Would you like to give one of your pieces of furniture a second life? Fusion mineral chalk paint is particularly easy to apply and requires very little prep. Its strong hiding power also makes it possible to quickly transform the look of a piece of furniture.
We present the steps to follow to easily paint a piece of furniture with Fusion paint, from preparation through to finishing.
01
What is Fusion chalk paint for furniture?
Fusion Mineral Paint is a water-based, VOC-free acrylic paint that adheres very well to different surfaces. It offers a matte-to-satin finish that is both strong and durable. Unlike many chalk paints, it does not require the application of a protective topcoat for most projects.
Another interesting advantage: Fusion paint is waterproof and can be used both indoors and outdoors. It dries quickly and gives off virtually no odour, which makes it particularly pleasant to use in a lived-in room.
It is therefore an interesting option for giving a piece of furniture a new look without having to do complex preparation.
Fusion paint is made in Canada by the same company that produces Homestead House milk paint, and has been for over 30 years.
Here is an old chair before we apply Fusion Mineral Paint.
02
All the materials you will need for your project
We have put together a detailed list to make sure you do not run out of anything while you apply chalk paint to your furniture:
- Fusion Mineral Paint in the colour of your choice
- High-quality polyester or natural bristle paintbrush
- Small microfibre roller or very short nap, 4 or 6 inches, or a Staalmester roller for a flawless finish.
- Whizz-type roller sleeve
- Small paint tray
- Bonding agent.You only need it on very smooth surfaces, such as melamine, ceramic, or glass.
- Black soap (to clean your brush)
- Phosphate-free TSP substitute or Circa 1850 Furniture Cleaner
- Sandpaper 180, 220 and 320 grit
- EVO citrus solvent and nylon pad for dewaxing (only if needed).
- Painterâs gloves.
03
Do the prep before applying chalk paint to your furniture
Fusion paint offers excellent adhesion, which is why you often hear that it can be applied without preparation. However, this statement needs a small caveat.
Even with such an adhesive paint, the surface must be prepared according to its condition. Before painting a piece of furniture, you must in particular make sure it is clean and free of contaminants such as grease, oils, or wax. If the furniture is varnished or has a glossy finish, it is also preferable to degloss the surface to promote paint adhesion.
In short, âno prepâ does not mean you can paint directly over just any surface. Good preparation remains the best way to achieve a durable result.
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Do a thorough cleaning
Before you start painting, make sure the surface is clean and completely dry. This is an essential step to promote paint adhesion and achieve a durable result.
To remove grease and dirt that has built up on the furniture, we recommend using a phosphate-free TSP substitute. This precaution applies to virtually all types of surfaces, except new wood, which generally does not require this degreasing.
The Circa 1850 furniture cleaner is also an excellent option for preparing a piece of furniture before painting it. However, it is a little more odorous, so be sure to ventilate the room well while using it.
2. When do you need to sand?
Since Fusion has exceptional adhesion, it is not always necessary to sand. Refer to this table to know when it is necessary.
| Surface type | Required preparation |
|---|---|
| New or bare wood | No additional preparation. Light sanding is optional to smooth the surface. |
| Painted wood | No additional preparation. Light sanding is optional to smooth and degloss the surface. |
| Varnished wood | Light sanding is required with 180 or 220 grit paper to degloss the surface. |
| Smooth, non-porous surface Melamine, laminate, thermoplastic |
Light sanding with 180 or 220, followed by applying one coat of Fusion bonding agent. |
| Glass, ceramic, plastic, or metal | Apply one coat of Fusion bonding agent. |
| Waxed furniture | Clean the surface with a citrus solvent before applying the paint. |
04
Paint your furniture with chalk paint
1) Apply the bonding agent (when necessary)
You will want to apply the bonding agent on very smooth surfaces (melamine, laminate, glass, ceramic, plastic, or metal) or on surfaces exposed to a lot of wear, such as a kitchen table, for example. It is not mandatory to apply it on other surfaces.
- Apply a thin coat of bonding agent using a brush.
- Let it dry for at least 12 hours.
Pro tips to avoid brush marks:
- Do not press too hard on the brush.
- Hold the brush at a 30-degree angle.
- Avoid going back over the same area as much as possible.
2) Apply Fusion chalk paint
In most cases, Fusion paint requires 1 to 2 coats to achieve a beautiful result. Some colours offer excellent hiding power and may only require a few touch-ups after the first coat.
We still recommend applying 2 coats of paint for a more even finish. A third coat may be necessary with certain colours, especially light shades and reds, which sometimes have more limited hiding power.
You can apply Fusion paint with a brush or using a small microfibre roller. Here are the steps to follow:
- Apply a first coat using a brush or a small roller
- Avoid over-spreading the paint. Applying it too thinly can accentuate brush marks.
- Let it dry for 3 to 4 hours before applying the second coat.
- If necessary, lightly sand between coats with 320-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface or remove small imperfections.
- Apply the second coat.
The paint is dry to the touch after about 20 minutes, but this does not mean it is ready for another coat or a finish.
If you wish to add optional protection, such as a varnish or wax, wait at least 24 to 48 hours before applying it.
Pro tips to avoid orange peel and brush marks:
- Do not press too hard on the roller.
- Load the roller well and apply generously.
- Avoid going back over the same spot.
- For large projects, work in sections and lightly go over the joins by barely skimming the paint.
- Keep your brush or roller wrapped in a wet cotton cloth, close your jar, and cover your tray to prevent the paint from drying out.
Here is the final result for our chair!
05
A world of possible effects with chalk paint!
Fusion paint offers plenty of possibilities for customizing the look of your furniture. You can achieve different styles and effects: contemporary, antique, distressed, textured, or even a metallic finish. You can also give it an aged look using a glaze or create a metallic effect.
Other techniques also make it possible to achieve a shabby chic style or European-inspired looks.
Start your project now!
You’ll find all the products you need directly on our website.
- Start by measuring your furniture to calculate the quantities you need.
- A 500 ml jar of Fusion paint covers 75 sq ft (1 coat).
- Choose the Fusion colour you like.
- Place your order online and choose between in-store pickup and home delivery.
Would you like to learn more about chalk- and mineral-based paint and other craft paints? Visit the paint section of our blog!
Products found in this article.
Fusion Mineral Paint
Fusion protective sealer
Bonding agent (Ultra Grip)
Q&A
Q. Why do yellow or brownish stains appear through the paint?
It can happen that yellowish or brownish stains rise to the surface after painting a piece of furniture, especially when it is made from a wood rich in tannins, such as mahogany or cherry. This phenomenon is called tannin bleed. It can even occur after several coats of paint.
If you notice this problem, there is no need to add more coats of Fusion: the stains are likely to reappear. Instead, you must seal in the tannins with a shellac-based stain-blocking primer, such as Zinsser BIN, before repainting.
Q. How do you go from very dark furniture to white without applying too many coats?
Covering dark furniture with white paint can take a little more work. Even though Fusion paint offers good hiding power, the contrast between the two colours can allow the old shade to show through after the first coats.
To make the transition easier, you can apply a first coat in an intermediate colour, such as a medium grey. This coat will help reduce the contrast before applying the white. You will then need to apply the coats required to achieve an even colour.
Q. How long should you wait before using freshly painted furniture?
A distinction must be made between dry-to-the-touch time and the paintâs full cure. Even if Fusion paint seems to dry quickly, it continues to cure for several days.
Optimal curing can take several days. During this period, avoid rubbing the furniture, placing heavy objects on its surface, or subjecting it to repeated handling. This is particularly important for drawers, doors, and surfaces that often come into contact with other objects.
Q. Is Fusion paint durable enough for a kitchen table?
Fusion paint already has built-in protection that is suitable for most furniture. Therefore, you do not necessarily need to add a varnish or wax.
That said, a kitchen table is subjected to much more rubbing, cleaning, and contact with liquids than a dresser or a bedside table. For this type of heavily used surface, you can add a compatible protective coat to gain extra resistance. Be sure to respect the recommended drying time before applying it.
Q. Why do pieces painted in a dark colour seem to show fingerprints more?
Dark matte finishes sometimes tend to make fingerprints and handling marks stand out more. This is not necessarily a sign that the paint is deteriorating.
In many cases, a simple wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth is enough to make these marks disappear. If you would like a slightly more satin finish, you can also apply a finish such as furniture wax or Fusion varnish. It will slightly change the appearance of the surface while reducing the look of the marks.
Q. How do you clean furniture painted with Fusion without damaging the finish?
Once the paint is fully cured, you can clean your furniture with water and a mild soap. However, avoid overly aggressive cleaning products, abrasive sponges, and excessive rubbing.
Fusionâs matte finish can become glossier when it is rubbed vigorously and repeatedly. You then risk creating shinier areas in certain spots, which will give the surface an uneven look. For routine maintenance, a soft cloth is generally sufficient.
