What is chalk-style paint, and how is it different from Fusion Mineral Paint?
Alchemy by Fusion is a chalk-style paint known for its flat, chalky finish and artistic flexibility. It’s highly pigmented and a little thicker in texture, highly blendable, easy to layer and distress, making it perfect for achieving unique, textured looks. Adding a touch of water or misting while painting is a common desire among painters and it works very well with Alchemy. Fusion Mineral Paint has a very high built-in durability and a modern, self-sealing finish, Alchemy allows for creative freedom by letting you choose your preferred topcoat or leave it as is for a soft, flat vintage look.
Do I need to sand or prime the surface before using Alchemy by Fusion?
Alchemy offers excellent adhesion to most surfaces with minimal prep work. While sanding and priming are rarely necessary, we recommend cleaning the surface to remove dust and grease. For slick surfaces like laminate or glass, a light scuff sand will improve adhesion.
Can I use Alchemy paint on outdoor furniture or surfaces?
Alchemy is best suited for indoor projects as it is not designed for exterior durability.
How long does it take for Alchemy paint to dry?
Alchemy dries quickly, typically within 30 minutes to an hour. However, humidity, temperature, and application thickness can affect drying time. For best results, allow 1-2 hours between coats.
Can I mix Alchemy paint colours to create custom shades?
Absolutely! You can mix Alchemy colours together to create custom shades. This makes it easy to achieve a personalized colour palette for your projects.
Do I need to seal or wax Alchemy paint after application?
We recommend a top coat in areas prone to water or heavy use to prevent marking. For added sheen, durability, or protection, we recommend:
- Tough Coat or Ultra Guard for a smooth, durable finish in high-traffic areas.
- Furniture Wax or tinted waxes for a subtle sheen and added dimension.
- Gel Stain & Topcoat for a rich, aged effect.
Why does my dark Alchemy paint show marks, and how can I protect it without losing the depth of colour?
Dark, ultra-matte finishes like Alchemy’s Onyx are stunning, but they do come with a few quirks. Because Alchemy is a chalk-style paint and does not have the built-in topcoat that Fusion Mineral Paint does, darker colours can show fingerprints, light marring, and dust more easily when left unsealed. These aren’t flaws—just part of the character of true flat finishes—and they can often be wiped clean with a damp cloth.
For added protection and easier maintenance, applying a topcoat is a great option. However, it’s important to choose the right one. Water-based polyurethanes with standard matte finishes can sometimes soak in too quickly on porous paints, especially over rich dark shades, causing the colour to appear cloudy or muted.
That’s why Fusion developed Ultra Guard, a water-based polyurethane that levels beautifully over both light and dark colours. It maintains the richness of colours like Onyx without streaking or dulling the finish.
Other topcoat options include:
Can I use Alchemy paint on kitchen cabinets or other high-traffic areas?
Alchemy is fantastic for furniture makeovers, but for high-traffic surfaces like kitchen cabinets, we highly recommend Fusion Mineral Paint, as it is self-sealing and built for durability. Or you can apply a durable topcoat over Alchemy for heavier traffic areas.
Which brushes or tools should you use to apply Alchemy paint?
Alchemy works best with:
- Staalmeester Natural Bristle Brushes for a textured, vintage look.
- Staalmeester Synthetic Brushes for a smoother application.
- Round or Oval Brushes for blending and layering.
How can I distress Alchemy paint for a vintage look?
Alchemy is perfect for distressing! You can achieve an aged look by:
- Light sanding along edges and raised areas.
- Using a damp cloth to subtly remove paint in specific areas (a dust-free alternative to sanding).
- Layering colours and sanding through the layers for depth and dimension.
- Add Fresco! The ultimate tool to pair with Alchemy that will create texture and dimension for your chosen colours to play around.
Is Alchemy paint safe to use indoors?
Yes! Alchemy by Fusion is a water-based paint, making it safe for indoor use with minimal odour.
Can I use transfers or added embellishments over Alchemy?
Yes! Alchemy is your creative partner and loves to be paired with all sorts of added art and embellishments.
Can you paint over previously painted furniture?
Yes absolutely! Just make sure there is no pre-existing wax on the surface, and remove any loose debris or dust and paint!
Can I use Alchemy in a paint sprayer?
Fusion designed Alchemy to be a creative partner, brush in hand. An artistic tool that is therapeutic with every brush stroke. Because of this, Fusion paints are not intended for use in spray applications. Homestead House, Fusion and Alchemy paints are non-toxic in liquid form, but when sprayed, they 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.
