Chalk Paint, Milk Paint, Fusion Mineral Paint | What's the Differenc

One More Time Vintage
by One More Time Vintage
$18.99
Easy
The question is I get asked the most by people not yet familiar with Fusion Mineral Paint is "Is it a chalk or milk paint?" The answer is a resounding "No!"
Unlike chalk or milk paint, Fusion is a 100% acrylic, water-based, no VOCs, foundation to finish ALL IN ONE paint. In my opinion it produces better results, is less expensive, and definitely a lot less work than chalk paint or milk paint.
On my website, One More Time Vintage, I've put together a chart detailing the various differences between these three types of paint, but I'll briefly compare a few of the most important aspects for you here.
Fusion offers over 32 mixable colors!
Let's start with comparing the prep needed with all three paints.


With Fusion Mineral Paint there is no need to prime or strip surfaces. Fusion will stick to just about any surface, including metal and glass, and even the trickiest surfaces, like laminate and plastic, with use of Fusion product Ultra Grip.


With chalk paint there is also no need to prime or strip surfaces. And it too will stick to just about any surface - wood, concrete, metal, matte plastic, earthenware and more.


Milk paint also does not require you to prime or strip surfaces. However, it is best applied to raw wood or unsealed walls or wall board. It does not stick well to metal surfaces, plastics, or oil base paints, nor does it work well on top of wood finishes.
No waxing or topcoat required with Fusion!
What about waxing or a top coat? Are painted surfaces waterproof or stain proof?


The acrylic resin in Fusion seals the paint without any topcoat. If you want to add a topcoat or wax for added sheen or for additional durability in a high traffic area, you certainly can. But there is no waxing required to finish off your Fusion project


Once fully cured (about 30 days), a surface painted with Fusion is both water and stain proof. The 100% acrylic resin formula of Fusion(TM) seals the paint and bonds it to the wood, providing a durability unlike any chalk-type paint can provide.


On the other hand, chalk paint does require wax or a top coat to seal the paint to the surface. Wax must be rubbed in, then allowed to dry and buffed off. If you do not seal a chalk paint surface, the paint will wipe off and can be easily damaged. Water applied to chalk paint that is not sealed will actually "re-liquify" the paint and it will wipe right off!


In order to make something painted with milk paint waterproof, it too needs to have a final varnish or sealant applied.
A pint of Fusion will paint ALL this!
How about the finish of each?


Fusion dries quickly to a matte eggshell-like finish. It leaves much less texture than chalk or milk paint and is self-leveling, so it dries smooth with little to no brush marks.


Both chalk and milk paint will dry quickly as well leaving a porous, chalky matte variegated slightly streaky finish. Brush marks and or roller marks will remain as part of the textured surface.


All three paints can be further distressed or antiqued easily. However, because of Fusion's supreme adhesion, distressing can be tough once the paint is cured. If you would like to do some distressing it's best to do it soon after the paint dries or by using a wax block resist. And all can be topped with any dark wax or antiquing glaze, If you like you can also apply clear wax or poly to the top of Fusion to increase its sheen, but it is not required as with chalk or milk paint.
Fusion's beautiful smooth eggshell finish!
These are just a few of the reasons you might want to give Fusion Mineral Paint a try. For a more in depth comparison, be sure to read the rest of this article at One More Time Vintage or check out the video below to learn more about Fusion Mineral Paint.


Happy Painting!
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 4 questions
  • Mary Klink Mary Klink on Mar 31, 2017
    What surfaces can you use this paint on? I have an old Corian counter top I want to paint.
  • Andi Andi on Jul 17, 2017

    Can you use this paint on fabric like chalk paint?

  • Susan Affleck Schumacher Susan Affleck Schumacher on Jul 17, 2017

    I'd like to pain my front door. It is a metal security door. Will it hold up in high sun and weather?

Comments
Join the conversation
 1 comment
Next