Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to all your questions about our eco-friendly acrylic paints and our mission to transform discarded paint into vibrant works of art. Whether you're curious about our sustainable practices, product details, or how you can join our community-focused brand, we've got you covered.
RECYCLING 101
Recycled paint is made by collecting leftover paint (both water-based and oil-based), processing it to remove impurities, and then blending it into new paint. This process diverts paint from landfills, conserves resources, and offers a more sustainable alternative to traditional paint.
Using recycled paint has several advantages:
- Environmental: It reduces landfill waste, conserves natural resources, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions.
- Economic: It can be more affordable than virgin paint and supports job creation in the recycling industry.
- Social: It promotes community engagement and educates consumers about sustainability.
Yes, reputable brands of recycled paint undergo rigorous testing to ensure they are safe for use. For example, Tomorrow's Artist paints are certified by the Art & Creative Materials Institute (ACMI), guaranteeing they are non-toxic.
Recycled paint is available in various formulations, including:
- Architectural paint: Used for homes, businesses, and other structures.
- Artistic paint: Designed for fine artists and crafters, available in different colors, sheens, and viscosities.
High-quality recycled paint undergoes strict quality control measures and can meet or exceed industry standards. Reputable brands like Tomorrow's Artist are formulated to deliver excellent color vibrancy, consistency, and texture comparable to virgin paints.
You can purchase recycled paint from various sources, including:
- Retailers: Some traditional paint retailers are starting to offer recycled paint options.
- Online: Many companies specialize in producing and selling recycled paint online, like Tomorrow's Artist.
- Local recycling centers: Some centers might offer recycled paint or information on where to find it.
Several resources provide information about recycled paint:
- Company websites: Explore websites of companies specializing in recycled paint, like Tomorrow's Artist.
- Environmental organizations: Many organizations advocate for sustainable practices and offer information on eco-friendly products like recycled paint.
- Industry publications: Research industry articles and reports focusing on the recycled paint market and trends.
PAINT WITH PURPOSE
"Paint with Purpose" is a tagline associated with Tomorrow's Artist, highlighting their commitment to creating high-quality recycled paint that allows artists to express themselves while contributing to a more sustainable future.
PROCESS
Encore has established the rights to discarded architectural paint in multiple states that we then sort and utilize to manufacture our product. Check out this video to learn more about our process
We understand our artist’s concerns regarding greenwashing; it's a critical issue in today’s market. To clarify, discarded paint has a significant negative impact on our environment, with over 70 million gallons going unused each year. Improper disposal can lead to contamination in our water supply and, ultimately, in us.
For every gallon of paint produced, manufacturers use 13 to 15 gallons of water. With water scarcity being a concern in many communities, preserving this resource is vital.
Our process involves sorting discarded paint by base and color, then testing it to ensure it meets our quality standards. The paint is filtered for production, and we add about 30% new resin and pigment to achieve the consistency our artists desire.
Additionally, we’ve eliminated plastic from our packaging by introducing all-aluminum jars, further minimizing environmental impact.
Tomorrow’s artist products are created with Encore Artistic Solutions (CWE). When you see the Created with Encore brand on products it means quality paint that has been upcycled and tested from paint destined for landfills across the country. You will find the Created with Encore logo on several category leaders in the Art material segment
RECYCLING SOURCE(S)
We recommend using PaintCare, a company that accepts paint for recycling. They have drop-off locations in multiple states, though each state may have its own guidelines. You can find more information and locations here: PaintCare.
If there isn’t a PaintCare site near you, your local disposal service should be able to guide you on proper recycling methods.
USAGE INFO
Yes! Our base materials are specifically designed for exterior use. We add resins and pigments to enhance performance in harsh weather conditions, and our products meet or exceed all ASTM standards for exterior surfaces, ensuring durability and long-lasting quality.
Our paint is made with premium pigments to resist fading and typically lasts over 10 years, even in harsh weather conditions. It's age-resistant and considered permanent when applied to the proper surfaces, performing exceptionally well in environments with high exposure to light and weather. This ensures vibrant, long-lasting colors that can be considered archival.
We recommend ensuring that the substrate is clean and properly prepared before applying Tomorrow's Artist materials. While we do not specifically offer a primer, proper surface preparation will help achieve the best results.
No, our paint offers excellent flexibility and drying qualities. Many artists successfully roll their canvases for shipping after using our materials without any cracking.
Yes, we recommend testing with different ratios of water, possibly combined with a Floetrol-type medium, to achieve your desired consistency.
Yes! We recommend using a combination of water and Floetrol acrylic paint additive to achieve the desired consistency for airbrushing.
To prevent lids from getting stuck, be sure to wipe the jar before sealing it. You can also use a small amount of linseed oil, coconut oil, or almond oil around the rim to help ensure a smooth seal.
PRICING
Our pricing reflects the extensive process of transforming leftover materials into high-quality, eco-friendly paint. This includes sorting, processing, and formulating to ensure top-notch results. While it’s a time-consuming effort, we strive to balance affordability with quality and sustainability. We also provide discounts and competitive shipping to make our products more accessible.
Check out this video to learn more about our process.
Is this a non profit?
No, Encore Artistic Solutions is a for-profit company focused on creating value and innovation through sustainable, circular processes. We have two projects already in the market repurposing paint destined for landfills: Tomorrow’s Artist and DecoArt’s Deco Earth.
You can learn more about our mission in this article.
RETAIL
Our products are available through retailers like Michaels.com and Blick.com. We’re always looking to expand and be wherever our artists are! Have any suggestions? Let us know!
No, we do not offer gallons at this time, but we do provide volume discounts. Please email sales@tomorrows-artist.com to learn more!
Currently, we do not offer international shipping. However, we can send samples, though please note that it may take some time for delivery. Stay tuned for updates on international availability in the future!
INGREDIENTS
For detailed information on pigments and potential allergens, please refer to our Safety Data Sheet (SDS), which provides specific information about our materials.
All components are non-toxic and non-hazardous. For more specific information, please email info@tomorrows-artist.com, and we can provide the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
No, our products do not contain latex. However, since our source material includes various acrylic materials, there may be trace amounts of latex present, which contribute to the paint's pliability.
Yes, our products do contain acrylic particles, which are a form of microplastics, sourced from both the original recovered materials we recycle and our reformulation process. Our mission focuses on addressing the problem of paint waste by redirecting these materials, helping to keep them out of our soil and water while enabling artists to create amazing works of art.
Yes, our paints do not contain animal products. Our mission is to capture discarded acrylics from the waste stream and transform them into high-quality art materials, making them both sustainable and animal-friendly.
While odor is a rare occurrence, please email sales@tomorrows-artist.com, and we’d be happy to send you a new sample to try.