FAQ – Frequently
Asked Questions
What is the difference between AURO products and other natural paints?
AURO manufactures all its products itself in accordance with rigorous
ecological principles using raw materials of purely vegetable or mineral origin
only. No petrochemical raw materials are used in the manufacture of AURO
products. Constant raw material and quality control ensure this high ecological
standard.
Are AURO paints as good as synthetically produced paints?
AURO paints are state-of-the-art. As regards their application and durability
they are as good as most synthetic paints. Certificates from independent
institutes prove their high technical quality.
AURO Aqua Woodstain No. 160 was nominated test winner by the German “Stiftung Warentest”
(Organization for the Comparative Testing of Consumer Goods, issue 05/2006,
test on wood stains), which certified that the product's quality is higher than
that of known brands of conventional manufacturers.
Are AURO paints more expensive than conventional products?
Many of our products are not more expensive per square metre of painted surface
than conventional products, and are of the same quality. Several of the natural
raw materials we use (instead of cheaper petrochemical ones) and smaller production
units (instead of serial mass production) have their price though.
When comparing prices, however, you should always consider not only the base
price per litre but also the product's coverage.
Can you mix all RAL and NCS colour shades from AURO paints?
Many of these colour shades can be mixed, and we offer the production of
special colour shades as a service (at a surcharge). Certain colour shades,
however, for example signal yellow or flame red, can only be obtained with
synthetic substances.
As we do not compromise on our ecological
principles we can only offer colour shades which can be mixed with mineral or
vegetable pigments.
Are AURO paints odourless?
Even paints made of natural raw materials are not entirely odourless.
For example, the essential oil which is used as a solvent or preservative for
wall paints is characterized by its intense fragrance. Many customers adore
this typically fresh Christmassy odour, whereas others are slightly more
susceptible to it.
This is why it is important, also when applying natural paints, to aerate rooms
during application and for some time afterwards.
Tip: Products from our Aqua range are relatively
odour-free. They are 100% solvent-free.
Which product can I use without hesitation for the treatment of wooden toys
or cribs? You'll be on the safe side with AURO because our
products have been tested in accordance with DIN EN 71, part 3: 'safety of
toys', and DIN 53160: 'saliva and perspiration-proof'.
What is the difference between AURO
Aqua products and pseudo natural paints like those which bear the German
"Blue Angel" eco-label?
As opposed to products which bear the "Blue Angel” or other
water-thinnable products, AURO Aqua products contain a natural resin/oil binder
(instead of synthetic binders) and are free from solvents, preservatives and
glycols. AURO is the only manufacturer to provide 100% solvent-free,
water-thinnable products which are neither synthetically bound nor preserved.
Why does AURO not label any products "suitable for allergic persons"?
The increasing number of illnesses caused by allergies has shown that there is
virtually no substance to which humans might not be allergic.
This is why we consider the generalized labeling of products as "suitable
for allergic persons" to be misleading. Thanks to our declaration of
ingredients, however, allergic persons are able to find out whether the product
contains an ingredient which may cause an allergic reaction.
Why is it necessary to protect the containers of AURO products which contain
water from frost?
Water-thinnable systems may freeze, which usually
destroys the emulsion. Unfortunately such products can then no longer be used.
A coating test shows: if the paint can be applied as usual and cures within the
normal drying time, nothing has happened.
What is "excess material"? Why do I have to remove the
"excess material" in time when using AURO oils/impregnations? The "excess material" is oil (or
impregnation) which has not penetrated the wood following application. This
excess material must be removed about 15 minutes after application with a
non-fluff cloth or kitchen roll. This is the most frequent application mistake,
even though this important note is found on all the labels.
Why should I not crumple up used
cleaning rags?
Drying oil in used cleaning rags may inflame if air is
withdrawn and cause fires. This is why used rags must be dried in the air after
work and disposed of together with domestic waste when dry.
How long can I store AURO products for?
We give dealers a guarantee of at least 2 years from
delivery on unopened containers for solvent-based products
("Classic") and 12 months for Aqua products.
However, if stored appropriately (cool, dry), the products have a much longer
life. A coating test shows the usability of products which have been stored
longer.
Where can I get AURO products and competent technical advice? We distribute our products via a network of
sales partners in over 25 countries worldwide. You can select your country on
the world map and contact our partners directly on site. Here you
will find contact addresses, competent advice and good service.
If there is no AURO sales department in your country, please get in touch with
us at export@auro.de.
Please also see our download section, which gives you comprehensive
information. |