Soft Distemper
Soft Distemper paint is a traditional matt decorative paint based on a natural gelatine binder and fine chalk. Artist quality earth and natural powder pigments provide matchless purity and quality of colour. A permeable paint suitable for use in older buildings for the decoration of ceilings and walls in low traffic or low usage areas. Much of the charm of distemper is the lack of uniformity with subtle variations of colour and tone.
Additional information
Environmental Considerations
Environmentally friendly product made with natural sustainable ingredients. It contains no VOCs, no petrochemical-based ingredients, and no lead. Water-based. All Rose of Jericho paints comply with the latest environmental legislation.
Usage/Purpose
To be used for the decoration of ceilings and walls in low traffic or low usage areas, and particularly appropriate for the decoration of fine decorative plasterwork. For interior use only. Porous surfaces should be primed with Claircolle (RJ 4.05). Soft Distemper applied to appropriate surfaces will not readily rub off on clothes. It is not as wipeable as Casein Distemper (RJ 4.02), Oil Bound Distemper distemper (RJ 4.03) or Vinyl Matt Emulsion. Distempers should not be over painted with emulsion or other modern paint types.
Coverage
c.10 m2/ litre/coat on smooth surface of average porosity.
Shelf Life
Limited. Unopened cans have a 12 week shelf life when stored in a cool environment. Protect from frost. Best used within 4 weeks of purchase.
Finish
Matt with subtle variations of colour and tone.
Observations
Touch dry in 4 hours in good drying conditions, Allow 12 hours between coats
Preparation
Ensure Soft Distemper is within shelf life period. All surfaces should be sound, dry, and free from dirt, oil, grease or other contamination. Previously distempered surfaces should be wiped or washed free of all powdery surface material. Porous surfaces should be primed with one coat of Claircolle. New lime plaster should be allowed to carbonate and dry for at least four weeks prior to application. Any fungus or mould must be treated with a fungicide and making good and filling should be carried out with material appropriate to the substrate. Soft Distemper can be applied to prepare previously emulsion painted surfaces in normal domestic environments. It is not recommended that distemper be applied to emulsion and other modern paint types in poorly heated and poorly ventilated buildings including churches. Seek Technical Advice. Sample trials should be carried out well in advance to ensure that the surface is suitable for application.
Application
Two coats normally recommended. Apply by brush. Cannot be spray or roller applied. Soft Distemper is a thick gel that brushes out readily, and thinning should not be necessary for primed or previously painted surfaces. Soft Distemper is temperature sensitive and will thicken in cold conditions. It can be returned to the correct consistency by placing in a warm room or standing the can in a bucket of hot water. Stirring with a mechanical whisk can be advantageous for application to certain surfaces, as can light mist spraying of the surface prior to application. Only if absolutely necessary dilute by no more than 10% water and whisk thoroughly. Brushes and equipment should be cleaned with warm, soapy water immediately after use.
Availability
2.5 and 5 litre tins. Made to order.
