Cal-Tint Starter Set with Carrying Rack
A shop/studio/set/theater/park ready set of universal tinting colorants for paints, glazes, putties, plasters, and other similar coatings. Includes a metal rack for organized, quick access.
What's in the box
- 12x 16oz squeeze bottles with custom US Paint Supply dispensing flip-top caps
- Metal rack for storage/transport. Mostly used by artists who are moving around sets or transporting between locations.
- 1 each: Bulletin Red, Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber, Exterior Light Yellow, Exterior Medium Yellow, Lamp Black, Light Green, Phthalo Blue, Phthalo Green, Raw Sienna, Raw Umber, Venetian Red
General usage guidance
- Compatible: Water-based/coalescing systems (latex/acrylic), many alkyds/oil-modified finishes, plasters, fillers, and glazes.
- Test first: High-solids, specialty, or catalyzed/2K systems (epoxy, polyurethane) and any product with a low allowable colorant/tint load.
- Not ideal: Products that explicitly require manufacturer-supplied tints only. When in doubt, check the coating's TDS or do a small test batch.
Quick start
- Stir/shake your base thoroughly.
- Add colorant gradually and mix well after each addition. Consider adding by weight using a scale or by drops using our cap.
- Stir or shake again. Equal distribution is key with high strength colorant like cal-tint.
- Brush out a sample and let it dry to judge final color.
- Record your formula (we generally stick to grams or drops, where grams will be most accurate) for repeatability.
Dosage guidance
- Start small: <1% by volume for most paints and coatings. Maximum tint load maybe be 2% in solvent bases, and up to 10% in water-based. We recommend reading the data sheet for your base carefully!
- Many products have a maximum colorant load. As a rule of thumb, stay conservative unless your product data allows more.
- Deep/strong colors reach target faster (Lamp Black, Phthalo Blue/Green) while earth tones build more gradually.
Practical tips
- Use squeeze bottles for clean, controlled additions; wipe the tip when recapping.
- For the most consistent results, measure by weight. For approximate matches, use drops.
- Color can shift slightly as coatings dry; always evaluate a dry sample.
- Don't use colors labeled "Interior" outside - they will fade very fast.
Safety & handling
- Lead-free
- Wear gloves and protect surfaces; clean spills promptly. This is extremely high strength tint and will get everywhere if you let it!
- Store capped, at room temperature. Generally cal-tint won't freeze due to glycol content, but if it separates and then freezes you will have trouble.
Included colors & reference sheets
- Bulletin Red Pint (830-0802) MSDS
- Burnt Sienna Pint (830-1109) MSDS
- Burnt Umber Pint (830-1313) MSDS
- Exterior Light Yellow Pint (830-2501) MSDS
- Exterior Medium Yellow Pint (830-2024) MSDS
- Lamp Black Pint (830-9907) MSDS
- Light Green Pint (830-4333) MSDS
- Phthalo Blue Pint (830-7216) MSDS
- Phthalo Green Pint (830-5515) MSDS
- Raw Sienna Pint (830-1824) MSDS
- Raw Umber Pint (830-2009) MSDS
- Venetian Red Pint (830-1047) MSDS
Refills and single bottles
Looking for single bottles or additional colors? See Cal-Tint Universal Tinting Colors.
FAQ
- Will this work in my specific paint or plaster?
- In most cases, yes. Universal colorants are widely compatible, but always check the coating's technical data sheet and do a small test batch.
- How much should I add?
- Start at <1% by volume and build up slowly. Do not exceed the product’s maximum colorant load.
- Can I match a previous color?
- Absolutely. Cal-Tint colorants are extremely accurate. Just keep notes as you go (grams for most accurate, drops for approximate). We like a labeled sample card for future reference.
- Do these stain or peel?
- They are tints, not coatings. Durability primarily depends on the base product you're tinting. Follow that product’s prep and application guidance. These will absolutely not work as a coating on their own. Always add to another product.
