FAQ

Get answers to commonly asked questions.

General FAQ

What makes DESIGN MASTER COLORTOOL® Sprays unique from other spray paints?

COLORTOOL Sprays deliver clean, crisp consistent color in an ultra-fine mist that provides color coverage without a thick coat of paint or excessive spray dust. This fast-drying spray is delicate enough to color fresh flowers yet sturdy enough to use on all sorts of materials used by professional florists, artisans and crafters. Its versatility is unmatched. The unique delivery system also gives you control to blend, tint, tone and shade colors.

Design Master Sprays are modified lacquer-based products. A feature of lacquer products is that as additional coats are applied they re-soluablize the underneath layers to bond together, not just sit on top of one another. The result is a more durable application of color.

What can I use DESIGN MASTER COLORTOOL Sprays on?

Fresh, silk and dried flowers, permanent floral materials, wood, wicker, terra cotta, pottery, plaster, ribbons, lace, fabrics, Styrofoam brand foam, foam board, foam products, paper, papier mache, glass, metal, some plastics and many other decorative surfaces.

What are the differences in DESIGN MASTER Color Products?

COLORTOOL Sprays are pigmented colors. They provide a semi-opaque to opaque coverage. A palette of over 50 colors provides an array of vibrant and metallic hues.

Home Décor Stain is translucent stain color. It adds rich, vibrant color to a surface while allowing underlying features to be highlighted. It is a stain on wood but acts as a glaze on wicker, pottery, plaster and more.

Just For Flowers® is a spray flower dye. Its translucent color doesn’t hide delicate details on fresh, silk and dried flowers.

How do you clean up or remove DESIGN MASTER Sprays?

Design Master MESS MASTER or FAUX SOLUTION is the solvent to our sprays and will remove any overspray. To remove spray from your skin, use soap and water to remove as much spray as possible. If color still remains on your skin, spray MESS MASTER/FAUX SOLUTION into paper toweling and rub over the area. The solvent will dry the skin. Be certain to wash the skin again and apply moisturizer.

What is a Primer?

A primer is a surface preparation spray designed to increase paint adhesion, provide better paint coverage and penetration on porous surfaces, smooth uneven surfaces for a better topcoat finish and ensure true paint color. When changing the color of an item from a dark to light, spray a coat of Design Master PRIMER before applying the desired light color.

Are DESIGN MASTER Sprays toxic?

All Design Master Sprays are non-toxic when dry. Be sure to apply the sprays in a well-ventilated area and follow the directions on the label.

Are DESIGN MASTER Sprays harmful to the environment?

Design Master Sprays DO NOT contain CFC (Chlorofluorocarbon) propellants and will not harm the ozone layer. They are not a significant source of smog. Design Master Sprays are compliant with all United States aerosol regulations, including all stringent air quality regulations in the state of California.

DESIGN MASTER cans are made from at least 25% recycled materials and are recyclable in communities that accept them.

Where can I buy DESIGN MASTER Sprays?

Visit the Design Master Store Locator on this website. For further information contact Design Master Customer Service at 800.525.2644, Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm MST.

Product FAQ

Can I apply a clear coat over metallic color?

Most metallic finishes are achieved using dyed metal particles that lay on top the surface to mimic a metal finish. Some of these particles can wipe off in the hand. While applying a clear coat will add protection and durability to the finish, it will diminish the metal-like finish.

For a scratch-resistant, durable metallic finish choose Design Master MODERN METALS. These sprays utilize special effect pigments to achieve the metallic finish while at the same time provide durability.

Are COLORTOOL Sprays safe to spray on STYROFOAM® brand foam?

The COLORTOOL Sprays including the metallic hues, ANTIQUE GOLD, BRILLIANT GOLD, BRILLIANT SILVER and COPPER safely color Styrofoam. Follow directions on the label and spray approx. 15" from the surface. The Premium Metallic colors have heavier formulations that will distort the foam.

Why did my painted finish result in a dull whitish look?

Painting in direct sunlight and on a hot, humid day will cause the spray's solvent dry too quickly. This “flashing-off” produces a dull whitish film on the surface and can occur in these conditions whether using a color or clear coat spray. To rectify, simply re-spray the item under room temperature, low-humidity conditions. Because Design Master Sprays are lacquer-based, the new coat will re-soluablize the previous coat, bonding with it in a normal finish.

Why is the spray not drying?

Chances are the color was applied to a pre-finished surface. Many items have a clear finish applied to them in manufacturing and is difficult to determine its type. Most Design Master Sprays are fast-drying. If the surface isn’t dry within 30-60 minutes you are experiencing an incompatibility between finishes. Test spraying in an inconspicuous area is the best determinant of an incompatibility. Prior to application, a coating of Design Master SUPER SURFACE SEALER will act as a barrier between the two finishes and allow it to dry.

Why won't this metallic spray adhere to terra cotta pots?

Some terra cotta pots have an invisible film of mold release that remains on the surface after manufacturing. It is difficult to tell which ones do and don't. When metallic colors do not adhere to terra cotta pots, it is because mold release is present and needs to be removed.

To remedy, wash the pot in soapy water with a scrubber. Or, spray MESS MASTER over the pot and wipe. Allow pot to thoroughly dry before re-spraying.