When To Use a Top Coat over Fusion Mineral Paint - Fusion™ Mineral Paint (2024)

One of the things that people really love about Fusion Mineral Paint is that itis formulated with a built-in top coat, the 100% acrylic resin. You do not need to use a separate top coat for water permanency with Fusion Mineral Paint.What does this mean for you? Reassurance that the item you just painted is going to be durable and last. We even did a scrub test to show just how well it lasts. We wanted to explain when to use a top coat over a piece painted with Fusion Mineral Paint as there seems to be a lot of misinformation about this out there.

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Compared to chalk-type paint which requires either a wax or a top coat to protect it from chipping. Anyone who has ever undergone a time-consuming large-scale painting project, knows just how long this process can take. Using Fusion Mineral Paint means less time-consuming work for you with all of your paint projects. We wanted our paint to make life easier and not always have to use a top coat for protection.

So when people come across our Tough Coat they think “Wait, I thought Fusion didn’t need a top coat? So why does this product exist?

Let us explain more about when to use a top coat over Fusion Mineral Paint.

We created Tough Coat because not all items that will be painted are created equally and some surfaces may need an extra bit of protection. It’s similar to when you apply nail polish that has a built-in top coat. Do you need to use an extra top coat? No. But say you’re going on vacation and will be walking around a beach where there is sand that can potentially chip your pedicure. If you used an extra top coat over your nail polish, that would potentially make your pedicure last longer and withstand the elements thrown at it. It’s the same for furniture.

We also always emphasize that your prep work for any item you paint is the most important step in painting. For example, araw wood surface that has never been painted before, is going to absorb paint differently than say a laminate surface or a surface that was previously covered in wax. How you prepare that surface before that first drop of paint goes on it, will indeed impact how your project turns out. The decision to use Tough Coat is a personal one and it depends on the surface you are painting. Examples of when you may want extra protection, are high traffic areas like a kitchen table where you do a lot of crafts and cutlery can create dings or even kitchen cabinet doors.

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Fusion has several options for top coats and finishings and we wanted to break down the differences for you.

1) Tough Coat Matte Wipe-on Poly

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This is a Non-Yellowing, Clear Tough Coat. It is a water-based wipe-on sealer and is easily applied with a damp lint-free cloth. Tough Coat dries to a matte finish.

When to use:

Perfect for those high-traffic surfaces such as table tops, kitchen cabinet doors, kitchen islands, backs of chairs. Or really any areas that you think could potentially show wear and tear.If applying to a recently painted surface, allow 12-24 hours of drying time before applying. For best results, use with a damp lint-free rag and apply two coats 2-4 hours apart. If you live in a humid climate, longer drying times may be required.

Important to note: You can easily paint over it anytime if you change your mind.

More tips about our Tough Coat.

  • Be sure to gently mix your Tough Coat prior to using it as the matting agent and other ingredients may settle to the bottom.Do not shake vigorously ( as with any poly-type top coat ) as this will cause air bubbles in your piece that are difficult to remove once applied.
  • When applied on mid to dark paint colours it may show streaks where the edge of the brush stroke was…only a very thin coat using a sponge or our applicator will give you a consistent appearance. This is due to water vapour that may be trapped (within the thicker edge of the brush stroke ) Tough Coat is visible on dark colours in particular. Should streaking occur, you can simply apply the paint over top and leave it as is. A nice thin coat of our Natural colour in the SFO (see below ) can be a lot more forgiving on darker colours.
  • We have what we call a “Tough Coat Sandwich”. You paint first, then use Tough Coat, then paint again and your project will be beyond durable! This is only recommended for very high traffic surfaces.

2) All in One Stain and Finishing Oil

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This All in One Stain and Finishing Oil is your go-to solution for bare wood to show off the grain, yet change the colour to your desire. Comes in 6 gorgeous colours. Very easy to use, minimal odour and Eco-Friendly! Apply it with a brush or rag, and wipe away the excess.It does not leave a surface film that sits on top. Rather it soaks in and becomes part of your wood.

When to use:

The better option for medium to darker paint colours (instead of the Tough Coat) or bare wood for extra added durability on high-traffic areas such as kitchen cabinets, table tops or flooring.

Important to note: You can’t paint over it unless the SFO has totally cured.

3) Waxes – Beeswax and Furniture Wax

Our Beeswax Finish, is unique to Fusion and contains only pure natural beeswax and hemp oil. It is a food-safe, all-natural product, providing a soft smooth satin finish. Food safe, no chemicals, no VOCs & biodegradable.

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Our furniture waxes are afine museum-quality wax, based on an old family recipe and they go onlike butter. They consist of pure natural beeswax, a touch or carnauba wax and an odourless mineral solvent for workability. Easy to apply, they provide a durable finish with a beautiful lustre and have almost no odour. Available in clear or pigmented colours.

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When to use:

Apply as needed for extra protection to add colour to your surface.Use a clean cotton cloth or brush to apply the wax in a thin layer. Then, work it into recesses of carved details or surface imperfections. Wipe away excess. Allow it to dry for 3-5 minutes. Buff to a shine with a clean lint-free cotton cloth. Our beeswax takes 30 days to cure.

Important to note: waxing can be labour intensive and you can’t paint over wax. It needs to be removed with Mineral Spirits.

4) Hemp Oil

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Our Hemp oil is great for those that suffer from chemical sensitivities and can not use solvent-based products. The odour of this oil is much like crushed walnuts.This oil is a great environmentally friendlylocally produced with no additives or preservatives and no VOCs.

When to use:

This oil will darken and richen the wood with a soft lustre. Generally the older the wood the more it will darken. This will vary based on the type of wood and the age of the wood. It is recommended to try a small amount on an area to see how your project will look with oil. This food-safe oil finish is perfect to use in the kitchen on wooden cutting boards, wooden utensils or stone. Also provides a wonderful finish for flooring.

Important to note: This oil does not leave a surface film that will chip or scratch. The oil will feel dry to the touch one day after the initial application. However, complete drying can be several days. You can paint over hemp oil after it cures in about a week.

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We hope that helps you to decide when and if you need to use a top coat on your project. If you are ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask a question in our Paint it Beautiful Facebook group. It is a wonderful community full of support that is always willing to help.

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When To Use a Top Coat over Fusion Mineral Paint - Fusion™ Mineral Paint (2024)

FAQs

Do you put a top coat on Fusion Mineral Paint? ›

One of the things that people really love about Fusion Mineral Paint is that it is formulated with a built-in top coat, the 100% acrylic resin. You do not need to use a separate top coat for water permanency with Fusion Mineral Paint.

When can I recoat Fusion paint? ›

It's best if you can wait approximately 30 minutes – 2 hours before applying another coat of Fusion Mineral Paint. The paint needs a good amount of time to dry before applying another layer over top of it. If the temperature and humidity is very neutral, and the paint is drying well, you could re-coat in 30 minutes.

Can I paint over Fusion top coat? ›

Important to note: You can easily paint over it anytime if you change your mind. More tips about our Tough Coat. Be sure to gently mix your Tough Coat prior to using it as the matting agent and other ingredients may settle to the bottom.

Why is my fusion paint peeling? ›

No matter what product you use, if you apply your paint to an unstable surface, the paint will flake, peel, and eventually fail on you. Many surfaces have been previously finished with lacquers or high gloss preparations that were chemically constructed to resist anything adhering to it.

Do you need to put a top coat over enamel paint? ›

So in short, Enamel Paints do sometimes need a topcoat or a primer and in some cases even both. If the painted object is supposed to be outside then sealing the enamel paint with a topcoat will ensure the longevity of the paint.

Can you wax over fusion paint? ›

Clear is your staple! This Clear Furniture Wax is made from Beeswax with a little Carnauba wax. It is ideal for use on wood, marble or as a finish over Fusion Mineral Paint, milk paint, chalk type paint and/or latex paint.

How durable is Fusion Mineral Paint? ›

Once Fusion Mineral Paint has cured, it's one of the most durable paints you'll ever see. The fact that it's waterproof is the biggest thing that sets it aside from any other chalk-like paint. Fusion Mineral Paint creates a nonporous surface on its own, removing the need for a topcoat.

Does Fusion Mineral Paint clean up with water? ›

Fusion™ is a water-based paint, so it's still super easy to clear up after your painting sessions – warm soapy water to clean your brushes (or better still, our Brush Soap is ideal to help keep your precious paint brushes in tip top condition, not to mention your hands with its 100% natural, non-toxic ingredients!)

When should you recoat? ›

Adding a Second Coat

After your first coat of paint is dry, it's safe to recoat typically after four to six hours. A good rule of thumb is to wait at least three hours to recoat your paint or primer if it's water-based. Waiting 24 hours is best for oil-based paint and primer.

What happens if you recoat paint too soon? ›

Applying the second coat too early will result in streaks, peeling paint, and uneven color. Not only will this ruin the entire project but it'll cost additional money to get more paint in some occasions. It's best to wait for the first coat to dry.

What happens if you apply second coat of paint too late? ›

You can ruin your entire paint job by not allowing enough time for the first layer of paint to dry before adding a second coat. Check the instructions on your paint can for a suggested dry time and if you're still unsure, wait 24 hours.

Can you roll on fusion tough coat? ›

The Tough Coat has matting agents in the formula and those need to be reincorporated before you use it. We don't want to introduce bubbles so roll the bottle to mix or take off the lid and mix with a stir stick. When your first coat is good and dry ( maybe 1-2 hrs or less ) you can apply another coat.

What can I use to top coat over acrylic paint? ›

In general, acrylic resin varnishes are glossier, stronger and clearer than acrylic polymer varnishes. Therefore, if you want a high-gloss finish, you should go for an acrylic resin varnish such as Golden MSA Varnish. Before applying the final varnish, you'll need to apply an "isolation coat" over the entire painting.

Should you put a top coat on painted cabinets? ›

Whether you have painted cabinets or you want to highlight the natural beauty of the material, a clear coat is a great choice to complete the project. Clear coat helps protect your cabinet doors and drawer fronts whether they are painted or stained.

Is top coat necessary for painting? ›

There are some cases in which you may not need a topcoat, like: Pieces painted with high-gloss or semi-gloss paint. These sheens are pretty durable and are easily wiped clean. Accent chairs / tables that don't get a whole lot of use.

Is enamel the same as top coat? ›

A: Typically we refer to high gloss, smooth decorative top coats as "enamels".

How long should Fusion paint dry before applying wax? ›

It is important to let your paint dry at least 2 hours before you apply the Beeswax Finish.

Can you use a roller brush with Fusion paint? ›

Fusion™ waxes and most on the market are "soft waxes" and can not be painted over. Invest in a good quality Staalmeester® brush or roller.

Can I use a roller with Fusion paint? ›

BENEFITS. An excellent value this kit sets you up for most everything you need to paint it beautiful! For a smooth finish, a microfiber roller is your best friend!

Is Mineral Paint more durable than chalk paint? ›

Mineral paint adheres a little stronger than chalk paint, so it will be little tougher to get off once the piece is dry. So I would distress while the piece is drying. The Vaseline method will also work very well for Fusion paint.

Which is better Fusion or chalk paint? ›

Fusion Mineral Paint is waterproof and washable whereas chalk paint would need to have a varnish type finish to make it waterproof. Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint can also be used outdoors and can be left sealed or unsealed! Both paints can be applied to most surfaces with minimal preparation.

Will paint look better after second coat? ›

You'll most likely need to apply a second coat of paint. Second coats fill in any gaps, and help you achieve a smooth, uniform colour. As well as looking better, a second coat will ensure your paintwork is durable and long-wearing.

Will paint get darker with second coat? ›

Applying a second coat of paint will not make the paint darker, but the paint may appear more vibrant if your first coat of paint was thin. For both acrylics and watercolors, a second coat of paint can help you achieve the bright and vibrant version of the paint color you're using.

Do you need to cut when applying second coat of paint? ›

It is actually recommended to cut in for every layer of paint you add. So basically, you should cut in your walls first, and then roll out. Once the layer of paint is dry, cut in for the second time and then roll out again. Repeat this step depending on how many layers of paint you add to your walls.

Do you have to put a top coat over acrylic? ›

A protective top coat on your paints can keep off dust and other dirt or marks that could build up over time and discolor the painting. It would also protect it from splashes and create a water-resistant finish, ideal for acrylic paint on wood.

How long should acrylic paint dry before clear coat? ›

Although acrylics dry quickly on the surface, you should wait at least a week before varnishing to make sure that the acrylics have dried through all the way.

Do I need to seal my acrylic painting? ›

It is essential that you varnish your completed acrylic paintings. The varnish will protect the painting from dust, UV rays and yellowing.

Can you apply Fusion Tough Coat with a brush? ›

Tough coat is Fusions non-yellowing wipe on water based poly. It is so simple to use and can be applied in many different ways, with a brush, a damp clean rag, a sponge or Fusions applicator pad.

Do you have to sand before using Fusion paint? ›

It's all in the preparation: sanding is definitely required with Fusion Mineral Paint particularly when working over previous paint work. A little goes a long, long way.

Can you use glaze over fusion mineral paint? ›

Glaze is a great option to add depth, an antique look, or just a special finish. It goes over the fusion mineral paint to give the paint a different look. We really like to glaze when there are beautiful details on a piece that we wish to enhance by leaving the glaze in the crevices.

When brushing on glaze how many coats should you apply? ›

Apply two to three coats. Make sure you wipe off any glaze from the base of your piece before setting it aside to dry.

How many coats of clear glaze should you use? ›

Clear Glaze HF-9 – Three coats with a nice big paint brush. Let coats go chalky white before brushing another layer on. If painting on over underglazes, lightly put on the first layer. If you drag the brush over the underglazes on the first coat you will smear the painting.

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