or Rammed Earth
- 2 coats of Alkemis Interior Mineral Paint
New Concrete or Hempcrete
- 2 coats of Alkemis Interior Mineral Paint
CMU Block
- 1 coat of Alkemis Interior Mineral Primer or Block Filler (optional)
- 2 coats of Alkemis Interior Mineral Paint
PREP
The surface must be clean, dry, free of all contaminants and in good condition.
If wall consists of new plaster, unpainted masonry, brick, stucco or previously painted latex or acrylic in excellent shape, no primer is necessary.
If cracks, holes or other imperfections are present (such as existing peeling, cracked or uneven paint), walls must be properly prepped. Once holes are filled and filler has cured, walls should be scraped and sanded smooth, then primed with Alkemis Mineral Primer, and allowed to dry overnight to ensure an even surface prior to application.
Do not use oil-based primers or putties.
New plaster, masonry or freshly skimmed drywall should cure for at least 7 days.
Stains from water, smoke, ink, pencil, grease, etc. should be sealed with the primer.
Interior walls should be sponged off with a diluted mixture of warm water and white vinegar in order to remove dust and dirt.
MIX
Stir all containers thoroughly with a slow speed drill and paddle mixer.
Boxing paint (combining paint into a larger container) helps to prevent shade variations from bucket to bucket on larger surfaces.
Mix paint continuously throughout the application process, so pigments do not settle.
Always cover paint with a lid so it does not dry out.
THINNING
Paint can be applied as supplied.
Or, you can add 10% water for the first and second coat to make it easier to keep a wet edge so you do not get lap marks.
Do not add more than 10% water as it will impact the durability and washability of the surface.
APPLICATION
Cut in Paint
Due to lack of plastic extenders, Alkemis paint dries quicker than conventional paints, therefore, in order to avoid hard edges, a 2-person application is preferred where one is rolling while the other is brushing and blending corners (highly recommended for hot and dry areas).
For a one-person application, we recommend rolling the walls first, getting as close to the corner edge as possible, then cut in the edges with an angled brush.
To “cut in” means to paint the small nooks and crannies that you can’t get to with a roller. This includes areas where you need to apply painter’s tape like sockets, switches, and the edges between the wall and ceiling or trim.
Cut in with a 2-2.5” nylon angled brush. In order to avoid lap marks, only cut in what you can paint within an hour because the cut-in paint should be wet to blend with the paint that you roll onto the surface.
Roll Paint
Use a 3/ 8” nap synthetic roller for drywall or a 1/ 2” - 3/ 4” roller for masonry.
- Dampen the roller with a spray bottle to ensure the paint will absorb evenly.
- Roll into damp cut-in paint (see above) and work quickly because the paint is fast drying
- The last pass should be from the ceiling to the floor to even out the rollerpattern
If you choose to use an airless spray gun, we recommend 2000 PSI minimum with a 0.25-0.29” tip. You must remove manifold AND spray gun filters.
Back rolling is recommended.
First Coat
Apply the first coat to cover the surface with no runs and allow it to dry for at least 4 hours.
Topcoat
For the best results, apply the second coat and allow it to dry overnight. Final finish should be as even as possible for best results.
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.
