questions about Fusion Mineral Paint and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our FAQ page, where you can find answers to the most commonly asked
1. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
2. HOW TO PREP FOR SUCCESS
3. CHOOSING YOUR BRUSH
4. PAINTING TECHNIQUES
5. FUSION RESOURCES
1. General Questions
What sets Fusion Mineral Paint apart?
Crafted by entrepreneur and DIY enthusiast Jennylyn Pringle, boasting over two decades of expertise, Fusion™ Mineral Paint showcases a distinctive formula. The original 'Mineral Paint', comprising of 100% acrylic resin, it stands as the highest-grade strength available. Fusion™ yields nothing short of spectacular results, offering furniture painters a unrivalled paint experience.
It excels with its environmentally conscious composition, unmatched durability, and a straightforward one-step application, complete with a built-in top coat!
Our pigments are exclusively derived from natural minerals, making our paint 100% non-toxic, free from lead and phthalates. Additionally, it features a built-in top coat that offers UV, water, and stain resistance, eliminating the need for waxing or sealing!
How long is the drying time?
Fusion dries to the touch in approximately 30 minutes. For optimal results, we recommend waiting 1-2 hours between coats. The curing process, where water completely evaporates, takes about 21 days, reaching its most durable state. During the initial days, a bit of gentle care is advisable.
What surfaces can I apply it to?
Fusion works wonders on a variety of surfaces! From front doors to kitchen cabinets and even shoes, the possibilities are vast. We continuously explore Fusion's potential, so if you discover new applications, let us know!
Can I use Fusion outdoors?
Absolutely! Fusion is resistant to water and UV, ensuring durability through rain and sun exposure. It has been rigorously tested and proven to endure even the harsh conditions of a Canadian winter!
How should I prepare my piece?
Preparation is crucial for durability. We recommend cleaning surfaces with our TSP Alternative or a degreaser. For surfaces with a sheen, scuff sanding adds necessary "tooth" for paint adherence. Extremely glossy or detailed surfaces may require Ultra Grip™ as an adhesion primer.
Wood surfaces prone to bleed-through or pine knots benefit from Zinsser BIN Shellac-based primer. Read our prep tutorial for more details.
How much paint do I need?
Surprisingly less than you might think! A 500 mL jar covers about 75 square feet (7 m2), equivalent to two coats on a large dresser. Fusion is packaged in pints, a size suitable for most projects without excess.
Note that coverage depends on colour, starting surface, and painting technique.
Can I use Fusion on cabinets?
Certainly! Fusion is exceptionally durable and easy to wipe clean. Explore our kitchen cabinets tutorial for comprehensive tips and tricks.
When do I need a top coat?
While Fusion doesn't require a top coat, certain situations may warrant one. For high-traffic areas like kitchen cabinets or dining tables, consider Tough Coat™ for lighter colors or Stain & Finishing Oil in Natural for darker colors. Extra topcoats may be desired for adjusting paint sheen. For more information, read: When to use a top coat.
What's the shelf life?
Fusion maintains its quality for up to 7 years in an airtight container. To preserve freshness, consider placing a sheet of plastic wrap between the jar and the lid during prolonged storage.
Can I request a custom colour?
Our available colours are listed on our website, totaling over 70 options. Additionally, our Fan Deck guides you in creating custom colours by mixing 50/50 or adding one tester to a pint!
2. The Comprehensive Manual - How to Prep for Success
Preparing your furniture for painting need not be a daunting task! A clean and a gentle scuff sand are all it takes to transform almost any surface with Fusion Mineral Paint. Whether you're dealing with wood, metal, or other materials, this practical guide will demonstrate how effortless it is to get your furniture ready for a paint job – easier than you might imagine!
Properly prepping your furniture will not only save you time but also ensure consistently excellent results. Prepping for Success ensures exceptional adhesion, durability, and coverage. While some pieces may require minimal prep, others might need a bit more attention. Choose your surface type below and adhere to these straightforward prep steps to guarantee a flawless finish!
Fresh Prep Guide
Jennylyn details diverse prep techniques for various surfaces in this video.
Step 1
The initial step always involves cleaning. We recommend TSP Alternative, an eco-friendly, biodegradable organic degreaser. Or TSP which is super powerful. Using a degreaser is essential because oil and grease can hinder paint adhesion. These substances accumulate over time through handling and use and are entirely normal. Cleaning before scuff sanding (if necessary for your project) prevents grinding dirt further into the paint or wood fibres.
TSP Alternative - Fusion Mineral Paint
Using TSP Alternative is uncomplicated! Dilute two capfuls of the solution into 1L of water and thoroughly wash your piece until your rag comes away clean. Disposing of the dirty water won't harm waterways as our formula is organic. This potent degreaser can be conveniently applied with a spray bottle. Unlike traditional TSP, this eco-friendly alternative doesn't require gloves or a mask.
Check out this comprehensive makeover video.
Step 2 The subsequent step is identifying your surface.
Prepping for Raw Wood
Fusion Mineral Paint can be directly applied to raw wood. After cleaning, lightly sand any scratches to even out the surface. Always sand in the direction of the grain. If you've recently stripped the wood and used water on the surface, allow a day for the wood fibers to dry completely before applying any coating. This ensures the paint can soak in and effectively seal the surface. Fusion™ Mineral Paint is considered self-priming, however if the raw wood has knots or is resin-rich, you should apply a blocking primer when painting in white and lighter colours to avoid bleed through staining
Prepping for High Gloss Surfaces
For optimal adhesion on high-gloss surfaces like lacquer, lightly scuff sand to dull the sheen without removing the finish entirely. Use a 220 to 400-grit (lower grits may show scratch marks through your painted finish)sanding pad or sponge, wiping in the direction of the wood grain until the sheen is reduced. This creates a 'tooth' for paint adhesion. After scuff sanding, remove excess dust before painting.
Prepping for Removing Wax, Mr Sheen, or Sticky Residue
If your piece has wax, polish, or sticky residue, use odorless mineral spirits and a clean rag to wipe it off. Apply mineral spirits and clean until no waxy residue remains. For extensive wax build-up, use 000 steel wool instead of a cloth. New metals may also have an oil coating that mineral spirits can remove before painting.
When to Prime
If your piece is in good condition and the previous finish is intact, you will generally never require a primer. Clean and scuff sand is all your need to do. Fusion has a built in primer and has excellent gripping properties compared to alternatives on the market, however there will be occasions when you may require priming prior to painting with Fusion™.
Bleed Through
Some types of wood, such as pine, cedar, cherry, and mahogany, contain natural compounds called tannins. When these woods are painted water-based products without proper preparation, the tannins can bleed through the paint, causing discolouration. It will not matter how many coats of paint you apply, each coat will continue to pull the tannins through to the surface and will be extremely noticeable when painting with lighter colours and white.
Stains and Residues
Residues from smoke, water damage, or previous finishes, such as wood stains or ink, can bleed through the new paint.
Knots in Wood
Knots in wood, especially in softwoods like pine, can release resins that may bleed through paint, creating visible spots.
Corrosion or Rust
On metal surfaces, rust or corrosion can bleed through paint,.
Glass and Laminate
Glass and Laminate
It is recommended to always use a primer when painting glass or laminate such as melamine. Scuff sanding prior to priming will also increase adhesion.
Shellac Based Primers
Shellac-based primers, known for their effectiveness in blocking tannins, are highly recommended. Rust-Oleum® Zinsser® B-I-N® Primer, a Shellac-based primer, is the primer of choice recommended by Fusion™. Another effective option is creating your own Shellac using Shellac flakes, a straightforward process. Both will smell like Denatured alcohol (methylated spirits) so use in a well ventilated area.
After cleaning your piece, apply at least two coats of Zinsser, allowing it to dry for 30 minutes before applying Fusion Mineral Paint. In the case of Bali/Indonesian pieces, multiple coats may be necessary. It's also advisable to refrain from sanding through the previous finish, as this can increase the risk of bleed-through issues.
Oil-Based Primers
Oil-based primers are also very effective at blocking bleed-through, although they have extremely high volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and fumes compared to Shellac-based so require the proper safety gear while using, even in a well ventilated area. They also take longer to dry compared to Shellac and water-based primers.
Water-based Primers
Water -based primers generally have almost no VOC's so are much safer to use. While water-based primers can also serve as effective blockers, it's essential to allow at least 12 hours of drying time between coats to lock in the stain, with a minimum of two coats suggested.
General Tips
Combination Approach
We recommend a combination of both Shellac and water-based primers as an alternative approach. Start with a water-based primer like Hewbury Paint Grip and Block and then address any bleed-through issues with targeted Shellac touch-ups. This strategy will also minimise the number of Fusion Mineral Paint coats needed.
Strategic Application
Using Shellac selectively in problematic areas allows for efficient application while conserving product and reducing the number of overall coats.
Remember, choosing between water-based and shellac-based primers depends on the project requirements, and a strategic combination can offer the best results. BIN Zinsser is the higher-cost option. - Consider purchasing the aerosol version as an alternative or making your own from Shellac flakes.
3. HOW TO CHOOSE A BRUSH FOR YOUR NEXT PROJECT
Achieving a superb paint finish begins with selecting a premium paint and employing a high-quality brush. It's not just about the brush's quality; its size is equally crucial for the task at hand. Picture this scenario: you have a 1-inch brush, and your dresser's top spans a few feet in width. Navigating from one side to the other requires a minimum of 10 brushstrokes, introducing the possibility of 10 visible brush marks in your finish. Opting for a larger brush significantly reduces the number of strokes needed, instantly eliminating the potential for unsightly brushstrokes. Depending on the project's shape and size, it's not uncommon to utilise various brush sizes, ensuring optimal coverage. Don't fret—this guide is here to lead you through the process of selecting the perfect brush for your project.
NATURAL HOG BRISTLE
Natural bristle brushes contain hog bristle. The Staalmeester® 3600 Series is a round brush with high-quality white Chungking bristle, mounted in a nickel ferrule. This is a versatile paint brush with an uncoated, bare handle. Perfect for applying Chalk and Milk type paints. Excellent for our applying Fusion's Stain & Finishing Oil Works really well as a wax brush for applying a variety of waxes. Excellent for producing a textured finish. For added texture, try using with texturising powder such as Fusion Fresco!
Ideal for stencilling
SYNTHETIC
The Staalmeester Pro-Hybrid series 100% synthetic fibre for a smooth finish. Ideal for a brush stroke free finish. Suited for applying all types of paint and the first choice for applying Fusion Mineral Paint. If you are new to painting furniture, we recommend having a flat brush such as Staalmeester 2027 Series and round brush such as Staalmeester® 2020 Series. These two brushes, as well as a micro-fibre roller will be all you need for 99% of your projects.
Minimising Brushstrokes
Loading your Brush
Can you imagine that the primary culprit behind brushstrokes is actually an excess of paint? It might seem counterintuitive, but saturating your brush with an abundance of paint leads to brushstrokes. Essentially, brushstrokes occur when there is an excess of product drying with a texture created by the brush. Ideally, you should dip your brush into the paint, submerging it no more than halfway up the bristles. Aim for enough paint on the brush to achieve full coverage without it dripping off. Be sure to wipe off any surplus paint. Finding the right balance may take a bit of practice, but with time, you'll master the technique and paint like a pro!
Painting
Your goal is to apply a few thin layers of paint, following the natural grain of the wood. Ensure proper drying time between coats. If the surface feels rough to the touch, consider using soft or medium-grit sandpaper to eliminate any imperfections before proceeding with the second coat.
Fusion is made with 100% industrial-grade acrylic resin which means it doesn’t need a topcoat, is super durable and tough. As this resin dries it holds its shape firmly, so any brushstrokes or texture you have created will stay in the finish. Brushing back and forth as the paint is drying creates this texture. For best application get the paint on your surface ( work in sections ) and work quickly to apply it in nice long strokes in the direction of the wood grain. Once it is covered do not go back over it. Fusion dries fast. Another culprit for unwanted texture is stop and start marks, which can be seen in your end finish. As demonstrated in the image below. So be sure to paint from end to end.
What is Extender?
Have you ever wished for additional time to refine your painting technique, especially in the pursuit of that flawless, brushstroke-free result? Your solution awaits: Fusion Extender. Another excellent option is the Hewbury Paint Extender, compatible with all water-based paints and sealers, operating in precisely the same manner.
Increased Open Time
Another factor contributing to undesirable texture is rapid drying. If you find yourself painting in an extremely dry climate or on a hot day, incorporating Extender into your paint can extend your working time. This product increases the paint's open time, keeping it wet for a longer duration, enabling you to perfect your project before it sets.
How to Mix Fusion Extender
Add 15mL of Extender into a pint (500mL) of Fusion Mineral Paint (or 10% extender into paint)
Apply the paint as usual, you will notice a longer open drying time. This gives you more time to work with the paint and smooth out brush strokes
Wait 4 hours between coats when using Extender as it increases drying time