Disclaimer

Bristol manufactures water-based acrylic interior colors with an absolute matte finish and high levels of pigment. Achieving such a luxurious finish comes with the trade-off that they are not water-resistant and can mark easily unless protected with Bristol water-based lacquers.

Exterior Use

Not all Bristol paints are recommended for exterior use, so always check before purchasing. However, we understand that many customers love our colors and have had great success using them outside of our recommendations.

For any surface, you must rub down to remove any loose or old paint finishes and prepare the surface with Bristol Base-coat White 1000 exterior. This base-coat must result in a uniform white surface; otherwise, the finish may appear patchy. For best results, apply two coats of color—applying more or fewer than two coats may affect the final shade. To make fluorescent or primary paints more durable, add 20% AquaPlus. When AquaPlus is added, there is no need to apply a lacquer. However, it is not recommended to use Bristol paint on horizontal surfaces where water may pool or in high-traffic areas, such as kitchen unit doors.

Wood & Metal (Interior Only)

When painting wood, use Base-coat White 1000 interior wood as a base coat/primer. For metal, use ExpoMulti as a base coat/primer, and always follow the recommended application instructions. To make fluorescent or primary paints tougher, add 20% AquaPlus. AquaPlus can be used as an alternative to a lacquer, helping to retain some of the matte finish. However, Bristol paint is not recommended for horizontal surfaces where water may pool or high-traffic areas like kitchen unit doors.

Lacquers

A lacquer can be applied for added durability, but note that this may slightly darken the original color. Additionally, Bristol lacquers will not protect the paint from sun or UV exposure, which can cause fading.

Application on Pre-Painted Surfaces

If these steps are not followed, the finish of Bristol matte paint may be compromised. Ensure the surface to be painted is sound, clean, and degreased. Any non-Bristol paint, including vinyl matt, silk, and gloss paints, should be rubbed down and removed before applying an undercoat.

Apply the appropriate Bristol water-based Base-coat White 1000 for interior, exterior, and interior wood use. We strongly recommend using a white base-coat with all vibrant, fluorescent, and metallic paints, including Ultramarine 1035.

Treat new plaster and filled areas with a stabilizing solution. All Bristol colors can be diluted with water and intermixed within the same palette range.

Application

Apply by brush, roller, or conventional or HVLP spray method. Further durability can be achieved by using one of our specific water-based lacquers and coatings.

Coverage

Approximately 6.5 m² per kg (8 m² per liter), depending on the porosity of the substrate.