FAQ
General Inquiries
Who is Tockay?
Tockay is a distributor of natural finishes made from eco-compatible ingredients, respectful of both health and the environment. Founded in 2005 by Carole Hili, an artisan painter and decorator, Tockay offers an original range of lime, casein and clay-based paints and wall plasters, as well as oils, woodstains and waxes.
Where, how and by whom are Tockay products made?
Our products are manufactured in Germany by Kreidezeit and Auro, two companies that have chosen to declare in full the ingredients contained in each of their products and are signatories to the Code of Conduct of the International Association of Natural Building Materials (In.Ve.Na.). Each product is tested to European standards (more stringent than in North America) and has been awarded an EU VOC Value Certificate in accordance with 2004/42/EC. All products distributed by Tockay are solvent-free and petrochemical-free. All ingredients are eco-compatible. Most residues are even compostable. In all cases, they are suitable for household waste, unlike residues from synthetic products, which remain hazardous products.
I’ve never used natural paints before, is it difficult?
No, the application of natural paints is generally comparable to that of ordinary synthetic paints, but they may have certain characteristics of their own. As they contain no chemical ingredients to enhance certain behaviors, they may require occasional stirring during application, and have slightly longer drying times. These characteristics are not a major obstacle in themselves, and above all avoid the use of toxic ingredients. All you need to do is observe a few simple rules of application. We invite you to read our tip-sheets for the different types of application. Don’t hesitate to contact us to choose the natural paint best suited to your project and expectations.
Are natural paints more expensive than synthetic paints?
For equivalent quality, natural paints are no more expensive than synthetic paints. To compare two paints, it’s important to consider the yield* of each paint, for the same quantity. This makes it possible to calculate the quantity of paint needed for a project, and therefore the cost of the materials required.
*It should be noted that the yield may vary according to the way the paint is applied, as well as the porosity of the surface. It is therefore strongly recommended to properly prime all surfaces before applying a finishing paint.
Écohabitation article (in French only): https://www.ecohabitation.com/guides/2508/les-peintures-cout-versus-performance-et-qualite/
Where can I buy Tockay products?
All Tockay products are available for purchase via our online boutique (tab ”Boutique”). You will be offered the option of “Pick up at our warehouse” (Entrepôt Fredyma, 5755 Des Rossignols Blvd., Laval) or “Delivery” (Canada Post).
Pick-ups are available the day after you place your order, on working days. For orders placed on Fridays, pick-ups will be available the following Monday.
Fredyma warehouse opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.
If you need any advice, don’t hesitate to send us an e-mail, we’ll be happy to help!
Some Tockay products are also available at Juneau in Quebec City (casein primer, lime paint, natural dry pigments and tools).
Health, Ecology and the Environment
What are your products made of and are they toxic?
Tockay products contain no synthetic or petrochemical ingredients and are solvent-free and petrochemical-free. All ingredients are eco-compatible. Most residues are even compostable. In all cases, they are suitable for household waste, unlike residues from synthetic products, which remain hazardous products. For full details, please refer to the technical data sheet for each product, which includes a complete list of ingredients.
Do your products have a strong smell?
The raw materials used in Tockay products may have a slight, characteristic odor. This disappears as it dries.
Are Tockay products suitable for allergy sufferers and people with multiple chemical sensitivities?
Whether lime- or clay-based, Tockay products are healthy and recommended for all health-conscious people. They are recommended for people suffering from allergies or multiple hypersensitivities. It should be noted, however, that for some people, allergies to natural products are possible.
Products
What’s the difference between lime plaster and lime paint?
A paint is composed of a binder (lime), a thinner (water) and a pigment. To make a plaster, we add a filler (powdered limestone, marble powder, sand…) Generally speaking, we can say that paints, which are more liquid, are applied with brushes or rollers, while plasters, which are thicker, are applied with metal tools (trowels, knives…) to give various effects. Several techniques and textures are possible to obtain a panoply of finishes.
What is lime?
Lime is a noble, ancient and aesthetically beautiful material that has certainly made its mark around the world and throughout history. For centuries, it has been used for decorative, artistic and basic maintenance work. A tried-and-tested material with multiple virtues, just waiting to be (re)discovered.
How can I find out how much product I need for my project?
It’s important to calculate the surfaces to be painted or coated to determine the quantity of product required. To help you do this, you can download and fill in the paint surface calculation form. Once you’ve established your surface areas, simply calculate the quantities you need, based on the yields given on each product sheet. For example, 10L of Tockay smooth lime paint yields approximately 730 sq.ft. (1 coat). So, to apply 2 coats on 1000 sq.ft., the quantity of Tockay smooth limewash paint required would be 3 x 10L.
Where can I find the technical and safety data sheets for your products?
Each product is accompanied by a technical data sheet, which can be found in the product data sheet (‘Technical data’ tab).
How do I dispose of leftover product if I have any?
All the ingredients in our products are eco-compatible. Most residues are even compostable, and in any case, they are suitable for household waste. Simply allow your liquid products to dry before disposing of them. For full details, please refer to the technical data sheets on each product page (‘Technical data’ tab).
Sales Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy policy
Installation Services
Do you have trained applicators?
Yes, Tockay offers installation services and also works with trained applicators. For more information, please contact us.
Can I get a color consultation?
Certainly, Tockay offers personalized 30-minute consultations to meet your specific needs and help you make your color choices. Simply contact us to reserve a time.