Tips, Favorites & FAQs
Our best tips, the paint colors we reach for again and again, and answers to the questions we hear most in the studio.
Four Tips Before You Pick Up a Brush
These are the four things we repeat in every single class. Get them right and the rest of the project gets a whole lot easier.
1Brush Selection & Stroke Control
Always choose synthetic round brushes (like Staalmeester or specialized Fusion synthetic bristles). Natural bristles absorb too much water from acrylic paints, causing paint swelling and visible ridges.
Technique Tip: Lay the paint down in the direction of the wood grain in thin, light coats. Do not over-work the brush. Fusion is self-leveling; as it dries, the brush marks will naturally smooth out.
2Brush Cleaning & Care
Wash your brushes immediately after use using lukewarm water and a natural Linseed Oil Soap block. Avoid harsh dishwashing liquid, which strips natural oils from brush handles and degrades glue holding the bristles.
Storage Tip: Never store your brush bristles-down. Hang them or store them flat to preserve the round chisel shape of the tips.
3Selecting Vintage Furniture
Choose solid woods (oak, maple, pine, walnut) over laminate and particle board. Solid wood is easy to sand back, repair, and paint without veneer buckling.
Inspect drawer glides and check for dovetail joinery. Dovetail drawers are a solid indicator of premium vintage construction, ensuring the piece will withstand years of daily use.
4Prep & De-Glossing
Skip the heavy chemical strip unless there is a blistering finish. Instead, use a TSP alternative solution to remove grease, dirt, and wax, followed by a light scuff sand using 220-grit sandpaper to give the paint grip.
Our Favorite Fusion Colors
The jars we reach for most in the studio. Every one is in stock, and you can see the whole collection on our Fusion Mineral Paint page.
Raw Silk
Warm WhiteA cozy, warm off-white with grey undertones. It matches seamlessly with any wood veneer top.
Casement
Crisp WhiteA clean, bright white for a fresh cottage look. Our go-to when a piece needs to lighten a room.
Eucalyptus
Muted GreenA quiet, dusty olive green that brings a serene, shabby chic look to dressers and cabinets.
Coal Black
True BlackA deep, velvety black that grounds a room. Stunning on dressers and accent tables with gold or brass hardware.
Bedford
Sage GreyA sophisticated mid-tone grey with subtle green undertones, perfect for farmhouse tables.
Homestead Blue
Farmhouse BlueA weathered, denim-soft blue that suits coastal and farmhouse pieces alike.
Midnight Blue
Deep NavyA bold navy that turns a plain dresser into the statement piece of the room.
Damask
Dusty MauveA soft, elegant mauve-pink with warm undertones. It pairs beautifully with brass hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you sell Fusion Mineral Paint online or ship orders?↓
We are an authorized Fusion Mineral Paint stockist for local, in-store sales only, so we do not offer online ordering or shipping. Visit us at Main House, 12561 Philips Hwy, Jacksonville, FL 32256 on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday between 10am and 5pm to see physical swatches and pick up your jars. You can browse everything we stock on our Fusion Mineral Paint page before you come in.
How much paint do I need for a dresser?↓
For most standard dressers, one 500ml jar of Fusion is plenty for two coats, with some left over for touch-ups. Larger pieces like hutches or buffets may need a second jar. For a closer estimate, try the paint calculator at the bottom of this page.
Do I need a topcoat or wax over Fusion Mineral Paint?↓
For most furniture, no. Fusion has a built-in topcoat and cures to a durable, washable finish on its own. For high-wear surfaces like tabletops and kitchen cabinets, we recommend adding a protective topcoat for extra insurance, and we can point you to the right one in the store.
How long does the paint take to dry and cure?↓
Fusion is usually dry to the touch in a few hours and ready for a second coat the same day. Full cure takes about three weeks, so treat your piece gently during that time: no heavy scrubbing, and use coasters on tabletops.
I have never painted furniture before. Can I still take a class?↓
Absolutely. Most of our students are first-timers, and every class walks through prep, painting, and finishing step by step with plenty of one-on-one help. Browse upcoming dates on the class calendar.
What do I need to bring to a class?↓
Just yourself and clothes you do not mind getting a little paint on. Paint, brushes, and materials are all provided. The one exception: for classes where you paint your own furniture, you bring your own piece to work on.
How much do classes cost?↓
Pricing varies by class and project. Current prices, dates, and available seats are all listed on the class calendar, where you can book instantly.
Will you paint a piece of furniture for me?↓
Yes, we call these Custom Orders. You bring your piece to the shop, we paint it, and you pick it up when it is finished. Call us at (904) 521-2375 or stop by during open hours to talk through colors and pricing. You can see examples of our work in the before and after gallery.
Do you sell finished furniture?↓
Yes, we always have finished pieces for sale in the studio. Stop by during open hours to see what is currently in the shop, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram where we post new pieces first.
Calculate Paint Requirements
Fusion Paint Calculator
Compare project requirements between professional-grade Fusion Mineral Paint and standard latex/chalk paint systems.
Fusion Mineral Paint
Required Paint: 1 Pint
Coats Needed: 1 - 2 coats
Prep Needed: Minimal sanding & clean
Top Coat: Built-in (No sealer required)
Latex / Chalk Paint
Required Paint: 1 Quart
Primer Needed: 1 Quart
Top Coat Sealer: 1 Can Wax/Polycrylic
Total Steps: Prime + 2 Paint + Sealer
✨ The Artisan Advantage
Fusion Paint saves you 2 stages of drying time (no separate priming and no waxing), cutting project timelines in half.