Frequently asked questions

Ordering

How do I place an order?

Add items to your bag, open the bag, and follow the checkout. You do not need an account. We show the order total, including shipping, before you pay.

Can I change or cancel an order after I have placed it?

Yes, until it has been dispatched. Orders leave within 0–2 business days, so write to support@sourceproductsco.store straight away with your order number.

What do the product codes mean?

Every product carries a code such as SPC-PNT-001. The three letters in the middle show the department (PNT for paints, BRU for brushes and so on) and the number identifies the item. Quote the code whenever you write to us.

Do you sell gift cards or take pre-orders?

No. Everything on the site is a physical product that is ready to ship.

Shipping and delivery

How quickly will my order arrive?

Orders are dispatched within 0–2 business days. Carrier transit is typically 2–5 business days to the contiguous 48 states and longer to Alaska, Hawaii and remote addresses. The shipping page has the full table.

How much is shipping?

Free over $75.00 and a flat $7.95 below that, for every order inside the United States.

Do you ship outside the United States?

Not at present. We ship to street addresses in the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

How do I get a tracking number?

Every parcel is tracked. Email support@sourceproductsco.store with your order number and we will send you the tracking number.

Returns and refunds

What is your return policy?

You have 30 days from delivery to return unused items in their original packaging. Opened paints, inks, markers and clay, and anything cut to size for you, cannot be returned. The returns page has the steps.

When will I get my refund?

Within 5–10 business days of the day we receive and inspect your return. Your bank may need a few extra days to show it.

Materials and care

What is the difference between acrylic and oil paint?

Acrylic is water-based and dries within minutes to hours; you clean up with water and can layer quickly. Oil paint dries slowly over days, stays workable longer for blending, and needs a suitable solvent or oil for thinning and cleaning. Do not mix the two systems in one layer.

What do paper weights like 90 lb and 140 lb mean?

Weight tells you how thick a paper is. Roughly, 90 lb is about 190 gsm, 140 lb is about 300 gsm and 300 lb is about 640 gsm. Heavier paper takes more water without buckling. As a rule of thumb, 140 lb or more suits wet watercolour work without stretching.

Should I choose hot press or cold press paper?

Hot press is smooth and suits fine detail, pen and ink. Cold press has a light texture that holds pigment and suits watercolour and loose work.

How do I look after my brushes?

Rinse straight after use, working the bristles gently from the ferrule to the tip, then reshape the head with your fingers and let it dry lying flat or bristles up. Never leave a brush standing on its bristles in water.

How should I store tubes of paint?

Wipe the thread, cap tightly and keep tubes somewhere cool and dry, away from direct sun or heat. Lay them flat or stand them cap down so the pigment stays near the opening.

Do I need to prime a canvas or a panel?

Ready-primed canvas and panels are described as such on the product page and need nothing further. Raw board or unprimed cloth should be sealed with gesso before you paint on it.

How do I keep clay from drying out?

Wrap unused clay tightly in plastic, and keep it in a lidded box. A slightly damp cloth inside the wrapping helps for longer breaks.

Are your materials suitable for children?

Many are made for adult use. Read the safety information on each pack, keep art materials out of the reach of young children, and use them only for their intended purpose. If you are buying for a young artist and are unsure about a product, email us before you order.

Payment

Which cards do you accept?

Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover, in US dollars.

What will appear on my card statement?

SOURCE PRODUCTS CO. That is the name of our shop as it appears on statements.

Is it safe to enter my card details?

The payment form uses an encrypted connection and your card number goes directly to our payment provider. We do not receive or store your full card number. See payment and security.

Your account

Do I need an account to order?

No. Guest checkout is available. An account is optional and only saves you retyping your details.

How do I see or delete the personal information you hold about me?

Email support@sourceproductsco.store from the address on the order. We explain what we keep and how to make a request in the privacy policy.