Frequently asked questions - Fusion Mineral Paint

What is so special about Fusion Mineral Paint?

Fusion Mineral Paint is a high quality, eco-friendly, non-toxic acrylic paint specifically designed for furniture and homeware decorating projects. The ease of application, smooth matte finish, minimal prep requirements and built-in topcoat is just the beginning. The paint is created from real natural mineral pigments using 100% pure industrial grade resin which results in a better depth of colour and UV permanence. Fusion Mineral Paint is a best-in-class paint that features an environmentally and health conscious formulation. It is formulated for lasting results, is durable, with excellent coverage and is perfect for upcycling and refurbishing furniture. 

What can I paint with Fusion Mineral Paint?

You can paint just about anything with it. It sticks to wood, glass and even metal. But go further than that! After a coat of Ultra Grip you can even paint impossible surfaces such as plastics, melamine and glossy-finishes. 

How long does Fusion Mineral Paint take to dry?

Fusion Mineral Paint only takes a couple of hours to dry, at which time it will be safe to touch without ruining the paint job and has no tackiness. Curing, however, is the paint hardening to the point where the object is fully usable. This process takes at least 21 days depending on the environment in which it’s curing. Once Fusion Mineral Paint has cured, you can use or clean the painted object like normal.

Do I need to topcoat Fusion Mineral Paint?

Once Fusion Mineral Paint has cured, it is one of the most durable paints you’ll ever see. It has a luscious matt finish that is nonporous and waterproof on its own, removing the need for a topcoat. However, if you want added protection or a sheen, layering a Fusion Mineral Paint topcoat is still an option.

How long is the shelf life of Fusion Mineral Paint?

Once opened Fusion Mineral Paint can last up to 7 years in the container. Make sure the lid is closed properly and your paint will remain in perfect condition and will not separate or go crusty and hard.

How do I prepare furniture before painting?

It is important to clean the surface of the furniture and remove any dirt, grease, or wax BEFORE sanding. I like to spritz my piece with TSP Alternative using a continuous spray mister and give it a good scrub with steel wool or a sturdy cloth. If there is wax on the surface, nothing will adhere to that, so it needs to be removed. This isn't difficult to do - wipe it off with steel wool and mineral turpentine. You'll be able to tell if the wax is removed by scraping it with your fingernail or giving it a light sand - if the sandpaper gums up, there is still wax. If you don't clean before sanding, you risk pushing dirt or grease into the wood fibers. 

Lightly sanding the surface of your furniture (scuff-sanding) can be helpful to ensure the best paint adhesion. Do this AFTER cleaning. Then give it a quick clean again to remove sanding dust.

Do I need to prime my furniture?

Quite simply, Fusion Mineral Paint is self-priming. From an adhesion standpoint, 95% of paint project will not require a primer. The time when a primer is recommended is to prevent tannin bleed-through (mainly for light colours) or if you have knotty pine. The only thing that will seal tannin bleed-through is shellac. We suggest using Zinsser B.I.N. Primer-Sealer Stain Blocker. This is available at major hardware stores in New Zealand.  

You do NOT need to use a primer to go from a dark colour to a light colour. Instead, try using a transition colour or our Transition product to help cut down the number of required coats overall. This will make the switch to pure whites much easier.

How much paint will I need for my project?

Fusion Mineral Paint offers excellent coverage. You can choose between a 500ml container and a 37ml tester size. The 500ml covers approximately 7m2 and for most of your projects you will only need a maximum of one jar. Check out the coverage guide here.

Is Fusion Mineral Paint safe for spray applications?

Fusion Mineral Paint is not intended for use in spray applications but it still can be sprayed with beautiful results, you just need to take the usual safety precautions for spray painting including wearing an appropriate protective mask. The paint is non-toxic in liquid form, but when sprayed, it can be broken down into small enough molecules to be breathed in. Small particles such as these can be inhaled and may have adverse health effects. Fusion Mineral Paint should be at perfect viscosity to put straight through without watering down but if you do find you need to add water, note this could affect the durability. A top coat is recommended. Note that you will use more paint than other application methods if you spray.

Can I mix Fusion Mineral Paint colours?

Yes! Fusion Mineral Paint colours can be easily mixed to create custom shades. You can experiment with different ratios to achieve the desired colour. As you do this, make sure you keep track of the ratios. A good way to do this is mark on the container the level of each colour. That way you can make more if required. 

Can I use Fusion Mineral Paint on outdoor pieces?

Fusion Mineral Paint is extremely durable and excellent for outdoors even without a top coat. It is water resistant when cured after 21 days and UV stable which means your colour won't fade in the sun. Make sure the wood is completely dry before painting. Also check that you aren't painting grey wood. Paint all sides of your project including underneath and the feet to stop any water absorbing into the wood. More detail here.

Help, I can't get the lid off my Fusion Mineral Paint!

Fusion Mineral Paint is tough and for this reason, dried paint on the lid rim can make it difficult to open after it has dried. You can: run hot water on the side of the lid; hammer tap the top of the lid or all the way around; use a flat head screwdriver or spoon to place/push end between the lid and rim; turn it upside down and lightly bang on a hard surface. To help prevent this in future, before replacing the lid after use you can, smear some Vaseline on the rim; wipe the rim clean with a paper towel (even easier if you have used the Vaseline first); cover the opening with plastic wrap.

Is Fusion Mineral Paint food safe? Can I paint serving platters/charcuterie boards? 

Although Fusion Mineral Paint is non-toxic in use, the only completely food safe products in the Fusion range are Hemp Oil, Salad Bowl Finish and Beeswax. You can use both the oil and the wax if you like - the wax is always last. The issue with surfaces on which food is served and/or cut is the stains and pigments. A food safe staining option is cold strong coffee or tea.

Do you offer tutorials or workshops on Fusion Mineral Paint?

This is in the pipeline but first we are working on building up our online resources.

You are more than welcome to contact us with any questions.