Arteco 7 — Application Guide

System overview

Arteco 7 is an artistic decorative glaze system used to create patina, aged‑wall and heritage effects on interior walls. Within the Italian Surface Finishes framework it sits alongside concrete, stone, metallic and silk/suede families as the patina / antique layer — often used on feature walls, stair cores and boutique interiors where a flat emulsion would feel too thin.

A typical Arteco 7 build in UK projects consists of:

• Substrate preparation — repair, level, sand and de‑dust.
• Fixative — PRIMART 600 to stabilise and equalise absorption.
• Basecoat — L50 metallic base or P40 coloured base (or other acrylic base) as per the chosen effect.
• Arteco 7 glaze — hand‑worked with brush, sponge or cloth to create the desired patina / antique reading.
• Optional clear protection — where increased washability is required.

Exact sequences, dilution ratios and shade codes are shown in the Arteco 7 catalogue and technical data sheet. This guide is a practical overview for UK applicators.

Step‑by‑step method (core cycle)

1. Substrate preparation
   Ensure the surface is sound, clean, dry and uniform. Remove loose or flaking coatings, treat any efflorescence, fill cracks and imperfections, sand smooth and de‑dust.
2. PRIMART 600 — fixative
   Apply PRIMART 600 in the dilution recommended for the substrate (more dilution on very absorbent surfaces; less on sealed ones). Apply evenly by roller or brush and allow to dry thoroughly.
3. Basecoat (L50 / P40 or specified base)
   Apply the chosen basecoat (for example L50 metallic base or P40 coloured base) uniformly by roller. Cover the substrate completely and allow to dry. The base undertone will significantly influence the final patina reading.
4. Arteco 7 glaze — first pass
   Apply Arteco 7 with a soft brush, sponge or cloth depending on the effect. Work in manageable areas (1–2 m²), using irregular movements to avoid obvious repeat patterns. Maintain a “wet edge” across each wall.
5. Blending and depth
   While the glaze is still workable, soften overlaps and joins by lightly re‑working with a clean sponge, brush or cloth. For stronger antique effects, dab and wipe back in selected zones to reveal more of the basecoat and create layered depth.
6. Refinement
   Step back regularly and judge the wall under the project lighting. Add small amounts of glaze where the surface reads too flat; soften where it feels too busy. The goal is natural, non‑mechanical variation.

Key variant families

The official catalogue shows named Arteco 7 effects grouped into Classic / Metallic Classic and Floral / Metallic Floral cycles. In practice:

• Classic / Metallic Classic — the reference patina, with soft, broken veils over a harmonised base (L50 or equivalent), optionally with metallic interference.
• Floral / Metallic Floral — more graphic, motif‑driven patterns using stencils, shaped sponges or specific brushwork, with metallic notes where specified.

Detailed recipes, mixing codes and layout diagrams are given in the official Arteco 7 catalogue. For complex programmes we recommend test walls and, where needed, Academy training.

Application video

The Arteco 7 film below illustrates priming, basecoats and patina movements. Use it together with ISF’s UK‑adapted written specification and any project‑specific notes provided for your job.

Professional tips from the London Studio

• Approve a sample wall first. For patina work the “pattern language” is critical. Agree a sample board or sample wall with the client under the final project lighting before rolling out.
• Work wall‑by‑wall. Complete each wall in one sequence where possible; avoid breaking across external corners or leaving partly glazed surfaces overnight.
• Avoid mechanical repetition. Vary pressure, angle and tool rotation to prevent obvious “step‑and‑repeat” marks. Arteco 7 should read as naturally aged, not stamped.
• Use lighting as a guide. Patina depth, contrast and sheen will change under daylight vs warm LED. Regularly check the developing surface under the same type of light the space will use in operation.
• Consider protection in busy areas. In stair cores, circulation zones or commercial interiors, specify the appropriate clear coat from the Valpaint system to improve cleanability and resistance to marking.

Safety & environment

Arteco 7 is a water‑based, low‑VOC decorative system with very low emissions. Apply with standard good practice:

• Ensure good ventilation during application and drying.
• Wear gloves and eye protection; avoid skin and eye contact.
• Store between approx. +5 °C and +30 °C in closed containers; protect from frost.

Technical & project resources

Arteco 7 by Valpaint, applied through the Italian Surface Finishes framework of Studio, Academy and Approved Applicator Network, provides a repeatable way to create patina and antique wall finishes for UK residential, retail and hospitality projects.