Top 5 IOD Paint Inlay FAQs

So, what exactly are IOD Paint Inlays? If they feel a bit intimidating, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Like any new skill, there’s a bit of a learning curve, but trust us, it’s worth it.

What are IOD Paint Inlays?

IOD Paint Inlays are the artisanal answer to modern furniture embellishments. A Paint Inlay design is laid onto your project at which point the proprietary paint from the inlay embeds into the wet painted surface. After drying, the carrier paper is removed and only a painted design remains.

Can IOD Paint Inlays be used more than once?

Yes! You can get a beautifully faded second impression with the residual pigment on your ‘leftover’ Paint Inlay sheets. Depending on the techniques and colors you are using with your Paint Inlay, sometimes you can even get a third impression!

How do I store my Paint Inlays for a second use? 

After use, lay the sheet on a flat surface, pigment side up, and allow it to dry completely. If you saved the protective tissue, use these between the saved inlay sheets. 
 Then you can put them back in the packaging until you’re ready to use for a second impression.

Can you seal Paint Inlays with wax instead of a water-based top coat? 

Yes, you can seal with wax as well, however, a quick pass with a spray or roll-on sealer is best when starting with inlays. The more friction a sealing method has the more opportunity for moving the pigment of the inlay. However, many have been successful with wax sealers. As always, product ingredients vary by manufacturer, and you should always test in an inconspicuous spot.

Can we use a dryer to accelerate the drying process? 

Yes. However, we use fans a lot. We prefer the drying mechanism of gentle air movement to heat. 
 We avoid drying tools that get very hot, as heat can compromise the stability of paint in general, and cause bubbling or even delaminating of furniture surfaces.