🎨 Rosco Supersaturated Scenic Paint — Professional Scenic Colour System
Rosco Supersaturated Scenic Paint is a high-pigment vinyl acrylic paint concentrate designed to be diluted while still producing strong, clean colour. This makes it one of the most widely used paints in theatre, film, television, themed environments and scenic studios.
Why scenic artists choose Supersaturated
- Extremely strong pigments for vibrant scenic colour.
- Designed to be diluted without muddy colour or pigment separation.
- Flexible scenic techniques — washes, glazes, sprays and opaque colour.
- Economical coverage when diluted appropriately.
Product features & technical information
Finish
Flat / Matte
Solvent
Water
Binder Type
Vinyl Acrylic co-polymer
Clean-up
Soap and water
Dilution
Supersaturated is designed to be diluted. Rosco recommends starting at 1:1 with water, Rosco Clear Acrylic Glaze, or a combination of both. Diluting will reduce colour concentration and create glaze effects.
Diluting with more than 5 parts water may reduce binder strength. If higher dilutions are required, incorporate Rosco Clear Acrylic Glaze to maintain adhesion and durability.
Surface preparation
Surfaces should be clean, dry and free from dirt and grease. Prime porous surfaces (except fabrics) using Rosco Tough Prime. New plaster surfaces should first be primed using a commercial primer/sealer designed for raw plaster, followed by Tough Prime as the final preparation coat.
Application
Stir contents thoroughly before use. Apply by brush, roller, or spray gun. Apply thin, even coats using overlapping strokes while maintaining a wet edge. Change roller direction frequently to avoid patterns and streaking.
Film Thickness
1:1 dilution = approx. 1.5 mil dry film
Coverage
3:1 dilution = approx. 300 sq ft per gallon (≈28m² per 3.79L)
Dry Time
Touch dry in 30–45 minutes. Recoat in 1–2 hours (at 24°C)
Coverage and dilution ratios vary depending on substrate, surface absorbency, application method and desired finish.
Common scenic dilution ratios
These ratios are typical starting points used by scenic artists.
Opaque scenic colour
1:1 – 3:1 water : paint
Standard scenic colour
4:1 water : paint
Translucent washes
Up to 15:1 water : paint
Ultra-thin accents
1:20 water : paint for subtle shadows and tonal effects
We strongly recommend testing your dilution ratio on your actual substrate before committing to the full project, as results vary based on surface preparation, primers and environmental conditions.
Real-world scenic applications
BioParc Zoo scenic habitat
Read case study →
Theatre cloth scenic painting
Read case study →
Penumbra Theatre scenic production
Read case study →Cautions & safety
- Do not apply when surface or air temperature is below 10°C.
- Keep from freezing.
- Avoid prolonged skin contact and breathing spray mist.
- Do not take internally.
- Use adequate ventilation.
- Keep out of reach of children.
All technical data, recommendations and service are accurate to the best of our knowledge. Rosco assumes no responsibility for the results obtained or damage incurred from use by the buyer in whole or in part since method of application and its use is beyond our control.
CFATS recommendation: Always test your dilution ratio and application technique on a sample panel before committing to the full project.
Rosco Supersaturated Paint is a highly concentrated, versatile vinyl acrylic paint designed for scenic artists, offering superior adhesion and flexibility across multiple surfaces. Available in 32 vibrant artists' colors, this unique paint can be diluted from 1:1 for opaque applications to 15:1 for translucent effects, making it ideal for theatre, film, and photography backdrops. Formulated with a powerful binder, Supersaturated Paint achieves intense color fields on both porous and non-porous surfaces while remaining supple and crack-resistant.
Key Features
- Concentrated Formula: Packaged in a space-saving concentrated form
- Versatile Dilution: Can be used directly or diluted up to 15:1 with water
- Superior Adhesion: Formulated with a unique binder for excellent adhesion and durability
- Flexible Application: Suitable for various surfaces, including fabric, metal, wood, and plastics
- Economical Coverage: Covers approximately 8-10 square meters per liter when diluted 1:1
Application and Uses
- Opaque Color Fields: Achieves vibrant, opaque colors on various surfaces
- Translucent Washes: Creates bright, translucent effects similar to aniline dyes
- Tinting Agent: Can be used as a tint in other water-based paints and coatings
- Cloth Painting: Remains supple on soft goods, allowing for rolling or folding without cracking
Technical Specifications
- Finish: Matte
- Solvent: Water
- Binder Type: Vinyl Acrylic co-polymer
Dilution: Minimum 1:1 with water or Rosco Clear Acrylic Glaze - Dry Time: Approximately 30 minutes to touch, 1-2 hours for recoating at 75°F (24°C)
Application Guidelines
- Surface Preparation: Clean and dry surfaces, prime porous surfaces with Rosco Tough Prime
- Mixing: Stir contents well before use, do not shake
- Application Methods: Brush, roller, or spray gun
- Technique: Apply thin, uniform coats with overlapping strokes
Additional Benefits
- Flameproofing: Easily flameproofed by adding Rosco Flamex PA
- Color Range: Available in 32 artists' colors, easily intermixable
- Environmentally Friendly: Water-based formula for easy cleanup
