FAQ

Product

Is this paint good for beginners or only experienced artists?

Our Paints are thoughtfully designed for artists at every stage, whether you're just picking up a brush for the first time or you’ve been creating for years. With their smooth, versatile formula, they’re easy enough for beginners and kids to enjoy, while offering the quality and performance experienced artists love.

What surfaces can I use this paint on?

Our acrylic based paints are designed for versatility, adhering beautifully to a wide range of surfaces, from paper, canvas and cardboard to wood, plastic, and even concrete. No sealing is needed when used on canvas or watercolor paper; however, for hard surfaces like plastic, ceramic, or concrete, we recommend applying a clear fixative spray to help seal and protect your work from environmental elements like water and wind.

What finish does the paint have when it dries?

Our paints feature a matte finish, but as you work, you’ll notice a rich, creamy texture with a subtle glisten that makes the painting experience feel smooth and luxurious. Once dry, they settle into a true matte surface, perfect for photographing or scanning without unwanted glare.

A glossy finish can easily be achieved by adding a gloss medium. This allows you to customize your final look, whether you prefer a satin or high-gloss finish.

Are your paints non toxic?

Our paints are non-toxic and water-based, made without any known harmful chemicals or additives, so you can create with confidence and peace of mind.

Do I need a primer or base layer?

Our paints are formulated for maximum opacity, delivering rich, full coverage in just one coat- no gesso or primer needed. While a few colors may naturally be slightly more transparent due to their pigments and may require an extra layer, we pride ourselves on offering some of the most opaque acrylic paints on the market for beautiful, consistent results.

How do I clean the paint out of my clothes?

If paint gets on clothing, rugs, or other fabrics, treat it right away while it’s still wet, as dried paint is much harder to remove. Thanks to our paint’s extended drying time, you have a better window for easy cleanup. Gently blot away excess paint with a paper towel, then use a clean cloth with warm water and a small amount of dish soap or liquid detergent to lift and remove the remaining paint.Repeat this process until the paint is fully removed, then rinse with clean water. Allow the item to air dry, or if it’s clothing, you can place it in the wash right away for a complete clean.

How do I clean brushes after using your paint?

We recommend cleaning your brushes with dish soap and warm water after each use to help maintain their quality and prevent paint from traveling up into the ferrule. After washing, rinse thoroughly, gently dry with a paper towel, and lay brushes flat to dry and store, this helps keep the bristles in shape and prevents damage from resting on their tips.

How do I clean dried paint on hard surfaces?

To remove dried paint from hard surfaces like countertops, floors, or tables, we recommend using Windex. Its formula helps safely lift dried paint without damaging most surfaces. For thicker areas, spray directly onto the dried paint and let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe clean with a damp cloth or paper towel.

How do you safely dispose of unused paint?

To dispose of unused paint, we recommend using a disposable palette or surface. This makes it easy to discard leftover paint in the trash instead of rinsing it down your drains, which can harden and cause clogs over time. You can also cover your palette with wax paper for easy cleanup. Simply lift and discard it when finished. Since our paints are non-toxic, it’s safe to dispose of them this way.

Are YSA paints considered archival?

Great question! While the paints haven’t been around long enough to be officially classified as archival, five years of testing have shown the formula resists cracking and discoloration over time. Because of the acrylic base, the paint also becomes naturally water- and mold-resistant once fully dry on watercolor paper and canvas.

Orders, shipping, and returns

How long does shipping take?

We ship from our warehouse partner in Wisconsin. Typical turnaround is 1-2 business days for your order to be picked and packed, then it goes into the shipping stream which, depending on your location, may take 2 to 6 business days in transit. Australian customers can expect approximately 10-14 business days once the order has been picked up by courier.

Where do you ship?

We currently ship to the US, Canada and Australia

Can I track my order?

Yes! Once your order has been packed and is ready for pickup by the courier, a tracking email will be sent to the address used at checkout. If you have any questions, you’re also welcome to email us at hello@ysapaint.com and we’ll be happy to check on it for you.

What is your return policy?

We want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase from us. If, for any reason, you are not happy with your products, we offer a hassle-free return policy within 30 days of receipt. Please review the following details regarding returns:

General Returns:

1.1. You may return your fully functional and undamaged products for any reason within 30 days of receipt, and we will provide you with a full refund for the product cost.

1.2. Please note that shipping and handling costs associated with the return will not be covered, and you will be responsible for all return shipping expenses.

1.3. To be eligible for a refund, products must be in their original condition and returned within 30 days of receipt. If the return is initiated after this period, we regret that we cannot process a refund. 

Damaged Products
2.1. If you receive a product that is damaged upon arrival, please contact us within 7 days of receipt. In such cases, you will be eligible for a full refund, and we will cover the shipping and handling costs associated with returning the product.

2.2. We take full responsibility for any defects that may have occurred during shipment, and we will ensure that you receive a refund promptly.

Initiating a Return: To initiate a return, please contact our customer support team at hello@ysapaint.com - Our dedicated team will assist you with the return process and provide further instructions.

If you are unsure whether your case qualifies as a faulty product, please reach out to us. We are committed to customer satisfaction and will do our best to help resolve any concerns you may have.

Refund Processing Time: Once your refund request is submitted and processed, you can expect your original payment method to be credited within 1-3 business days, depending on your financial institution's processing time. We prioritize customer satisfaction and strive to ensure a pleasant experience for each customer. If you have any questions or require further assistance regarding our return policy, please don't hesitate to contact our support team at hello@ysapaint.com

Can I exchange a product?

We’re happy to offer an exchange as long as the product is unopened and in its original condition. Return shipping would be the customer’s responsibility, and we will cover the cost of shipping the exchanged item back to you.

Do you offer bulk or wholesale orders?

 Our goal is to get YSA Paints into the hands of creatives all over so they can experience the joy of painting with it. If you have a store or run painting classes and would like to carry our products we would be more than happy to discuss bulk buying or wholesale orders. Please reach out via our contact page.

Can I change or cancel my order after placing it?

Orders are processed in the shipping warehouse within 24-48hrs once ordered. Reach out to us ASAP should you need to make a change and we will do our best to help accommodate your requests.

International Shipping (UK & Australia)

We’re honored to share YSA Paints with our creative community in the UK and Australia. To support our international customers, we cover a portion of the shipping cost to help make your experience more accessible and enjoyable.

Please note that orders shipped outside of Canada and the United States may be subject to customs duties, VAT, or import fees upon arrival. These charges are set by your local government and are the responsibility of the customer.

If you have any questions, our team is always here to support you, we’re happy to help every step of the way.

Community

How can I submit my artwork to be featured?

Do you have a community I can join?

We have a Facebook community called YSA Paint Community, a safe and supportive space where artists who use our paints can share their artwork, favorite colors, palettes, techniques, and styles for inspiration. It’s a great way to connect with other artists, exchange ideas, and get support on your painting journey. If you’ve purchased any of our paints, you’ll receive an invitation to join through a welcome email. If you haven’t received one, you can visit the group directly on Facebook and answer the membership questions to join.

Do you offer tutorials or guidance?

While we don’t currently offer tutorials or Tips directly through YSA Paint.com, Yvette St. Amant provides a wide range of art courses and tutorials through her online art education platform. In the future, we hope to offer fun and easy tutorials through our YSA Paint Community on Facebook to help inspire and guide artists of all levels.