Dark claypaints can be more tricky to apply, so we asked some of our experienced decorators to give us useful advice on the best ways to achieve a great result when using a specialist claypaint in a dark colour:

“Achieving a consistent, non-patchy result when using a dark claypaint. I find that some dark paints give the impression of framing. The edges of a wall look darker. A way to lessen the chance of this happening is to paint one wall at a time. Cut in all the edges…. then immediately roll the wall. Then go onto the next area. Also make sure you roll the wall as close to the edge as possible and this lessens the effect of framing.” Altered Images

“When applying a dark clay paint with a roller take care to apply an even coat on the surface, do not leave areas of too much or too little paint, spread it evenly.” Duncan McClean

Some additional application advice from us:

• It is advisable to lightly dampen the wall prior to application onto clay or lime plaster.
• For use on new lime plaster, we recommend an initial coat thinned with 10% water. Finished with an undiluted coat.
• Try to keep a wet edge and finish one wall at a time.
• Apply light and even pressure on your roller.
• Don’t worry if the wall looks patchy at first – this is normal for claypaint. Wait a few hours and you will notice that the colour evens out as it dries (dark colours take much longer to settle to their final colour).
• We advise that you wait until the colour has settled before applying subsequent coats.

For further information, please head to our technical data sheet.