Klondike Ferro — Application Guide

What Klondike Ferro is

Klondike Ferro is an Italian iron‑effect decorative coating curated by Italian Surface Finishes for UK projects. When applied in the correct cycle it delivers refined industrial depth and metallic modulation, ideal for retail, hospitality and premium residential interiors that call for an oxidised metal wall finish.

Klondike Ferro transforms prepared interior walls into surfaces that visually read as weathered iron or sheet steel. It is a water‑based system that relies on brush and trowel choreography to develop tonal variation, metallic sheen and industrial character. This guide outlines the UK application method taught within the Valpaint London Academy.

UK system overview

• Primer: substrate‑specific primer as required by the Valpaint system sheet.
• Basecoat: tinted undercoat or dedicated Ferro base rolled uniformly.
• Effect coats: 1–2 coats of Klondike Ferro, brushed and trowelled to create iron‑effect movement.
• Optional protection: clear sealer in higher‑wear zones for increased washability.

Tools you will need

• Short‑pile roller — for primer and basecoat.
• Soft synthetic brush / spalter — for spreading and modelling the effect coats.
• Flexible plastic or stainless‑steel trowel — for compression and enhancing metallic modulation.
• Painter’s tape & sheeting — to protect adjacent surfaces and achieve crisp edges.

Specialist tools optimised for metallic finishes are available via the ISF Tools & Accessories page.

Step‑by‑step method

1. Prepare the substrate
   Ensure surfaces are sound, smooth and dry. Fill imperfections, sand and remove all dust. Prime where necessary to ensure even absorption and adhesion as per the system sheet.
2. Apply the tinted basecoat
   Using a short‑pile roller, apply the recommended tinted basecoat for Klondike Ferro in a uniform film. This colour underpins the final iron‑effect tone. Allow to dry fully (typically overnight at 20 °C).
3. First Klondike Ferro coat
   Apply a thin, even coat of Klondike Ferro using a brush or roller. The goal at this stage is continuity and coverage, not final texture. Allow the first coat to dry thoroughly.
4. Second coat — modelling the effect
   Apply a second thin coat of Klondike Ferro. While it is still workable, use a soft spalter and/or flexible trowel to create the characteristic iron‑effect movement. Work in overlapping strokes, varying direction and pressure to develop natural patina and prevent repetitive patterns. Complete each wall wet‑on‑wet to avoid visible joins.
5. Optional clear protection
   After full curing (around 7 days), apply a compatible clear protective sealer where higher cleaning resistance is required (e.g. stair cores, commercial corridors, bar fronts). Follow the manufacturer’s guidance for dilution and number of coats.

Application video

The Klondike Ferro method film below illustrates priming, basecoat, effect coats and trowel choreography. Use it together with ISF’s UK‑adapted written specification and any project‑specific notes.

Professional tips

• Keep movements irregular — avoid obvious repeating patterns; vary stroke length and direction.
• Work in pairs on large walls — one applicator applies material, the other follows to model and compress.
• Check under project lighting — evaluate the effect under the final lighting scheme (downlights, wall washers etc.).
• Use soft tools — spalter brushes and flexible trowels give smoother modulation and more control.
• Always sample first — agree a sample board for intensity and direction of the iron effect before proceeding to site walls.

Safety & environment

Klondike Ferro is a water‑based, low‑VOC decorative coating. It is suitable for design‑led residential, commercial and hospitality interiors when applied according to Valpaint guidance.

• Ensure good ventilation during application and drying.
• Wear gloves and eye protection; avoid skin and eye contact.
• Store sealed containers between +5 °C and +30 °C; protect from frost and direct heat.
• Do not discharge product or wash‑water into drains or watercourses.

Technical & project resources

Klondike Ferro, applied through the Italian Surface Finishes framework of Studio, Academy and Approved Applicator Network, provides a reliable way to bring oxidised metal aesthetics into modern UK interiors.