Gregory's Catalogue Paint Inlay (IOD) Iron Orchid Designs– 12×16 Pad

Turn any painted surface into a showstopping piece of Victorian typographic art with Gregory’s Catalogue Paint Inlay by Iron Orchid Designs. Inspired by an 1886 seed catalogue cover from James J.H. Gregory of Marblehead, Massachusetts, this collection captures the bold, layered letterpress typography of the golden age of American commercial printing — ornate display faces, shadow letters, inline scripts, and decorative rules — all rendered in rich, inky black on a white ground.

The result is a design that commands a room. Picture a large white sideboard transformed into a full-scale typographic poster — “ANNUAL” and “ILLUSTRATED” flanking the grand arched Gregory’s script, “RETAIL CATALOGUE” in towering shadow block letters below, “WARRANTED SEEDS” in a bold condensed face, and “VEGETABLE, FLOWER AND GRAIN” in an ornate inline serif — the whole composition spanning the full width of the piece. Gregory’s Catalogue is equally stunning on a wall panel, a sign board, a cabinet door, or a tray.

What’s Included

• 8 sheets of paint inlay, each 12” × 16”
• Typography elements across 8 sheets:
  • “ANNUAL” — small caps serif label
  • “ILLUSTRATED” — small caps serif label
  • Gregory’s — large ornate arched script with decorative underline flourish
  • “RETAIL CATALOGUE” — monumental shadow block serif (two lines, full-width)
  • “WARRANTED SEEDS” — bold condensed serif with decorative scroll accents
  • “VEGETABLE, FLOWER AND GRAIN” — ornate inline serif with decorative “AND” cartouche
  • James J.H. Gregory — elegant script signature line
  • “MARBLEHEAD, MASS.” — small caps location line
• Multiple sheet layouts allow the full composition to be assembled across a large surface, or individual type elements to be used independently on smaller pieces
• Palette: rich inky black on a white ground — pairs beautifully with white, cream, warm grey, sage, or any neutral background

About IOD Paint Inlays

IOD Paint Inlays are the artisanal answer to decor transfers. They are not a decal; they are not a synthetic film; they are not decoupage. When you apply an IOD Paint Inlay, artisanal paint is embedded into your surface and the paper is removed, leaving an authentic painted design and a buttery, almost leather-like surface on your piece.

IOD Paint Inlays are made from a proprietary artist-quality paint which IOD formulated specifically for decorative use. They are organic in nature and the transfer of the painted design will be slightly varied and unique for each individual. The results are visually interesting, texturally complex, and often inherently distressed. The paint formula is ‘active’ until sealed — meaning you can manipulate it and apply special techniques or a custom touch before you seal your piece. And, as it once isn’t enough, you can often get a beautifully-faded second impression, with the residual pigment on your ‘leftover’ Paint Inlay sheets — sometimes even a third impression!

How to Apply

1. Plan the layout of your designs on your surface.
2. Using the grids on the back side of the inlay sheet, trim as needed and set aside. If you are using a tiled pattern and lining the pattern up continuously, then trim excess margin on each sheet.
3. On an appropriately prepared surface, apply a generous and even coat of mineral-based chalk-type paint. Work in small sections to manage the paint-drying window as you work, generally not larger than 12”×16”.
4. While paint is still wet, lay the paint inlay sheet design-side down (grids are printed on the back for easy identification of front and back), into the wet paint, keeping it taut.
5. Spritz lightly with an even mist of water. Using a smooth damp sponge or folded soft cloth, pat down with even light pressure to make sure the design makes good contact with the painted surface. Avoid excessive moving or dragging of the Paint Inlay sheet once it is laid down, as this can cause blur or smear.
6. Repeat steps 3–5 to complete your design, lining up your sections as appropriate. The gridlines can help to match pattern edges when needed.
7. Allow to dry to the touch. Drying times can vary anywhere from 10 minutes to one hour, depending upon conditions.
8. When ready to remove the Paint Inlay sheets from your surface, spritz evenly with water, and allow 30 seconds to absorb; this helps the backing to release. Starting at one corner, gently pull the paper up, keeping it at a low angle. It should come up easily without tearing. If it does not, spritz a second time and wait a moment, then try again.
9. If desired, you can use water to blend out or soften the design, because the pigment is still movable and active. You can even add additional colors.
10. Once you are happy with the Paint Inlay design, it is time to seal it. Options include: a water-based polyurethane-type sealer applied directly over your work; wax sealer applied according to manufacturer’s directions; or spray-on sealer or artist’s fixative. Allow to dry and apply your finish of choice.

Tips for Best Results

• Keep stored in the packaging at room temperature, in a dry area, until ready to use.
• Always handle your Paint Inlay sheets with care and keep completely dry until ready to use.
• IOD Paint Inlay sheets can be used on fabric with a quality fabric medium and, yes, you can get more than one impression even on fabric!
• IOD Paint Inlays can be used on glass using a clear medium that adheres to glass.
• Use a chalk-type paint that does not contain polymers for best application results.

US Patent 11,124,014. Made in Taiwan. All designs are property of Iron Orchid Designs®. All rights reserved.