Paint advice and FAQ

Yes. Savella's grain-based binder contains gluten.

Clay is carried by water into a porous substrate and adheres to it. Therefore, the paint works best on absorbent surfaces, such as clay plaster, rag paper, and untreated wood.

Clay paint can also adhere to previously painted and primed surfaces as well as, for example, melamine, plastic, and walls painted with latex paint. On these surfaces, however, adhesion and durability may be weaker than on a porous substrate. Always perform a test application before treating the entire surface.

Yes. Savella clay paint is odorless.

Savella is a completely natural, water-borne interior paint that leaves a completely matte finish. The paint is made from clay, natural pigments, and a grain-based binder. Supplied as a powder, the paint is prepared for use by adding water and the paste prepared according to the instructions on the package.

Savella is plastic-free and does not form a dense film on the surface. When applied with a brush, the surface retains the vibrancy and texture characteristic of clay paint. The paint is particularly suitable for natural materials and hygroscopic structures that absorb and release moisture.

Savella clay paint is manufactured and packaged in Finland, in Luonnonmaa, Naantali. The paint's raw materials are also domestic.

Savella is suitable for spaces where you want to use natural materials and achieve a completely matte, lively surface on the wall. The odorless paint does not leave the room smelling of paint, and on a suitable substrate, it can be applied without a separate primer or adhesion primer.

A practical advantage in property maintenance is the possibility of local repairs. You usually do not need to repaint the entire wall due to a dent, scratch, or other minor damage. The repair can blend into the surrounding surface, which reduces the work and material needed for maintenance painting, for example in rental apartments and high-traffic areas. The visibility of the repair depends on the substrate, the shade, and the condition of the old paint surface.

The surface can also be modified later. In addition to repainting with clay paint, other possible follow-up treatments include wallpapering, painting with another type of paint, or applying a finishing plaster. The appropriate product and surface preparation must be verified before treatment. If necessary, clay paint can be removed with water and soap, provided the substrate can withstand washing.

Clay paint is for you when you want a soft, completely matte, and vibrant finish for your walls. Brushstrokes and natural variations in tone make the surface unique. There are also differences in texture between shades: some are smoother, while others are clearly more coarse.

Savella is made from domestic raw materials without plastic or synthetic additives. The paint is odorless, and all Savella clay paints are compostable. When you want to change the wall color, the old clay paint generally does not need to be removed under a new layer of clay paint.

Savella's range includes 36 shades.

Savella clay paint is available in 1, 2, and 6-litre containers. The litre quantity refers to the amount of finished, ready-to-use paint. The paint is delivered dry and is prepared according to the instructions on the packaging.

You can also order a separate colour sample if you would like to see the colour before ordering the paint.

Some of the shades are coarser and more granular, others are finer and smoother. For example, Lokakuu, Juutti, and Tuhka are coarser in texture. Ranta, Villa, Vanamo, Dyyni, Huopa, Naava, and Pellava are finer.

You can reduce the granularity of the coarser shades by letting the paint soak in water for a few days. Store the mixture in a cold place and keep the shelf life of the ready-mixed paint in mind.

You can explore the shades using a printed or hand-painted color chart. The printed color chart is free. It helps you get an idea of the selection, but due to printing techniques, its colors do not perfectly match the final painted surface.

The hand-painted color chart costs 54 euros and includes all 36 shades. The samples are painted with real clay paint on A6-sized rag paper. They show you both the shade and the texture of the paint surface better than the printed chart. Evaluate the shade in the room and lighting where you plan to paint.

Savella is made from natural raw materials, so there may be slight color variations between bags. Always mix the entire contents of a bag at once. If you need more than one bag for the same wall, combine the prepared paints into one container and mix thoroughly before starting the work.

A test coat will help you assess the shade on your own wall. You can also order a color sample before purchasing a larger quantity of paint.

Prepare the contents of the pouches according to the package instructions and combine the paint needed for the same wall into a single batch. For example, paints prepared from one- and two-litre packages should be combined into a three-litre batch. Mix the batch thoroughly before painting.

There may be minor colour variations between pouches. Combining them evens out these differences and helps to avoid patches of different shades on the finished wall.

1. Mix the entire package at once. This ensures the ingredients in the package are evenly distributed and the shade is correct.

2. Add water to the clay powder mixture according to the instructions on the package. The dry mixture is dusty, so wear a respirator during the mixing stage.

3. Blend with an immersion blender for about a minute. Mix thoroughly so that the mixture becomes smooth.

4. If desired, let it soak for about 12–24 hours. Soaking is an optional step. It can deepen the shade. Keep the mixture in a cold place.

5. Prepare the wallpaper paste according to the package instructions. Check the water and paste quantities for your specific package size.

6. Add the paste to the clay mixture and mix thoroughly with an immersion blender.

7. Perform a test brush stroke. A suitable paint has the consistency of milk-like soured milk. If the paint is too thick, add a little water and mix again.

The paint is then ready for use. Keep the finished paint in a cold place and stir it also during painting.

Select the instructions based on the amount of paint to be prepared and use the wallpaper paste powder included with that specific paint package. The water amounts below apply only to the paste. The water to be added initially to the clay powder must be measured separately according to the package instructions.

Paste for 1 litre of finished paint

1. Bring 4 dl of water to a boil.

2. Mix the paste powder into 1 dl of cold water.

3. Add the paste-water mixture to the boiling water.

4. Boil for about 6 minutes on low heat, stirring constantly with a whisk.

Paste for 2 litres of finished paint

1. Bring 9 dl of water to a boil.

2. Mix the paste powder into 1 dl of cold water.

3. Add the paste-water mixture to the boiling water.

4. Boil for about 6 minutes on low heat, stirring constantly with a whisk.

Paste for 6 litres of finished paint

1. Bring 2.6 l of water to a boil.

2. Mix the paste powder into 4 dl of cold water.

3. Add the paste-water mixture to the boiling water.

4. Boil for about 6 minutes on low heat, stirring constantly with a whisk.

Add the finished paste to the clay mixture and mix thoroughly with an immersion blender according to the paint preparation instructions.

In addition to the paint kit, you will need water, a mixing container, an immersion blender, and a respirator. To prepare the paste, you will need a pot, a whisk, and a measuring cup.

Choose a mixing container that is at least one-third larger than the amount of paint to be prepared. This leaves room for mixing. Use clean containers and tools.

Subsequent coats usually require less paint than the first one. Consumption per coat can decrease by about half, but this is affected by the substrate material and the previously painted surface. Total consumption increases as more coats are added, even though less paint is needed for an individual coat.

Perform a test painting before ordering a larger batch. You can first purchase a one-liter container and paint a portion of the surface to be treated with it. At the same time, you can see how the paint adheres, what the shade looks like when dry, and how many coats your desired result requires.

Once you know the amount of paint used and the surface area painted with it, you can estimate the amount of paint for the entire project. Include all necessary paint coats in your calculation.

The number of coats depends on the substrate, the shade, and the desired opacity:

- Covering patterns on wallpaper usually requires 3 or 4 coats.

- One or two coats are generally sufficient for woodchip wallpaper.

- On other porous substrates, such as clay, lime, or cement-based plaster and untreated wood, one or two coats are often enough.

- For low-absorbency and water-repellent surfaces, one to three coats are generally needed.

Assess the opacity only after the paint has dried. Wet clay paint is darker and more translucent than a dry paint surface.

One liter of ready-made clay paint is sufficient for approximately 10 square meters when applied in a single coat. This coverage is indicative: the material and absorbency of the substrate affect how much paint is consumed. The color of the substrate, the chosen paint shade, and the number of coats required also affect the total amount.

Light shades, such as Villa, often require two coats on plaster or lining paper. With a dark shade, one coat may suffice. In both cases, the color of the substrate affects the opacity: a light substrate may show through dark paint, and a dark substrate through light paint.

On a surface with low absorbency, less paint is generally used for a single coat, but an even and opaque finish may require multiple applications. Therefore, the coverage of just one coat does not indicate the total amount of paint needed for the entire job.

In Savella's own tests, clay paint has also adhered to metal surfaces and withstood the heat on the surface of a masonry heater without darkening. This is not a general guarantee of suitability for all metal surfaces or temperatures. Verify the suitability for your specific project with Savella before painting.

Yes. You can also paint furniture with Savella clay paint. Protect the painted surface afterwards with carnauba wax. Perform a test patch first to ensure the chosen wax is suitable for the surface in question.

Clay paint can also be used in art.

The surface of plasterboard often has seams, fillers, and leveling compounds that absorb paint differently than the paper surface of the board. Painting directly onto the board can therefore make it difficult to achieve an even finish.

An easy and affordable solution is to attach lining paper or wallpaper liner over the board. Lining paper is generally easier to paint, and a single coat over it may be sufficient. However, light shades or the desired level of opacity may require a second coat. A thin layer of clay plaster also provides a suitable surface for the paint to adhere to.

Standard primers or base coats are not recommended, as clay does not adhere well enough to all primed surfaces. If you wish to apply a base coat, you can use Savella’s Clay shade. It is a textured and highly opaque shade, over which the desired topcoat is applied.

Yes. Many of our customers have painted with clay paint directly over wallpaper. Usually, three or four coats are needed to cover patterns.

First, test on a small area to see how the paint adheres and covers the wallpaper's color and patterns. Also, check that the wallpaper is firmly attached to the wall. Clay paint contains a lot of water, and moisture can loosen wallpaper that is not securely attached. Pay particular attention to this with strippable wallpapers.

You can create a more uniform surface by applying lining paper over the wallpaper. It is an affordable option that is easy to attach and paint.

Ensure that the surface is dry and clean. The painting temperature must be at least +10 °C. Protect the floor and furniture before starting. You can use an old sheet, towel, or rag rug, for example, for protection.

Porous substrates, such as clay, lime, and cement-based mortars, lining paper, old wallpaper, and untreated boards or logs, generally provide a good surface for the paint to adhere to.

For low-absorbency or water-repellent surfaces, such as surfaces painted with latex paint or plastic wallpaper, perform a test patch in an inconspicuous area. If the surface repels the paint, the test can be wiped off with water, provided the substrate can withstand the treatment. You can also try to work the first thin coat lightly into the surface with a brush. Check the adhesion after the test has dried before painting the entire wall.

A separate primer is generally not recommended under Savella clay paint. Clay adheres best to a porous surface, and a primer can reduce the absorbency of the substrate. This may weaken adhesion and the durability of the paint surface, and more layers may be required to achieve an opaque finish.

If it is necessary to even out the color or absorbency of the base, choose a treatment according to the surface. For example, lining paper, a thin coat of clay plaster, or a priming layer made with Savella's clay shade can be suitable for this.

Clay paint is suitable for many interior surfaces, especially absorbent natural materials. Suitable substrates include, for example, plastered walls, tensioned cardboard, rag paper, untreated wood, fiberboard, brick and masonry blocks, as well as surfaces previously painted with clay paint.

Painting over plasterboard, old wallpaper, and many previously painted surfaces is also possible. However, their surface preparation and adhesion must be assessed on a case-by-case basis. You will find more detailed instructions for preparing plasterboard and painting over wallpaper below.

We recommend a brush. The roller must remain sufficiently wet during painting, and areas that become too dry can be difficult to notice while working.

Some of our customers have also successfully used a roller. If you use a roller, be prepared for the fact that a smooth and opaque finish may require several coats.

Apply the paint in thin layers using light, crisscrossing brushstrokes. Start at the ceiling line and work from top to bottom, one small area at a time. The wet surface may look uneven, but brush marks and color variations will level out as it dries.

Finish one wall completely before taking a break. If you must stop, a corner is a natural stopping point. A seam left in the middle of a wall may remain visible on the finished surface.

Stir the paint regularly during use, as the clay settles easily to the bottom of the container.

Under normal conditions, clay paint becomes touch-dry in about 2–4 hours. Drying is affected by room conditions and ventilation. Good ventilation or a fan can speed up the drying process.

For applying clay paint, a Naturmix brush with a blend of natural and synthetic bristles is suitable. It holds paint well and is ideal for cross-brushing techniques. The wide brush is suitable for wall surfaces, while the narrow one is perfect for corners, edges, and other areas requiring precision.

Avoid pressing hard and working over the same wet area repeatedly. This can cause the brush to lift already applied paint or result in color variations. Keep your touch light and assess the need for an additional coat only once the surface has dried.

Do not switch paint batches in the middle of a wall. If you are running out of paint, prepare a new batch before the old one is completely finished. Combine the new paint with the remaining batch and mix thoroughly. The safest approach is to prepare the amount needed for the entire wall before starting.

Clay paint lightens and becomes more opaque as it dries. Therefore, the wet surface does not reflect the final shade or opacity. Wait for it to dry before evaluating the result or the need for additional layers.

The appropriate surface treatment depends on the substrate. If the clay paint is applied directly onto paper or plasterboard without a clay plaster base, wax, oil, or varnish is not recommended. The treatment may cause the paint surface to peel off.

For wood and clay plaster surfaces, possible treatments include varnish, oil, wax, and water glass. Always verify the suitability of the treatment with Savella and the manufacturer of the chosen surface treatment product. For protecting clay-painted furniture surfaces, carnauba wax is recommended.

Clay paint can be removed by washing with soap and water, provided the surface can withstand water and washing. Test on a small area first. Especially with paper and board surfaces, the water resistance of the substrate must be taken into account.

Small areas of damage to a clay paint surface can usually be repaired without repainting the entire wall. However, the invisibility of the repair depends on the color, the substrate, and the condition of the surrounding paint surface.

If you are unsure about the appropriate repair method, please send Savella a photo of the damage along with information about the substrate and the color used. This allows the repair instructions to be tailored to your specific project.

The shade of a clay-painted surface can be changed with a new coat of clay paint. It is generally not necessary to remove the old clay paint before painting.

If you wish to use a different type of paint, wallpaper, or filler, verify the product's suitability and the necessary surface preparation in advance. A universal work instruction cannot be provided for all products based solely on a clay-painted surface.

Wash brushes and other tools with water. If necessary, you can add a little Marseille soap to the wash water. A dried brush can be restored for reuse by first soaking it in water and then washing it in the usual way.

Excess paint stains can be wiped off with water, provided the surface being cleaned can withstand the treatment.

Do not pour clay paint down the drain. Leftover Savella clay paint can be disposed of with mixed waste or composted. Compostability applies to all Savella clay paints and shades.

Clay paint mixed with water is a fresh product. It will keep in the refrigerator for about a week. The shelf life is affected by the cleanliness of the containers and tools, as well as the temperature at which the paint is stored and used. Warm weather can shorten the shelf life.

As a dry powder, the paint will keep for years if protected from moisture.

Write to savella@savella.fi. We can help you, for example, with assessing the suitable substrate, amount of paint, painting method, and surface treatment. In your message, please describe the surface you are painting and whether it has been treated previously.

Hand-painted color samples can be viewed at the following locations:

- Rakennusperinteen Ystävät ry, Iso-Puolala: Puolalanpuisto 7, 20100 Turku.

- Rakennuskulttuuritalo Toivo: Varvinkatu 19, 28100 Pori.

- Rakennuskulttuurikeskus Piiru: Uittajankatu 10, 33250 Tampere.

- Korjausrakentamiskeskus Tammela: Eteläpitkäkatu 17, 26100 Rauma.

You can order products from the Savella online store. Orders placed directly with Savella are handled via the online store, and Savella does not offer a pick-up option.

Products can also be purchased from retailers:

- Roseborg Oy, Ruotsinpyhtää: Ruukintie 17, 07970 Ruotsinpyhtää.

- Roseborg Oy, Pori: Ahlaistentie 644 B, 29700 Pori.

- Uudenkaupungin Vanhat Talot ry: Sepänkatu 4, 23500 Uusikaupunki.

- Hågelby Byggnadsvård: Tumba, Sweden.

- Lin & Lera: Larv, Sweden.

Add the desired products to your shopping cart and proceed to checkout. Check the products, contact details, and delivery method before paying. You will see the delivery costs before confirming the order. Product prices include VAT.

You will receive an order confirmation by email, where you can see the products you ordered and their prices. By placing an order, you accept the online store's terms of delivery, product prices, and delivery costs.

Online store payments are processed via Shopify Payments. You can see the available payment methods at checkout, where you can choose the option that suits you best.

Savella does not offer a pick-up option. Online store orders are delivered using the shipping method you select at checkout. You can purchase products on-site from our retailers.

You may notify us of your order cancellation within 14 days of receiving the product. Please send a clear notice of cancellation to savella@savella.fi, including your order number and the items being returned. You may also notify us of the cancellation before the delivery.

Please contact us before returning the item to receive return instructions and the return address. Return the product no later than 14 days after your cancellation notice. Pack it carefully, preferably in the original packaging. Include the delivery note or a copy of it, and keep the return receipt.

If the product has been used more than what is necessary to examine its features, the reduction in value resulting from such use may be deducted from the refunded amount.

Clay paints are made to order, and their delivery time is usually 1–3 weeks. The delivery time for products shipped from stock is usually 3–7 business days. Please check the delivery time for your ordered product on the product page.

We dispatch product orders centrally on weekdays once or twice a week.

Shipping costs are determined by the chosen delivery method, any additional services, and the weight and size of the order. You will see the shipping costs at checkout before confirming your order.

Failure to collect a package does not constitute a cancellation of the order. Please notify us of the cancellation separately.

Check the final collection date for your package in the arrival notification. The standard retention period is seven days, but always follow the instructions for your specific shipment. You can inquire about extending the retention period with the carrier or authorize another person to pick up the package according to the carrier's instructions.

Failure to collect a package may result in return shipping costs. Detailed information on the costs and how they are charged is provided in the delivery terms.

Please contact savella@savella.fi as soon as possible. Provide your order number and a description of what has happened. Attach photos of the damaged product and the packaging so that the situation can be investigated. Please also report a package damaged in transit to the transport company.

Customer returns concerning a faulty product are free of charge. Please contact us before returning the item so that you can receive the correct instructions.

Contact customer service at savella@savella.fi. Include your order number, describe the error, and attach photos if they help in resolving the matter. The online store has a statutory liability for defects in the products it sells.

If we cannot reach an agreement, you can take the consumer dispute to the Consumer Disputes Board for processing.