Frequently Asked Questions

Here we have collected your frequently asked questions, including general questions and questions for Jolie Paint, questions for topcoats and waxes.

General FAQs

What's the difference between Jolie Matte Finish Paint and Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint?

This is the golden question within all of our retail stores. The most obvious difference is the form they take. Jolie Matte Finish is ready to go straight out of the can like paints with which most folks are accustomed to working: pre-mixed, smooth, and consistent. Milk Paint, however, is a powder the painter must mix with water. Most people are hesitant to try Milk Paint because of this, but let us assure you that this, in no way, makes it any harder; it's just different. Find further definitions, similarities, and differences between the two paints currently sweeping the decorative painting market below.



Where can I buy Paint-Shoppe's products?

Paint-Shoppe represents two locations in central Mississippi: The Southern Institute of Faux Finishing (SIFF) in Brandon and SPRUCE in Ridgeland. At both locations, the staff specializes in one of a kind finishes for hand-painted furniture, cabinetry, and walls. You can also shop online. We offer the best price at same-day, flat-rate shipping contiguous US.



Do you offer classes or workshops?

We offer classes and workshops that will teach you how to create various finishes with Jolie Paint and Milk Paint. Sign up for one of our workshops to learn our favorite techniques and finishes, or complete unique seasonal projects. We keep our class size small to allow individual attention for each student. You will receive 10% discount on your purchases the day of the workshop. We have also created step-by-step video tutorials to help guide you through the painting process. All of our video tutorials are available on the video page and our YouTube Channel. We also provide written guides to follow along as you complete your project.



What is the best way to apply my paint?

Any way you like! Natural bristle brushes will leave brush strokes, giving a wonderful hand painted look. Synthetic bristles are used to achieve a smooth modern or factory type finish. Use a roller for large surfaces; textured for texture and foam for smooth.



 

FAQs for Jolie Matte Finish Paint

Do I need to sand or prime before I paint?

With Jolie Paints, the only time you'll need to sand your piece is after you've painted it. What grain you use will depend on what style you are hoping to achieve. For a basic finish, we recommend a fine grain sandpaper. Priming is unnecessary as well, but keep in mind that coverage usually requires 2 coats. If your surface has visible dust, dirt, or grime, we recommend cleaning it with a safe-to-use biodegradable cleaner and rinsing 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 will not adhere well to teak, eucalyptus, shiny tile, or powder coated metal. Milk Paint will adhere to any porous surface unaided. Anything that has been finished or is naturally water resistant will need the Bonding Agent added or a light sand to achieve adhesion. Use a medium to fine grit sandpaper to give the finish "tooth" for the paint to adhere.



What is the best way to apply my paint?

Any way you like! Natural bristle brushes will leave brush strokes, giving a wonderful hand painted look. Synthetic bristles are used to achieve a smooth modern or factory type finish. Use a roller for large surfaces; textured for texture and foam for smooth.



Can I paint my floors?

Absolutely! Open grain wood floors, like oak, will need a coat of shellac first. This is to prevent tannins from bleeding through your paint. Concrete and other floor types only need to be clean before painting. Apply two or three coats of paint (sanding or adding Bonding Agent to Milk Paint if necessary) then seal with Jolie Finishing Wax or another desired top coat.



Can I paint my kitchen counter tops and back splash?

This is one of the few things we do not advise painting. Even when sealed with a quality sealer, the surface may not be 100% non-porous, which can aid in cross contamination.



Can I really paint fabric?

Yes! Whatever your technique, the goal is to have the fabric absorb the paint. This will cover stains and patterns, but will not hide any texture or raised patterns - which can be really fun! Most folks wet their piece, then paint onto the damp fabric. Work in sections and apply two to four coats for total coverage. It isn't always necessary to wax afterwards, but it livens up the look and makes the surface soft and smooth. It will also seal it from spills!



Why are there pink or yellow spots on my piece?

Pink and yellow spots appearing on painted pieces means the oils from the wood have bled through the paint. The only product that can seal blead-through is shellac. If your piece predates the 1940's, is mahogany or teak, it's a good idea to shellac before beginning to paint. If you're unsure, you can always shellac any trouble spots that appear after the first coat. Shellac also seals in smells like cigarette smoke, moth balls, and other smells found in old furniture. We've also successfully tested shellac over ink and permanent markers, which will bleed through paint! When Milk Painting, add the Bonding Agent to your paint mix before painting over shellac.



What does Jolie Matte Finish Paint feature?

Jolie Home is the newest brand of premier paints in the decorative painting industry. Jolie Paint is water-based, non-toxic, and quick drying. It gives you the ability to create beautiful painted finishes, whether you're looking for a smooth, textured, or distressed look. It requires very little preparation prior to painting. There is no need to sand or prime. You can apply the paint directly over most previously treated surfaces. ​ It works on almost any surface, including wood, previously painted and waxed surfaces, metal, matte plastics, brick, concrete, and stone. One quart of Jolie Paint covers approximately 150 square feet (13.9 square meters). Most surfaces require one-to-two coats of paint, but coverage will depend on both the color used and the color of the piece you are painting.



How safe are Jolie products?

Jolie Products are non-toxic, low-VOC, low-odor and non-hazardous. For safety information on each of our products, view Jolie's Safety Data Sheets.



Can I use Jolie products on a crib or furniture for my child?

Yes, Jolie Paint and Finishing Waxes are considered food and baby safe after they have had 14 days to cure.



Can I use Jolie products while pregnant or nursing

Although Jolie products are non-toxic, we do recommend consulting with your doctor to see if Jolie products are appropriate to use during your pregnancy.



 

FAQs for Topcoats and Waxes

What is the wax for?

Wax is a protective top coat applied to raw wood, stained wood, or painted furniture. Soft wax is easy to apply and bonds with porous surfaces (like wood and flat/matte paint) creating a water resistant finish. Apply thinly with a brush, cheesecloth, or lint free cloth in sections, wiping off the excess as you go; you do not want to wax your entire piece before wiping off your excess. Your wax should not be greasy or tacky when you are finished. DO NOT wax pieces intended to live outdoors - it will melt.



My wax finish is tacky or has an uneven sheen. What do I do?

Don't panic! As counter intuitive as it sounds, reapplying a thin coat of wax will melt the underlying coat, making it easier to remove any excess wax. Sometimes the wax will appear to have an uneven sheen if the paint was applied in different directions. If wax is applied unevenly (thick in some areas, thin in others), it will dry unevenly and have an uneven sheen. This usually just adds to the character of the piece, but, as stated above, reapplying a thin coat of wax and wiping all of the excess away evenly should fix the problem. Keep in mind, the more you wipe the shinier the wax gets, so have numerous clean cloths available to replace clogged ones.



Is the wax safe for use on baby cribs, toys, and cutting boards?

Yes! All of Jolie's waxes and Miss Mustard Seed's 100% Beeswax are certified food and toy safe, meaning they can be used on cutting boards, wooden bowls, cribs, toys, and really anything porous or painted! Even though there are no inherently harmful ingredients in the waxes and most are low odor, we recommend pregnant women have someone else apply it to be safe. Also, allow the wax to cure a minimum of 14 days before use on pieces intended for food or children.



How do I care for my wax finished piece?

Treat your waxed piece like any fine piece of furniture. Use coasters and place mats to provide a barrier between cold, hot, and wet dishes. Wax is water resistant, but is not waterproof. If you do have a spill, wipe it up immediately. If a liquid sits, it will penetrate the wax and may need a bit of re-waxing to remove the ring or discoloration.



How do I remove water marks, scratches, and scuffs from my wax finish?

Simply apply a little wax to the affected area and the water mark, scratch, and scuff should disappear! If the scratch is deep enough to remove paint, simply repaint that area, wax, and voila! It may take a bit of finesse if you antiqued your piece with a dark wax, but it is still possible.



Is wax durable enough for frequent use or kids?

Yes. Once cured, wax is a very durable finish. Adding multiple coats of wax will give you more durability. For your high traffic pieces, we recommend three coats of wax. Allow each coat to completely dry (about 24 hours) before applying another coat. You can easily maintain your finish by wiping the surface with mild soap and water. Refresh your finish or remove scrapes, scuffs, and scratches by applying a new thin coat of wax every once in a while.



Do I really need to seal my piece?

We really recommend it. Both paints are porous, which will readily hold stains. Sealing the paint prevents stains, which means you won't have to repaint it any time soon (unless you change your mind about the color). It's no problem if you don't want to wax, those pores also mean just about any sealer will work! We recommend water based products for easy clean-up. See your local stockist or each brand's FAQ page for further information.