Jolie Paint FAQs

JOLIE PAINT is water-based, non-toxic, and quick-drying. It gives you the ability to create beautiful painted finishes, such as smooth, textured, distressed, and more!

NO NEED TO SAND OR PRIME: Jolie Paint requires very little preparation prior to painting. You can apply the paint directly over most previously treated surfaces.

BEAUTIFUL COLORS: Jolie offers an endless array of colors. Choose a single color or create your perfect custom mix.

WORKS ON ALMOST ANY SURFACE: Jolie Paint adheres to many surfaces, including wood, previously painted and waxed surfaces, metal, matte plastics, brick, concrete, and stone.

SUPERIOR COVERAGE: One quart of Jolie Paint covers approximately 150 square feet (13.9 square meters). In other words, Jolie Paint goes a really long way. Most surfaces require one to two coats of paint, but coverage will vary depending on color.

Jolie Finishing Wax can be used to both protect and seal interior furniture, cabinets, and home accessories. Use it on pieces that have been painted with Jolie Paint or on raw wood. Do not use any other kind of protective coat after you have applied Jolie Finishing Wax.

Jolie Finishing Wax is soft in consistency, odor-free, and non-hazardous. Though you can buff it with a soft cloth for a higher sheen, Jolie Finishing Wax will naturally create a matte finish. Jolie Finishing Wax dries quickly in 1-2 hours, and fully cures in about two weeks. For surfaces that require more durability, such as table tops or cabinets, apply at least two coats of Finishing Wax. Jolie Finishing Wax is water-resistant, not waterproof; it is not suitable for use outdoors or in bar areas due to its solubility in alcohol.  Jolie Finishing Wax is available in a variety of colors that can be used to bring out the texture in your brushwork, highlight details and moldings, and create gorgeous custom finishes. For the most control, always apply Jolie Finishing Wax in Clear to your surface before layering on the colored Finishing Waxes.

Clear Finishing Wax  Provides a transparent finish for Jolie Paint and slightly darkens the underlying color to make it richer. This is your primary topcoat.

White Finishing Wax  Softens a paint color for a lighter look.

Brown Finishing Wax  Gives your surface an authentic aged/antiqued look.

Black Finishing Wax  Creates a cooler aged patina.

HOW MUCH FINISHING WAX WILL YOU NEED?   One 500ml can of Clear Finishing Wax will cover about the same surface area as 2-3 quarts of Jolie Paint. Actual coverage will vary depending on the thickness of the application. Make sure to save a small amount of Finishing Wax for occasional touch ups.

Recommended amounts for colored Finishing Waxes vary based on technique and desired level of color embellishment over Jolie Paint.

WHAT MATERIALS WILL YOU NEED FOR BUFFING?  Use a soft bristle buffing brush or lint-free cloths such as painter’s rags, disposable shop towels or old white t-shirts to wipe back and buff Jolie Finishing Wax. Avoid using colored materials as they may leave pigment on your piece.

Preparing Your Surface

In most cases, you do not need to do much to prepare your piece for Jolie Paint. If your surface has noticeable dust, dirt or grime, you should clean it with a safe-to-use biodegradable cleaner and rinse with warm water. Even trace amounts of harsh chemical cleaners can prohibit the paint from adhering properly. Before you begin to paint, make sure the surface is completely dry.

Jolie Paint hardens and adheres more over time. It can bond to almost any surface, including wood, matte plastic, stone, brick, concrete, and metal. We do not recommend painting over teak, eucalyptus, shiny tile, or powder coated metal.

RAW WOOD If the piece you are painting is made of raw, untreated wood, apply clear shellac to any knots or open grains to block bleed-through from tannins. After painting your first coat, you may need to sand your surface in order to achieve a smoother finish as the moisture from the paint may raise the grain of some types of woods.

STAINED WOOD The stains on some woods, such as cherry, mahogany, or an open-grained wood like oak, can bleed through the first coat of paint. If you notice any discoloration, apply two thin coats of shellac to your surface to protect the stain from peeking through. Allow shellac to dry fully before painting another coat. We do not recommend sanding mahogany before painting as its stains are especially likely to bleed through.

BRICK  When painting brick, lightly spritz your surface with water to help draw the paint into the nooks and crannies of the brick.

PLASTIC AND METAL  If the finish of your piece is particularly shiny and/or smooth to the touch, we recommend lightly sanding the piece with a medium Jolie Sanding Pad before painting to ensure that the paint adheres well. Paint your first coat and let it dry for 48 hours before applying the next. This will allow the curing process to begin, the paint to harden, and promote adhesion.

FABRIC  Jolie Paint can be used on textiles and fabrics. Add up to 40% water to your Jolie Paint in a mixing container and apply the paint in thin layers to your fabric with plenty of time to dry between coats, preferably overnight. The easiest fabrics to paint are natural fibers and leather. Please keep in mind that this technique is most successful when executed on upholstery where fabric is pulled taut. On furniture that allows a lot of give, such as a comfortable sofa that you sink into, you may notice cracks in the paint over time. For additional durability, a coat of Jolie Finishing Wax can protect your painted fabric.

ODOROUS OR STAINED FURNITURE  If you have an older piece of furniture that has unwanted odors (smoke, mustiness, etc.) or stains (water rings, coffee stains, etc.), apply shellac to your piece before painting. This will help block the odors and stains from pulling through your painted surface. While wearing gloves, dip a cloth into the shellac and wipe a thin coat over the area to be sealed. Spraying shellac from a can is an easy way to seal odors on the interiors of furniture.