FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
SHIPPING
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Where are my Amy Howard at Home products made?
Amy Howard at Home® products are all proprietary formulations and are made in the USA.
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Where will my order ship from?
All orders are shipped from our offices and warehouse in Memphis, TN.
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When will I receive my order?
We typically ship orders within 24-48 hours, and processing time can vary during sales or holidays. Most orders ship via FedEx Express which is a 2-day transit time. Small orders will ship via USPS and transit times vary. International orders are sent via DHL.
Once your order is shipped, you will receive an email with your tracking information so you can track your order to its final destination.
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What should I do if I entered the wrong shipping address?
If you accidentally entered the wrong shipping address, please notify our team immediately via email at support@amyhowardathome.com, or call our office at 901-547-1448.
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Can I choose express or overnight shipping?
We are not able to ship overnight. We do ship most orders via FedEx Express which is a 2-day transit time. Large orders are shipped via FedEx Ground which is 1-4 days in transit depending on the delivery location. We process orders within 24-48 hours, and you will receive a shipping confirmation email to verify the method used and an estimate delivery date.
ORDERS & PAYMENT
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How can I edit or cancel my order?
We process orders very quickly, so if something needs to be changed or you'd like to cancel your order, please contact us ASAP by calling our office at 901-547-1448. If the order has not been processed, we are able to make changes for you or cancel the order.
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What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Shop Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Facebook Pay, and PayPal.
REFUNDS & RETURNS
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Do you accept returns and exchanges?
We do not process exchanges, but we are happy to accept returns. For all non-sale items, we have a 15-day return policy, which means you have 15 days after receiving your order to request a return.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unused and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase (email address and order number).
To start a return, you can contact us at support@amyhowardathome.com.
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What if my order/item was damaged in transit?
If your order/item is damaged during shipping, please take a photo of the damaged good(s) and packaging, provide your email address used to place the order and order number within 72 hours of receiving your order and send this information to support@amyhowardathome.com.
We take great care in packaging your order, but we unfortunately have no control over shipping conditions once the order has left our facility. We will be happy to file a claim with the carrier on your behalf and, if approved, provide a refund for the damaged item(s).
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What if my order was returned to sender?
If your order was returned to us for any reason, you will receive an email from our customer service team to re-ship the goods once it has been delivered back to our fulfillment center.
Once an item has been marked as returned to sender by the shipping carrier, the only option is to wait for it to arrive back at our fulfillment center. We are unable to intercept the package at this point in time.
LOST OR STOLEN PACKAGES
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What if my package shows delivered but I do not have it?
If your tracking number shows delivered but you have not received your package, we advise you to do the following:
-Check your property, porch, and mailbox well. Some carriers will hide your package from porch thieves, so it may not be placed in direct sight.
-In many cases, the tracking will show delivered but the carrier will end up delivering several days later. Please wait 3-4 days after the tracking shows delivered to receive your package.
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What do I do if I think my package was lost or stolen?
Amy Howard at Home is not held liable for packages stolen upon delivery. Should you want to increase security on your order, please contact support@amyhowardathome.com immediately upon ordering to request we add a signature requirement for the delivery of your package. This decreases the likelihood of stolen items.
For orders lost in transit, please contact your post office or delivery service before notifying us. We kindly ask that you have an incident number or similar identification of a claim with the post office or service before you reach out to us.
ADDITIONAL
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Where do you hold workshops?
We host workshops in our Memphis studio and throughout the U.S. in our retailers’ studios. Amy Howard at Home® retailers have project-driven workshops that provide hands-on finishing techniques with instructors who have trained with Amy Howard.
Given the Covid-19 pandemic, workshops will vary and be subject to the changing guidelines of the CDC and local governments.
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Are Amy Howard at Home products for trained professionals? Do I need any prior experience?
We highly recommend attending a workshop, and having an instructor provide suggestions on what to do and how to improve your craft. However, anyone can use Amy Howard at Home® products, especially with our online tutorials. We are passionate about teaching and have many great resources on our website and YouTube channel.
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How closely do I need to adhere to your instructions to get the same/similar effect?
You should adhere to the posted instructions as closely as possible. The antiquing process, however, is as individual as the person doing it.
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Are Amy Howard at Home products eco-friendly?
All the paints, gesso, stains, antiquing glazes, and plasters are eco-friendly.
PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE
One Step Paint
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What surfaces can I put One Step paint on top of?
Masonry, concrete, plastic, glass, resin, melamine, laminate, linoleum, vinyl, fabric, wicker, formica, etc.
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Do I have to seal One Step?
No sealing is required if your surface does not get exposed to a lot of wear.
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Can I use One Step on metal that is rusted already?
Yes, but clean the piece well prior to painting.
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Can I use One Step if an item is used outside and/or in weather elements?
Yes, but it is best and will keep longer if the piece is not directly in the elements.
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Can I use One Step as a primer for another finish like gilding?
Yes! One Step is a great surface to use as a base for many other finishes.
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What is the difference between One Step Paint and Toscana Milk Paint?
One Step Paint is a calcium carbonate and water based paint, and does not have to be sealed. Toscana Milk Paint is a casein based paint, comes in powder form, and has to be sealed.
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Do I have to sand between coats of One Step Paint?
No, no sanding is needed.
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How do I clean my brush used for One Step Paint?
The One Step Paint is water based, so you may clean brushes with water.
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Can I use One Step Paint on fabric? What kinds?
Yes, One Step Paint if fabulous on fabrics. Dilute the paint with water 15-20% and use on vinyl, pleather, leather, linen, cotton, etc. It is always best to test paint on a sample before doing it on your piece.
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How many colors are available in the One Step Paint? Can you mix colors to make custom colors?
There are 101 colors available in the One Step Paint. You may certainty mix One Step colors to make custom colors!
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What is the shelf life of the One Step Paint?
One to one and a half years. If the paint is older, it does not mean the paint is always bad. We recommend keeping the paint inside, tightly sealed, and unexposed to extreme temperature.
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Can I wear away the One Step Paint to make it look older?
No, use waxes or other finishes such as the Toscana Milk Paint to create an aged look.
Toscana Milk Paint
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Can I paint the Toscana Milk Paint over my piece if it is already stained?
No, if your piece is already stained you will need to mix Binder into your milk paint so it will adhere.
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Why do I have to stain the piece before I do the paint application?
Stain helps add an extra layer of color and create depth. This is how they would have done it centuries ago. You may use our Gel Stain, One Step Paint, or the raw wood as a base for the milk paint.
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Do I have to use a blender to mix my paint? Why?
No, but it is best to use a blender if possible. It mixes faster and results in smoother (not clumpy) paint. If you cannot blend it, you may mix by hand and strain the paint to take out clumps and foam.
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What do I do about the foam that I'm getting from mixing the paint?
Allow your paint to it for up to 15 minutes. This will allow the foam to settle into the paint.
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If I add more powder and make my paint too thick, what will happen?
If the paint is too thick, it will be harder to wear off using the Antiquing Glaze.
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If I add more powder, will it make the paint darker?
No, adding more powder will make your paint thicker. To alter the color of milk paint, you will need to add pure pigment or other milk paints and mix while the powder is dry.
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Is it best to mix colors when they are wet or when they are dry?
You will want to mix colors when the powder is dry.
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How long is the shelf life of the Toscana milk paint when dry? When wet?
The shelf life when dry is forever! When mixed, the shelf life is 2 weeks in the fridge in a sealed container.
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If I put the milk paint in the refrigerator, how long is it good?
Toscana in the fridge is good for 2 weeks. Make sure you bring the paint to room temperature before using.
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Does it matter the temperature of the water I use when mixing the paint?
Room temperature water is best for mixing milk paint.
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My paint is really thick, and it is dripping all over the place. Have I done something wrong? How do I paint the sides of my piece without it looking drippy?
Thicken up the paint by adding more powder. You can also work in sections and flip the piece to where you are working horizontally.
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How many coats do I need to have on a piece of furniture?
2 coats of milk paint is best, but you may use more depending on what other layers you're incorporating.
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If I want to use it as art on my piece, do I mix it differently?
No, you will mix it the same way as using to paint your piece.
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Can I use the milk paint over an existing finish?
Yes, you can use milk paint over an existing finish if the finish has One Step paint over it. You can also mix it with milk paint binder to go on more surfaces. It will still need to be sealed.
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Why is my paint application bumpy? How long doe it take to dry between coats?
Bumpy application is the result of not mixing enough/properly. Dry time between coats is 30-45 minutes.
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Do I need to sand in between coats of milk paint?
It is not necessary to sand between coats but can be done for smoother looking finish.
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Why do I need to seal the Toscana milk paint?
It will continue to age and peel unless sealed.
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Do I have to do both the light and the dark wax on my Toscana finish?
No, but you must have light wax and cannot have dark without the light wax.
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Can I layer colors and wear them through to show up?
Yes! This is the beauty of Toscana milk paint. You can create so many different looks depending on the layers you use.
High Performance Lacquer
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What can I use lacquer on?
You may use lacquer on wood, metal, glass, plastic, resin, or laminate, but it is best on wood surfaces.
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Can I use the lacquer on an existing sealed finish like a stained cabinet or furniture piece?
Yes, you may use the lacquer over a currently sealed or finished piece.
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Can I use lacquer on pieces that go outside?
Yes, but not directly in the elements. It is best to add a clear coat sealer for protection and longevity.
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Do I need to use your lacquer primer?
It is not always necessary, but it is best to use the primer as the first step in the lacquer process. If your piece/surface is smooth with not divots or roughness, then the primer is not necessarily needed.
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How many coats of lacquer should I use, and how much does one can cover?
We recommend applying 1-2 coats of prime, 2-3 coats of lacquer color, and 1-2 coats of Bright Idea to finish.
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How long should I let lacquer dry in between coats?
1 hour is the normal dry time between coats of lacquer.
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How long should I let the lacquer cure before using my piece of furniture?
Lacquer should be allowed to cure for at least 48 hours before you begin to use your piece.
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Can I use the lacquer over a finish that is chipping or uneven and will it still look right?
You will need to fill in and smooth out any uneven or damaged areas before lacquering.
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What does lacquer look best on? I see it in magazines and on things all the time, I just don't know how to use it first.
Lacquer looks fabulous on chair, lamps, chests, tables, mirrors/frames, etc.
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Do you have instructions or videos on how to use it lacquer?
Yes! Check out the tutorials on our website as well as our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/amyhowardathome.
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Does lacquer need to be sealed?
No, lacquer does not need to be sealed. We do recommend using Bright Idea as the final top coat for optimum shine.
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Do I need to use this product outside or wear a mask?
Spray lacquer in a well ventilated area. It does not always have to be inside, but using outside can cause uncontrollable overspray.
Antique Mirrors
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Can I antique mirror that is already on the wall from the front?
No, to antique a mirror, you will need to work from the back and it will need to be off the wall and accessible.
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Wat if I antiqued the back of my mirror, and I cannot see if it is antiqued enough?
You may use white paper to reflect off of to see where the mirror is antiquing.
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Can the weather and temperature affect how my antique mirror will look?
Yes, the warmer the temperature, the faster the reaction.
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What should I be careful of when using antique mirror strippers?
Do not get the product on your skin. Make sue to wear gloves when working with mirror strippers.
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Will different mirrors antique differently?
Mirrors must be real silver. Mirrors are made differently and can result in different reaction times. Some will react faster than others.
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What do I need to use to seal the back of my antique mirror?
Seal the back of the mirror with our One Step Paint.
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How long will it take for mirror stripper to strip the back of my mirror. Do I need to scrape it off?
It can take anywhere from 5-10 minutes. Different mirrors have different reaction times. Do not scrape it off. Use kraft paper to peel off the backing.
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Should I brush on or roll on antique mirror stripper? With what?
It is best to rill on with a typical paint roller. An alternative tool would be to brush on using a sponge brush.
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What if all of the back of the mirror doesn't come off?
If all the back does not come off, this is okay. It will add character to your piece. If you do not want to have the back left on, strip again.
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Can I brush on the antiquing mirror solution right after the stripper?
You cannot apply antique solution right after using a stripper. You will need to make sure to clean the piece of stripper very well using simple green and water.
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What do I clean the stripper off the back with before I do the antique mirror solution? How long do I wait?
Clean using simple green and water. Wait for the mirror to dry or speed up the dry time with a blow dryer.
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What should I clean my antique mirror with after I have put the antique solution on?
Clean solution by rinsing with water.
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If I want my mirror to look older after I painted the back what do I do?
Remove the back and antique again using the antiquing solution.
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After I seal the back of my mirror, what type of glue do I use on the back to attach it to a wall?
Use Liquid Nails or Mastic.
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If I am going to have someone cut my mirror for me as a back splash, etc., is there anything they should do special?
No, no special instructions are needed in cutting the mirror in order to antique it later.
Zinc Antiquing
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What are the best ways to use Antique Zinc?
Zinc is best used on galvanized sheet metal. It is great as a table top, backsplash, doors, etc.
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Can I put the Antique Zinc solution on sheetrock and make it look like old zinc?
No, it can only be used on galvanized sheet metal.
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Can I use the Antique Zinc on a glided or silver surface to make it look old?
You can use the zinc solution in conjunction with the antique mirror solution to antique sterling silver gilding.
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Do I have to seal the zinc?
You do not have to seal, but it is best to seal it to protect the finish for years to come.
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Can I use it outside on things?
Yes, it can be used outside, but it is best not to put zinc pieces directly into the elements.
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Is it food safe to use it on a table or countertop?
Zinc is a chemical, so it is best to not put food directly on the surface. Treat it like you would any other counter, and use a cutting board. :)
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What should I tell my sheet metal man about how to make a top?
Give him the dimensions of the pieces (as though it were a cap and tooth). Let them know if you want a roll over and how much you want to roll over.
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What is the gauge of the metal that is best for tops of furniture? Walls?
22 gauge is the best to use for furniture and walls.
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