FAQ
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General Questions
Who is StudioÄix?
StudioÄix is a group of extremely talented and passionate professionals who design and manufacture decorative plaster finishes for installation by consumers, contractors, and property owners. Led by Dan & Victoria Näss, in addition to satisfying our rapidly growing demand for our plaster materials and artwork, we make it a point every day to work on new finishes and new ways to use the finishes to keep it fresh. Located outside Chicago since 1990, we rebranded ourselves after we stopped doing installations several years ago under NÄSS Fresco, so we could focus solely on making plaster materials and artwork for others to install and enjoy, which is what we are most passionate about here at StudiWith thousands of interior and exterior installations in all 50 states and 17 countries, from residential to retail stores to restaurants to movie theatres to corporate installations, we have the experience to suit most every situation when it comes to decorative plaster finishes. Our finishes are very durable and equally if not more beautiful when compared to those of our competitors. We can be completely hands-off if you have no needs from us after the material purchase, or we can be right there with you every step of the way thanks to virtual technologyThough we feel that we are one of the best in our business, we listen to everything the customer has to say to better ourselves for the next customer, including listening to people other than customers. Hopefully, you see that we are customer-focused, hoping to make the StudioÄix experience an enjoyable one and make StudioÄix your choice for all your decorative plaster needs.
Product Questions
What type of decorative plaster finishes and artwork do we sell?
Venetian plaster
Fresco plaster
Concrete
Glass bead
Metallic
Mica flake
Terrazzo (for walls, ceilings, and columns)
Logos can be beautifully incorporated into the different finishes
Why should I buy the finishes of StudioÄix?
Our decorative plaster products are extremely user-friendly
No sanding necessary
Excellent coverage
No special primer required
Our products do not crack
Cold joints can be completely avoided very easily
Are our decorative plaster finishes durable?
Yes, our finishes are very durable and equally if not more beautiful when compared to those of our competitors.
How easy is it to clean the finish should a spill or mar occur?
All spills and stains can be easily removed with a simple Magic Eraser or similar. Unlike the materials of all our competitors which are mostly impossible to clean, our plaster has an organic proprietary additive that allows our finishes to be cleaned very easily.
What are the substrate requirements?
Taped and sanded drywall with one coat of flat latex primer
Painted plaster
Concrete
Cement board
Smooth wood
Any other sound, load-bearing substrate
Do you offer volume discounts?
Yes, please contact help@studioaix.com to see if your order qualifies.
Why do our products require a primer?
This is one of the most important things to pay attention to. A primer is required to ensure uniform drying throughout the surface and avoid any joints or anomalies telegraphing through the finish. You can use any good quality, undiluted, flat white latex primer. Do not use a stain-blocker or shiny primer as our products stick better and are easier to work with when the primer is flat. Also, do not use oil-based primers. If the surface has oil-based paint or primer on it, apply a flat latex primer before applying any plaster.
How are our finishes applied?
Every product we offer is applied by hand. Most finishes will require using a trowel at some point. Some finishes utilize a brush, a roller, or even just your hands.
Do the products have odors?
No, there is no noticeable odor with most of our products, though very rich or dark colors may have a slight odor which will dissipate quickly. All products are low-VOC and sourced from nearly all-natural materials.
Are the products water-based?
Yes, all products are water-based
How do you clean up tools, hands, etc?
A simple wet rag should be adequate for all cleaning needs. An abrasive sponge can be used, but caution should be taken to not scratch surfaces.
If I do not want to install myself, do you have an installer you can recommend?
Yes, we have relationships with installers throughout North America who would be happy to work with you to ensure your experience is enjoyable and that you are happy with your installation.
How much do installers charge?
Installer pricing ranges from $5 to $14 per square foot, depending on your locale and complexity of the technique
Do our products include application instructions?
Yes, written instructions are on each pail, videos are available, as well as real-time audio and video apps
What is the shelf-life for our products?
Up to 3 years on most products
Do we require certified installers?
No, we do not. Though we do have a list of installers throughout North America should you need one
Are our finishes difficult to apply?
Although that is a relative question, no, they are not difficult to apply. Anyone with minor craft skills should be able to apply our finishes. All products have been formulated with an organic additive to minimize, and most times avoid, cold joints.
Are our finishes Class A fire rated?
Yes, all our products are Class A fire rated
Do we offer samples?
Yes, we do. We charge a nominal fee to help offset the cost. We will refund back to you with a $100 minimum material purchase
Do the finishes need to be sealed?
No, generally they do not need a sealer. You can seal them if you feel it is necessary because the finish may get dirty such as a high-traffic area or a wet environment. We provide sealer as needed or requested.
What should I do with the leftover material?
You should keep the material in case you have repair work or similar down the road. Be sure to keep the container sealed tight and store in a cool but non-freezing location.
Why do we have 2 color charts?
One color chart is our standard colors. The other color chart is a version of the most popular colors at this current time.
Do we custom match colors?
Yes, please call or email us with the color information. Turnaround time is usually 1-2 business days. We have all major paint company fan decks on hand for matching.
Will the color and texture be exactly what I see on the product page?
Due to the many variations in monitors and browsers, color samples may appear different on different monitors. Computer monitors are not all calibrated equally and color reproduction on the Internet is not precise. Since it is not possible to guarantee our online colors will look the same on all computers, we do not guarantee that what you see accurately portrays the actual color of the plaster products. In addition to monitors affecting an image’s color, ambient lighting and drying conditions may influence how a color and texture dries. Lastly, every individual may see colors and textures differently. Though we do our very best to make sure our samples are as close to the exact product as possible, we cannot guarantee that what you see is an exact sample. If it is important that the sample be exact, it is highly recommended that you order a sample first, before placing the order for your plaster products. After you receive your samples, keep in mind that even the actual sample can have minimal variations from the finished product.If you would like to see a sample of any product shown on our site, please call Customer Service at (847) 277-1484 or email Customer Service at help@studioaix.com.
What is the environmental impact of your finishes?
Where can I find technical information about your products?
You can download product data sheets on our Product Data Sheet page
Shipping Questions
What is the lead time for our products?
Most orders ship same day if order and payment are received by Noon CST
Where do our orders ship from?
All orders ship from Chicago, IL (Central Time)
How do our orders ship?
We ship ground via UPS, FedEx, USPS, and common carrier. If expedited shipping is needed, we can arrange for that with the customer paying the upcharge.
For all other shipping related inquiries
Please see our shipping policy
Warranty Questions
Is there a warranty?
Yes, all materials are guaranteed to be free of defects. Normal wear and tear are not covered. Damage from misuse or accident is not covered. The customer and its agents must exercise care and caution to minimize any damage. Natural variations in products are not considered defects. Handmade products such as ours may have slight variations in color and texture from item to item. Lastly, due to the nature of electronic media, the color of the actual product may differ from pictured.
Ordering Questions
How can I place an order?
There are 3 ways to place an order. You can place the order online through our website, you can call us on the phone (847) 277-1484 to place the order, or you can email us at help@studioaix.com with the details of what you want to order.
Can I pick up my order?
Yes, we are in Barrington, IL, about an hour northwest of Chicago. Just let us know in advance and we will be sure to have your order ready. Pick up hours are 8:00am - 4:00pm
Return Questions
How are returns handled?
Please see our Return Policy
Billing Questions
When will my credit card be charged?
Your credit card will be charged as soon as your order is accepted and processed.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover credit cards or debit cards.
We also accept checks or money orders.
We also accept wire transfers.