Italian Surface Finishes in UK
Arteco 7 — Technical Data Sheet
Key performance data for this patina and antique‑effect wall system: composition, coverage, drying, substrates and maintenance for UK projects where Arteco 7 is being specified as an interior patina or heritage finish.
ITALIAN‑MADE VALPAINT SYSTEM · SPECIFIED, TINTED & SUPPORTED BY ITALIAN SURFACE FINISHES IN UK
Key specifications
| Finish | Hand‑worked patina and antique‑effect finish with matt–satin sheen and optional metallic highlights, depending on the chosen cycle. |
|---|---|
| Use / type | Water‑based decorative glaze system for interior walls only — designed for patina wall finishes, aged‑wall effects and heritage decorative schemes. |
| Chemistry |
Acrylic water‑based binder with selected mineral fillers and pigments. Low‑VOC formulation with A+ indoor air‑quality classification and very low formaldehyde emission (F**** class). |
| Coverage (guide) |
Typical yield, depending on effect and substrate:
|
| Application tools |
Soft brush / spalter for veils and strokes • Sponge or cloth for broken patina and ageing effects •
Stainless steel spatula/trowel for light compression and refinement. For recommended tools see ISF Tools & Accessories. |
| System products |
Fixative / primer: PRIMART 600 on sound interior substrates, diluted as per substrate condition. Basecoat (examples):
Optional protection: clear protective coat where increased washability is required (e.g. circulation spaces, commercial interiors). |
| Drying / recoat |
At approx. 20 °C and 65 % RH:
|
| Recommended use | Interior walls and selected ceilings in living rooms, dining spaces, stairwells, boutique retail, restaurants, hotels and gallery environments where a heritage, patina or artisan reading is desired. Not designed for floors, exterior façades or permanently wet areas. |
| Packaging | Supplied in project‑friendly sizes — typically 1 L, 2.5 L and 5 L units, depending on shade and distribution. |
Coverage values are indicative. Always create a sample panel under project lighting to confirm yield, colour and pattern before full application.
Compatible substrates
Arteco 7 is suitable for most interior wall substrates once they are properly prepared, sound and free from contaminants. Typical substrates include:
- New gypsum plaster and skim‑coated plasterboard (fully cured and dry).
- Existing sound coatings (matt acrylic), properly cleaned, de‑greased and lightly abraded.
- Cement–lime renders and mineral base coats that are stable and free from efflorescence.
Substrates must be dry, uniform and cohesive. Remove loose, flaking or chalky paint, repair cracks and defects, sand smooth and de‑dust. Apply PRIMART 600 in the dilution recommended for the substrate to regulate absorption and promote adhesion before the chosen Arteco 7 basecoat.
System build — Arteco 7
The exact specification will vary with substrate and whether the cycle is Classic, Metallic Classic, Floral or Metallic Floral. Typical systems are:
-
Classic / Metallic Classic effects
PRIMART 600 → L50 or other specified basecoat → Arteco 7 glaze worked with brush/spalter and optional sponge/cloth to create veils, crosses and patina depth. Metallic Classic variants introduce metallic highlights through the base and/or glaze tint. -
Floral / Metallic Floral effects
PRIMART 600 → P40 or other specified floral base → Arteco 7 glaze applied in a more pronounced, graphic rhythm to create floral or motif‑based patinas. Metallic Floral adds subtle metallic interference to the same patterns.
Tools (brush, sponge, cloth, spatula) and timing (work on a dry base; manipulate glaze while wet) control the final reading. Always follow the specific cycle indicated in the Arteco 7 catalogue and technical sheet for the chosen reference.
Performance & maintenance
Performance notes
- Provides a durable decorative patina layer on vertical interior surfaces when applied over stable, suitably primed substrates.
- Designed for residential, retail and hospitality interiors where a soft patina or antique reading is desired.
- Not intended as a stand‑alone waterproof membrane in permanently wet areas; for such zones, use within Waterproof Artistic Walls systems based on E‑VOLUTION PLUS.
Cleaning & care
- Allow approximately 15 days for full curing before first cleaning.
- Dust regularly with a soft cloth, microfibre or feather duster.
- If protected with a suitable clear coat, occasional wiping with a damp cloth and mild neutral detergent is possible. Avoid aggressive scrubbing that could burnish the patina or alter sheen.
- Avoid abrasive pads, scouring powders, bleach and solvent‑based cleaners.
Health, safety & environment
- Water‑based, low‑VOC system with A+ total VOC classification and very low formaldehyde emission.
- Apply in well‑ventilated interiors; avoid inhalation of spray/fine mist.
- Avoid contact with eyes and skin; wear suitable gloves, eye/face protection and work clothing.
- Store in tightly closed original containers between approx. +5 °C and +30 °C. Protect from frost and direct sun.
- Dispose of residues and empty containers in accordance with local regulations. Do not pour into drains or watercourses.
- Refer to the official Valpaint Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for full safety information.
Technical & specification summary
Arteco 7 brings patina, antique and layered decorative effects into a water‑based system suitable for modern UK interiors. Within the Italian Surface Finishes framework it is used for:
- Feature walls in lounges, dining rooms and stairwells that require heritage or aged‑wall character.
- Boutique retail, hotels and restaurants where artisan depth is needed without heavy texture.
- Contrasts against smooth concrete plasters, metallic finishes or silk/suede systems to create rich, narrative schemes.
In selected designs, Arteco 7 patinas may also appear in dry or splash‑adjacent areas over the E‑VOLUTION PLUS waterproof body, as outlined in our Waterproof Artistic Walls overview. In those cases the full build‑up and detailing are specified and controlled by Italian Surface Finishes.
Arteco 7 resources & support
For full decorative cycles, colour references and on‑site guidance, use the links below or contact the Italian Surface Finishes London Studio.