Fusion Mineral Paint Detailed Usage

Preparation

Cleaning

The first step is always cleaning. We recommend TSP Alternative, it is a biodegradable, organic degreaser. Using a degreaser is important because it is the oil, and grease that will cause issues with the paint adhering well. These greases and oils build up over years of handling and use and are quite normal. We just need to eliminate them for the best results. Cleaning before you scuff sand ( if your project needs it ) stops you from grinding the dirt further into the paint or wood fibers. Using TSP Alternative is simple! Dilute 2 capfuls of the solution into 1L of water and wash your piece thoroughly until your rag is clean. Throwing away the dirty water won’t harm our waterways as our formula is organic. This powerful degreaser can be used in a spray bottle for ease of application. Unlike true TSP, this one is eco -friendly not requiring gloves or a mask.

Prep for high gloss surface

For best adhesion, a high gloss surface such as lacquer should be lightly scuff sanded. Your aim is to dull the sheen, not remove the finish entirely. You do not need to sand back to bare wood. Use a 400 grit sanding pad or sponge like it is a cloth and wipe it in the direction of the wood grain until you can see you have knocked back the sheen. This should only take 2-3 passes with a 400 grit sanding pad. Even a large dresser should take no more than 5 – 10 mins sanding lightly. You are creating a ‘tooth’ for the paint to adhere to. Once scuff sanded, remove any excess dust prior to painting.

Prep for Removing wax, pledge, or sticky residue – prepping new metal for paint.

Nothing likes to adhere to wax, so if you have wax or even a polish such as ‘pledge’ on the surface of your piece you will need to remove it. Grab our odourless mineral spirits and a clean rag and give it a good wipe-over. Apply the mineral spirits with a rag and clean the surface until you can’t feel a waxy residue any longer. The mineral spirits breaks down the wax and silicon-based polishes, the cloth will remove it. If you have lots of wax from years of re-applying just substitute the cloth for some 000 steel wool. The other surface that would need a wipe down with mineral spirits is new metals. They often come from the factory with an oil coating on, the mineral spirits will remove that ready for painting.

Prep for Painting over old dull paint finishes

Almost all painted and previously finished surfaces can be painted over with a simple clean with TSP. After cleaning you want to assess the substrate to make sure there is no loose or peeling paint. If there is you would need to fix that by sanding or removing the old chipping paint, then apply the paint!

Prep for bleed through/knots

Certain woods like Cherry or Mahogany will bleed tannins or have knots like Pine or Oak. To stop this from happening, you must use a stain blocker to prevent them from coming through your paint finish if you are concerned about this. This is most noticeable on lighter paint colours. Apply 1-2 coats of Zinsser BIN Shellac. Shellac is the key ingredient that seals in wood tannins and bleeds from knots. After cleaning your piece with TSP Alternative, apply a coat of Zinsser and let it dry for 30 minutes prior to using Fusion Mineral Paint.

Prep for Melamine, Laminate, and Thermafoil

Prepping these slick high gloss manufactured surfaces for paint can be tricky, however not impossible. Fusion has you covered! We have an adhesion primer for impossible to paint surfaces. Ultra Grip is our 100% acrylic resin-based adhesion primer. Be sure to remember your first step is always cleaning with TSP Alternative, apply 1 to 2 very thin coats of Ultra Grip with a roller or high quality synthetic bristle brush and leave to dry overnight or at least ( 12 hrs ) for best results. Allow minimum 2 hours between coats of Ultra Grip. The paint will now adhere to the surface with no problems.

How do you know if you need Ultra Grip?

Do a test paint patch, if you see separation like this – we call it lacing, then there is something on the surface like a wax residue or factory coating like Teflon. Ensure you’ve cleaned your piece well with TSP Alternative, do your test patch and if it laces, apply 1-2 coats of Ultra Grip. The second coat of Ultra Grip should stop lacing and your paint will adhere beautifully.

Application of Fusion Mineral Paint

Choosing the right Brush and Tools

The first step to a great paint finish is the very best paint and a good quality brush! Not only should the brush be of good quality it also should be the right size for the job. Imagine you have a 1-inch brush and the top of your dresser is a few feet wide. To get from one side to the other you will have to brush it at least 10 times. That gives you the chance of having 10 brushstrokes in your finish. Using a larger brush covers the area in fewer strokes, instantly eliminating possible brushstrokes. It would not be unusual to use a couple of different sized brushes for each project depending on its shape and size.

Proper tools for larger surfaces

1. The Staalmeester flat brush is the perfect choice when painting medium to large tables, doors, or dressers.
2. The flat ‘spalter’ brush from the One by Staalmeester® series is the perfect finishing brush for more extensive projects, from walls to doors. Its high absorbing power and high adaptability to different surfaces make for a brushstroke-free result!
3. The wall brush is excellent for large surfaces such as walls, ceilings, floors, and tabletops. The wall brush allows for quick application and brushstroke-free results. Great for all paints and finishes.
4. The micro felt paint rollers by Staalmeester® are available in three sizes: 5 mm-10 cm, 5 mm-12 cm, and 9 mm-18 cm. The rollers are suited for all paints and finishes and give a smooth and even finish. Great for any large smooth surface, from floors to dressers and cabinets.

Proper tools for smaller/medium surfaces

1. The round brush is the universal round brush and is extremely versatile and perfect for painting window frames, doors, spindles, and kitchen cabinets. The One series round brush is especially ideal for finishing and you’ll notice that the brush strokes disappear immediately during the application.
2. The Staalmeester oval brush is the most popular brush for furniture painting because the oval shape makes it easy to switch between narrow and larger surfaces with the same brush.
3. The decoration ‘spalter’ brush is a must-have for all painters. It has a very short handle, which helps you neatly smooth out the paint even in the trickiest corners. Excellent for flat surfaces for a super smooth finish. Works great with topcoats. The wood end can be used to apply gold leaf.

The Right amount of paint

The leading cause of most brushstrokes is using too much paint. It may seem counterintuitive but loading your brush with lots of paint causes brushstrokes because ultimately brush strokes are simply too much product drying with texture created by the brush. The brush should be dipped into the paint no more than halfway up your bristles. You want enough on the brush to be full but not dripping off the paintbrush. Wipe off excess paint. It is a little learning curve to know exactly how much paint to apply, but you’ll be a pro in no time! Your aim is to add a couple of thin coats of paint, in the direction of the grain of the wood. Allow dry time between coats, if it seems rough to the touch, you could use soft/medium-grit sandpaper to smooth out any irregularities before applying your second coat.

Unwanted texture in your finish

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 quick. Another culprit for unwanted texture is stop and start marks, which can be seen in your end finish. So make sure to paint from end to end.

Drying quickly is another way the unwanted texture can be created. If you are painting in a very dry climate or if it is a hot day, adding Fusions Extender into your paint will give you a longer working time. It allows the paint to have a greater open time ( stays wet longer ) so you can get your project perfect before it dries on you. It also works with our Tough Coat topcoats!

Using a roller

Using a roller on large flat areas cover the surface quickly and evenly. We have 2 types of rollers available, our Microfibre & Velour rollers. Both work extremely well for furniture painting and more. If you have used a roller before you know it can sometimes leave a little texture behind. This is barely visible in the end finish but if you are a perfectionist the Fusion Paint Extender would help in this situation. Even laying off the paint which simply means rolling the paint on and lightly dragging a soft synthetic brush through it to remove the texture. The brush should be at a low angle and a feather-like application. For this, we would recommend the Spalter Staalmeester brush.

How long should I wait to re-coat?

We recommend 2 hours in between coats of paint for the best results! You can cheat just a little, but remember the reason for waiting is we want the water to evaporate off. The more coats of paint you apply the longer it takes to cure! This includes topcoats, so when painting your projects keep in mind the fewer coats the better. Sanding between coats of paint or even on your final coat can give it a buttery smooth finish. It isn’t needed of course but can eliminate any pesky brushstrokes you find.

Which order should you apply your paint coatings?

Applying paint and finishing products in the right order will help for proper adhesion and the best overall results. They should be applied in this order after proper prep has been done. Water-based products first then Oil-based and then Wax … Wax is always last…always! Fusion Mineral Paint has a built-in topcoat. You really only need a topcoat if you think your surface will get a lot of traffic or use. Our beautiful range of waxes are the perfect decorative accents.