Frequently asked questions
What materials do you use and how do they affect longevity and safety?
Materials
All paintings are to the highest archival standard and are designed for marine and other harsh environments (high and rapidly changing humidity, temperature fluctuations, and less than white-glove handling). They are designed to not only be beautiful and inspirational, but to be pieces to be lived with, and enjoyed.
Thus, the quality of materials and construction is paramount to all artworks.
SURFACES. Depending on size and destination, a few different types of canvas may be used.
1. STAINLESS STEEL, ALUMINUM, ALUMINUM COMPOSITE (ACM) PANELS. Hard panels are very good options for smaller paintings, of up to 12” x 12”. These panels are more resistant to warping, cracking, and fading compared to stretched canvas. They are also more durable in extreme temperatures and humidity, making them suitable even for outdoor or high-traffic areas.
2. NATURAL LINEN AND COTTON CANVAS. Traditional artist-grade linen and cotton canvas are a good choice for most home environments. These canvases are primed with at least four and up to seven coats of acrylic primer before oil paint is applied.
3. POLYESTER CANVAS. Europe’s premier archival 100% polyester 7 oz/m2 weight canvas primed with acrylic is a good option for marine environments (with high humidity and extreme changes in temperature and humidity levels). This type of canvas offers several advantages over natural linen or cotton canvas. Durability and Chemical Stability: These fibers are highly resistant to acidic pollutants and light and other environmental factors that typically degrade traditional canvases, making them an excellent choice for longevity. Of all woven fabrics for painting, polyester has the highest resistance to rot, mildew and mold. Low Moisture Absorption: Polyester fabrics have minimal moisture uptake, reducing the risk of swelling and contraction that can damage the painting layers. Mechanical Properties: Polyester fibers exhibit high tenacity and low elongation, providing a stable and resilient support for paintings.
PAINT. No solvents (turpentines, etc.) are used in the painting process; only the highest-grade artist archival oil paints made with linseed oil and no fillers are used.
1. PIGMENT STABILITY. Only use paints with the highest lightfastness ratings are used so that the colors in the art are as stable as possible. All pigments will fade over time due to the effects of light, heat, and humidity. In order to be considered "archival" pigments need to be rated either ASTM I or II. I only use pigments that are ASTM I - Excellent Lightfastness or equivalent. (All standard colors used are rated as ASTM I. A few fluorescent colors are sometimes used, and due to the fugitive nature of the fluorescent qualities, they cannot be officially labeled with this lightfastness rating despite high performance in real-world testing. https://gapkapaints.com/blogs/on-paint/fluorescent-neons-and-lightfastness)
2. PAINT SAFETY. True cadmium and cerulean pigments are used. These pigments are trapped in the linseed medium, and will not cause any harm unless someone actually consumes the painting in a significant quantity. The paints and materials used are entirely free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Oil paints consist of two main elements: pigment and a binder or vehicle, typically linseed oil, though safflower or walnut oil may also be used. These oils dry slowly through oxidation, forming a hard film when exposed to air. A skin develops on the surface while the layers beneath continue to cure over time. When used on their own, oil paints do not release any harmful chemicals into the air as they dry. No additional solvents or additives that contain petroleum distillates are used in painting as these tend to off-gas and evaporate into the surrounding environment during the extended drying process. This careful choice of materials ensures that the commissioned painting is not a source of indoor air pollution.
3. VARNISH: I do not put a varnish on most of my pieces unless specifically requested by a client. I have chosen my materials to be as non-toxic as possible. However, I do recognize that depending on the location the painting is to be hung (kitchen, bathrooms), paintings will be safer with a removable varnish. If you purchase a painting, I am happy to varnish it for you, upon request. Just let me know at the time of purchase or by email: cole@colezlata.com
How do I clean my painting?
1. Unvarnished paintings are best dusted using a dry, soft brush.
2. Varnished paintings are varnished with Gamblin Gamvar Matte or Satin. They can be dusted with a dry, soft brush and if needed, can be cleaning using plain water, very diluted dishwashing liquid, or a gentle enzyme cleaner if needed. Gamsol can be used to remove the varnish.
If you are unsure if your painting is varnished or unvarnished, please email me at cole@colezlata.com and I will check my records.
Can I get a certificate of authenticity?
I register all paintings (both “practice” and “performance”) in my database to include the owner’s name and contact information. I am building a robust art practice, both visually as an artist and professionally in terms of my record-keeping. If you purchase a painting in person from me or from my website, I am happy to register you as the owner of the painting in my database and give you the certificate of authenticity. If you purchase a painting from my mini gallery, you can email me (cole@colezlata.com) a picture of the painting (with you or hanging on the wall in its new home), and I will mail you the certificate of authenticity.
What is the return policy?
My goal is for every customer to be totally satisfied with their purchase. I do not offer refunds, but I will do my best to work with you to make it right by offering an exchange for another painting of similar value that will work better in your space. Email me at cole@colezlata.com within 30 days of purchase. I also offer a 3 year trade-up policy to support long-term stewardship and the evolving narrative of your collection.
What is a trade-up policy?
I understand that collections evolve. To make it easier to acquire the piece you’ve been dreaming of, I offer a Trade-In Program for eligible Cole Zlata originals. Trade in a painting you purchased from me and apply its value as credit toward a new work from my current inventory.
How it works
- Email: cole@colezlata.com with the title, purchase date, and clear photos (front, edges, back/COA, and any frame).
- Credit: If the piece is in good condition, you’ll receive trade-in credit equal to your original purchase price, usable for up to 50% of the price of your new painting.
Full policy
- Eligibility window: Valid within 3 years of the original purchase date (proof of purchase required).
- Condition: Artwork must be in good, unaltered condition with original signature, COA/holographic ID, and (if applicable) original frame. Normal aging is okay; damage, smoke exposure, water/UV bleaching, or repairs void eligibility.
- What’s eligible: Original paintings purchased directly from Cole Zlata. Commissions, custom sizes, and sale/discounted pieces may be excluded or evaluated case-by-case.
- Credit amount: Baseline credit = original purchase price, but may be adjusted after inspection if condition differs from photos. Credit can be applied to one new painting of equal or greater value and covers up to 50%of the new work’s price.
- Non-cash / non-transferable: Credit can’t be redeemed for cash, gift cards, or prints; not combinable with other offers.
- Logistics: You’re responsible for insured return shipping or in-person drop-off. Final credit is confirmed after my in-studio inspection. I reserve the right to decline trade-ins that do not meet criteria.
- Taxes & fees: Sales tax and shipping on the new piece are calculated on the full price before trade-in credit.
- Timeline: Once approved, credit must be used within 60 days.
- Purpose: This program is a collector service intended to support long-term stewardship and the evolving narrative of your collection.
When will I get my order?
We will work quickly to ship your order as soon as possible. Once your order has shipped, you will receive an email with further information. Delivery times vary depending on your location.
How much does shipping cost?
Unless specifically marked "free shipping," shipping is an additional cost, calculated based on your artwork's size, framing, and your location to ensure safe and timely delivery. I have experience shipping globally and will work with you to ensure your artwork arrives timely, in good condition, and is not over-charged fees in customs.