FUSION MINERAL PAINT

Like most of you that have painted furniture, I started with a well known chalk paint.  It was fine at the time and it was my go to product.  However, I discovered another paint that had built in wax so moved onto using that.  I then tried lots of other brands  of paints for furniture/wood and even had a go at making my own chalk paint - never again!!

I don't  remember how or when I came across Fusion for the first time but I found it totally different to the other brands I had used.  So what is fusion mineral paint?

Having used acrylic paints with students in the classroom to paint their products I knew about its properties , the need to add a little water to paint larger areas, fast drying times and its finish - and the need to wash brushes after - something students didn't always do well enough!

However, the first time I used Fusion I was bowled over.

My first impressions were that it was so easy to apply compared to Acrylic and others Paints - a lovely consistency that one brush stroke seemed to go on forever .  

Despite painting on darker wood that the paint I was amazed that just one coat seemed enough owing to the depth of pigmentation.

I assumed that it would soak in during drying to reveal the wood

 through - but it didn't.

So what is fusion mineral paint? t - 

According to the suppliers - "It is a unique formula. Featuring 100% industrial grade-acrylic resin,

 This paint boasts the highest grade strength in the market, delivering exceptional results for furniture painters. Its environmentally conscious formulation, superior durability, and easy one-step application with a built-in topcoat make it a top-performing choice for any project.."

For me - another positive about Fusion - owing to at the time using my kitchen as my workshop, is the environmental and health aspects.

You would have assumed that a paint like this would have all sorts nasties added to improve it's performance and durability.  However, it is completely free from lead, as you would expect, but is also free from other harmful chemicals  resulting in low VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) 

So the paints are safe for me to use in my kitchen and the environment too.  

Like acrylic paints - drying time is fast so so if a second coat is required it means  you don't have to wait more than an hour or two before you can apply another coat, if needed.  The the best part for me is not having to wax after to protect  the paint - I hated that part with chalk paint - because it has a built in top coat so it's durable.

I wasn't aware at the time about their claims of coverage of up to 75 sq ft from each pint (not that that means anything to me visually compared to the piece of furniture in front of me) but was amazed  how far this product goes.

Owing to it's formula the paint a slight flexibility which means it can accommodate the movements that naturally happen with wooden products.  

I must admit when first using this product I didn't know about the 'minimal prep' - so I just got painting.  These pieces were for me so not to worry and they are still fine to this day.  

However, the recommended prep is to clean/decrease - I use their TSP (again one bottle diltues down to 25+ spray bottles worth!)

and scuff sand the surface - easy peesy.

 I particularly love their ultra grip - so simple to use but means that difficult to sand pieces, very shiny surfaces, metal etc can be painted with confidence.  Yes, I have painted metal, fabric,  leather, garden furniture and the front of the shop too.  It's amazing these products can do. 

Fusion™ has meant that my pieces look so professional - in fact the question I get asked is 'did you spray paint that?'  The answer is no its painted by brush.

The manufacturers claim that the paint 'delivers stunning results with its matte finish, providing a smooth and virtually brushstroke-free surface with its low reflectance value'  - my only comment to add to this is that with some colours there is a beautiful soft sheen - like an eggshell finish especially when the light catches surfaces.

I felt so passionate about this paint that when I took on a retail space I became a stockist.

The training and support given has helped me to develop my skills and confidence further.  

The hardest part is deciding which colour to use as there are over 50 colours available which can be mixed easily to create even more colours.  

The colour charts  are true colours which enables myself and customers to decide on colours.
Colours can easily be mixed too and the Fan Deck has recipes  for shade/colour variations to help find the perfect colour for your project. 

 Why not give it a try if you haven't already?

I have customers who have painted their kitchen cupboards, including extractor hoods, garden parasols, flooring and leather chairs and shoes and so many other items

 The Paint it Beautiful site is a very supportive community for everyone, whether its about help with colour choices, showcasing their latest project or asking for advice and support or looking for inspiration. 

With the training provided for stockists and having the full range of products in stock, I can be more creative when restyling furniture . -  especially now I have my studio.  

 I can focus on my passions - Fusion and Furniture Restyling.

If you haven't used Fusion before and are able to visit The Paint Pot Studio I am more than happy to provide demonstrations and guidance.  I will also give you free TSP with any purchase of paint.  

However, if you live further afield I am more than happy to post paint/products to you.

Purchases can be made through the shop or by contacting me direct.