Glasst has come up with an unusual solution for DIYers who are having trouble deciding on a new wall color. Unpainted It is an alternative to paint that can be applied with standard tools such as brushes, rollers or even sprayers, but not permanently. When dry, the company claims the paint can be easily removed rather than requiring laborious sanding or solvents to remove it.
Unpaint uses the Colombian company’s patented Glasstommer technology, which allows a quick-apply liquid material to be converted into a thin, removable film. Glasst considers the exact composition of the material a trade secret, but reveals that it contains a “biodegradable elastic component” that “dries to create a film that is removed as easily as peeling off an adhesive.”
Glasstommer technology was originally developed as a simpler way to protect delicate surfaces, such as windows, tiles, or even countertops, from damage during construction or renovations. Instead of having to carefully cover surfaces with paper and tape, Glasst Universal Protective Coating It can be sprayed quickly.
Glasst says its Unpaint is just as easy to use, though the company recommends applying two or three coats with a drying time of up to an hour after each for best results. The material takes about 24 hours to fully dry, at which point it can be removed by grabbing a small area with a pinch and then peeling off in a similar way to the protective plastic applied to new electronic devices.
Removable paint does have some drawbacks. It's not as durable as regular paint and is more prone to scratching easily. Glasst recommends testing your Unpaint on a small area to make sure it adheres properly, can be easily removed once it dries, and doesn't leave a colored stain.
It's not a permanent finish, either. Glasst says the Unpaint material will naturally biodegrade after a few years when it's peeled off and thrown away. But that process begins about 12 months after application, so the company doesn't recommend leaving it on surfaces for more than a year — otherwise, it could become harder to remove cleanly.
The company suggests that its Unpaint could be a great solution for renters who want to personalize a home or apartment without having to repaint when they move in or for those who are really committed to holiday decorating and want a room with a color that matches their seasonal decor.
Unpaint can be used on a variety of surfaces including concrete, 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 United States. A quart costs $29.98, while a full gallon costs $59.98. It's more expensive than a can of basic interior paint, but it's not the most expensive way to finish a wall, either.