Glasst has developed an unusual solution for DIYers who can't decide on a new wall color. Unpaint is a paint alternative that can be applied using standard tools such as brushes, rollers or even sprayers, but it is not permanent. Once dry, the paint can be easily peeled off without the need for laborious sanding or solvent removal, according to the company.
Unpaint uses the Colombian company's proprietary Glasstommer technology, which turns a quickly applied liquid material into a thin, removable film. Glasst keeps the exact composition of the material a trade secret, but reveals that it contains a “biodegradable elastic component” that “dries to form a film that is as easy to remove as an adhesive.”
Glasstommer technology was originally developed as an easier way to protect delicate surfaces such as windows, floor tiles or even countertops from damage during construction or renovation work. Instead of laboriously covering surfaces with paper and tape, Glasst's Universal Protective Coating can simply be quickly sprayed on.
Glasst says its Unpaint is just as easy to use, although the company recommends applying two to three coats and allowing up to an hour to dry after each coat for best results. It takes about 24 hours for the material to dry completely, then it can be removed by grabbing a small area with a pinch and then peeling it off in a similar manner to the protective film applied to new electronics.
However, removable paint does come with some disadvantages. It is not as durable as regular paint and is more prone to scratching easily. Glasst recommends testing Unpaint on a small area to make sure it adheres properly, is easy to remove once dry, and does not leave paint stains.
It's also not a permanent finish. Glasst says the Unpaint material will naturally biodegrade after a few years if it's peeled off and disposed of. However, this process begins around 12 months after application, so the company recommends not leaving it on surfaces for more than a year, otherwise it could become more difficult to remove cleanly.
The company says its Unpaint product could be a great solution for renters who want to customize their home or apartment without having to repaint when they move out, or for those who are serious about holiday decorating and want a space that matches the color of their seasonal decor.
Unpaint can be used on numerous surfaces including cement, marble, wood, metal, glass, granite, brick, stucco and even some fabrics if you want your leather sofa to match your freshly painted walls.
The product is already available in Colombia, but Glasst is now selling its Unpaint in the U.S. A quart costs $29.98, and a full gallon costs $59.98. While that's more expensive than a can of basic interior paint, it's not the most expensive way to brighten up a wall.