FAQ
Shipping questions
Where do I find my tracking number?
Tracking info will be sent to you via e-mail once your order is fulfilled.
My shipment is delayed. What should I do?
Please check with your carrier. Once your package of Gaffrey Art Material leaves our facility, we are unable to influence the delivery process. We provide you with tracking information that you can get updates for once the shipment is ready.
How do you ship?
We offer calculated rates from USPS and UPS. Standard ship times range from 2-10 days as well as expedited shipping options at checkout. We automatically waive the fee for all orders over $75 and the carrier (UPS or USPS) is be automatically selected based on the shipping address.
*Free shipping is only for the contiguous United States.
I put in the wrong address. What should I do?
Please email us at info@gaffreyartmaterial.com as quickly as possible and we’ll see what we can do! If your order has already left our facility, you must contact UPS or USPS to reroute your order as we cannot facilitate the process once the package is out of our hands.
It's not a guarantee your order will be sent back to our facility. In some cases, packages sent back to us arrive months later!
What if I want to cancel or change my order?
We try to fulfill orders very quickly so our customers can enjoy them as soon as possible. That being said, we try to be as accommodating as we can for our customers so please e-mail us at info@gaffreyartmaterial.com as soon as possible and we’ll see what we can do!
Can I return my order online?
Refunds will be determined on a case by case basis. We have specific protocols for how we pack orders to ensure your order arrives safely. PAINT IS NON-REFUNDABLE. All other art materials can be refunded. Send us an email and we'll find a solution for you.
My shipment was damaged. Can I get a replacement or refund?
Please contact us and we will replace your order with no questions asked. You may also request a refund or a Gaffrey Art Material store credit.
Do you ship paints internationally?
Someday! We are a small company (just 5 people) As we grow, we'll have the support to offer our products worldwide.
*Currently shipping to Canada. Plese review our shipping policy before placing an order.
Acrylic Paint & Technique Questions
How long does it take for Heavy Texture acrylic paint to dry?
Dry times are based on the amount of paint used, temperatures, and humidity levels. You will notice the paint film forming after 30-60 minutes and the paint will be tacky to the touch. Once the paint film is set, the paint will take several days to a week to fully dry. Lower temperature and higher humidity levels will extend the dry time. Constant airflow from a fan will speed up the drying process, as will access to the underside of the canvas or board.
How do I store the paint piping bag after use?
You may use our secure bag clip to seal the paint or transfer it to an airtight container. For short-term storage (under 24 hours), you can pinch the end of the bag to restrict airflow.
Do your paints crack?
Heavy Texture on its own will not crack. Our formula is designed to be flexible and durable once dry. Certain factors may cause the paint to crack; such as diluting with water, mixing paints or mediums from other brands, applying the texture to uneven surfaces or canvas, adding too much medium viscosity colors, and extreme temperatures.
Do I need to varnish over the texture areas?
Varnish is optional. Our acrylics are archival quality and adding a varnish is up to the artist's preference. We currently do not offer varnishes so exercise caution when using from other bands. We are not responsible for the effects a varnish may have on your artwork if it causes unwanted effects.
What does the Heavy Texture paint look like once it’s dry?
Our Heavy Texture acrylics have a glossy finish that looks the same wet to dry in most cases. All acrylic paints will dry slightly darker due to the milky color of acrylic emulsion when wet. Shrinkage will occur once the water content evaporates from the paint. These effects are normal and hardly noticeable.
Do I have to paint on wood panels?
Wood panels are the optimal choice for their rigidity and integrity of the finished artwork. Use caution when painting on canvas. It may cause the paint to crack or settle when the canvas sags under the weight of the paint.
I’m new to texture painting. Where should I start?
The founder, Justin Gaffrey, is a self-taught artist with a prolific art career spanning over several decades. If he can do it, so can you. Our acrylic paint kits are a wonderful introduction to sculptural painting. They are designed to get a win for beginners to inspire confidence and build up your skills. Made with a limited color palette, you can’t mess it up or make the colors look muddy. If paint kits aren't for you, check out our youtube channel for tips and techniques.
I’m afraid of wasting paint. What should I do?
By design, our paint is intended to be used in large amounts for a sculptural style. Practice techniques on your palette before committing to your painting surface.
Can I use other acrylics from other brands with the Gaffrey paint?
Gaffrey Heavy Texture and Mid-Viscosity paints are mostly compatible with other brands as they are water based. Yet, the quality and chemistry of other acrylics vastly differ. Results may vary so do a small mixing test to see if they are compatible.
What surfaces can I paint on with Gaffrey’s Heavy Texture acrylic paint?
Acrylic paints are some of the most versatile art materials out there. Gaffrey Art Material is no exception. Acrylics will stick to about anything. We recommend wood panels as your primary painting surface due to their rigidity. This ensures all your hard work will be unaffected.
How long will it take for a color to be back in stock?
We are a small family company making all of our acrylic paint in small batches and piping bags and containers by hand in our own warehouse. Making paint from scratch is not an easy task and requires extreme attention to detail. Our best sellers take priority in the production queue and it can take anywhere from several days to months to restock a color. Certain factors such as supply chain issues for raw materials can cause delays out of our control.
How do I remove dust from my paintings?
Once the paint is dry, it’s nearly indestructible. Acrylic paints are basically flexible plastic. You can use a damp lint-free towel to remove dust, spray your artwork with a gardenhose, or use a duster to remove debris. None of this will not affect the integrity of the work.
How do I request a new color?
Send us an email at info@gaffreyartmaterial.com This is what being an artist-run paint company is all about! We’ll do our best to make it happen.
What is the difference between Gaffrey Heavy Texture acrylics and molding/modeling paste?
Molding paste is a thick substance filled with hard particles. It has a goopy consistency that hinders movement when using a knife or paintbrush. It is a mixing medium to create texture effects. Our acrylics are exceptionally smooth, highly pigmented, hold stiff peaks, and don’t need extra mediums to achieve texture. It solves the problem of wasting money on mixing mediums and takes the guesswork out of mixing by delivering pigment rich texture paint every time.
Why have you changed your packaging?
We are learning as we go and making improvements to make sculpting with paint more enjoyable and user friendly. Since Heavy Texture is the first of its kind, we have to develop the first of its kind packaging. Constant testing and consumer feedback informs our choices to change packaging.
I ordered paint in a jar but it’s not thick like I see on social media. What should I do?
It happens! We are learning as we go and doing our best to create content that accurately portrays each medium. Sometimes we miss the mark and do not explain the difference of mediums clear enough. When shopping, Heavy Texture is packaged in piping bags and Mid-Viscosity is in jars. Send us an email and we'll get you the right paint.
Can I mix paints with the Titanium White Heavy Texture to create new colors?
Absolutely! Use one of our palette knives to mix any gaffrey paint with the texture.
What is the difference between Titanium White Heavy Texture and Clear Heavy Texture?
Clear Heavy Texture is like a heavy gloss gel but thicker, smoother, and absorbs pigment. Clear is the base formula for all our pigmented Heavy Texture Acrylics. Titanium White Heavy Texture is loaded with titanium dioxide pigment while the clear has no pigment added.
How do I clean my brushes/knives?
Remove the excess paint with a rag or paper towel while the paint is still wet. Rinse with water. DO NOT RINSE IN THE SINK. Acrylic paints are not intended to go down the drain. You may also allow the paint to dry on your palette knives and peel the paint off.
How do i prevent the paint from falling off my wood panel?
Paint on a flat surface or at a slight angle with an adjustable easel.
Can I mix your acrylics with oil paint?
No. Oil paints are hydrophobic and acrylic paints are water-based. The general rule of thumb is to paint acrylic first on a flat plane and you may add oil paint over it.
Is it weird that I want to eat your paint?
I know it's cruel to make paint that looks like frosting but please don’t eat the paint. Heed the cautionary statement from our toxicologist, “If swallowed, do not induce vomiting, call physician immediately. For emergency health information, call your Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.” Use common sense.
Can I use a paintbrush with the Heavy Texture?
Use paintbrushes for a more traditional impasto style like Van Gough. If the desired effect is to have more height and body, we recommend using palette knives or pipe the bag to sculpt the paint.
What do you do with all the leftover paint scraps?
Make more art with it! Our warehouse is the Willy Wonka of paint factories with Justin Gaffrey’s paint studio in the heart of it. The paint scraps are repurposed into more art.
I’m interested in stocking gaffrey art material in my store. Who should I reach out to?
We are the sole proprietor of gaffrey art material products and not accepting wholesale offers at this time.
Can I dilute Heavy Texture with water?
It is water-soluble but we do not recommend it. Heavy Texture is designed to be super thick as as a sculptural material.
Do I need a gesso to prime my surface?
It’s not required but we recommend our Base Coats as a superior alternative. Base Coats function the same with the added benefit of being an artist paint with added clay for extra tooth.
Why is it that the Clear Heavy Texture doesn’t dry clear?
This may be from overworking the material. When you do so, you add air that makes the acrylic cloudy. Clear appears milky from the acrylic emulsion. In thin layers, it will be transparent. In large amounts, exceeding an inch, will require a long time to appear clear.
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