FAQs
Please see below for some common frequently asked questions, but if you have any specific queries please contact us.
Can I bring drinks into the studio for casual bookings?
Yes, non-alcoholic drinks, including coffee, soft drinks & water are all fine.
Can I bring food or snacks into the studio for casual bookings?
No, we do not allow food in the studio for our casual bookings. It is purely a quality issue as greasy fingers can contaminate the porous bisque pieces and the glaze may not adhere.
Is there car parking?
Yes, we have allocated car parks, and there is usually plenty of on street parking on Lovell Court.
Are there public transport options close by?
Yes, the 884, 885 and N66 bus routes travel along our road, and the bus stops on William Pickering Drive are approx. 100m walk from our studio.
Do I need to wear old painting clothes?
No, our underglaze paints are water based and any spills easily wash out. We do have plenty of aprons available in adult and kids’ sizes.
How long are the painting sessions?
We allow 3 hours for casual bookings on week days and weekends. For the week days of the school holidays 2-hour sessions are available.
My plans have changed; how do I cancel my booking?
We know life happens, so we ask that you give us as much notice as possible. To cancel simply go your booking confirmation email and select the cancel option.
Do I have to book or can I just walk in?
Bookings are always recommended, especially for weekends and the school holidays; however, you are welcome to walk in and if we can accommodate you we will.
How long before we get our finished pieces back?
Our standard turnaround time is two weeks; however, this is subject to change at peak times and you will be advised of the current turnaround time when you paint.
How long do you keep finished pieces?
We will message you as soon as your pieces are ready to collect, and we ask that you do so promptly. We will keep uncollected items for 3 months, but we simply do not have the space to keep items past this, and we may dispose of or donate you items at our discretion.
Can you ship my finished items?
Yes, we can safely package and courier your pieces within New Zealand. Please contact us for a price that will be based on size and location.
Will my finished pieces be food safe?
We utilise high quality clays, underglaze paints and clear gloss glazes, and kiln fire all pieces in line with best practices. Your piece will be food safe if it has been painted appropriately and we have not raised any quality issued with you upon collect. We do recommend hand washing your finished hand painted ceramics, but we know many customers pop them in the dishwasher or microwave with no issues after years of use.
We are painting with a group; can we do split payment?
Yes, no problem at all, we can take individual payments based on each piece that is painted.
I am organising a work team building event, can you invoice us?
Yes, we can provide invoices for studio fees and/or the painted ceramics with 7 day payment terms. Please liaise with us before your booking to ensure we can set this up correctly in advance.
Can children be left unsupervised to paint?
Paint The Earth does not offer supervision, hence as per NZ law any young persons left unsupervised must be at least 14 years old.