Know Your Paint: Alchemy by Fusion Prep Basics
Alchemy by Fusion Limestone and Chalk combines the classic chalk-like finish you love with the exceptional durability of Fusion Mineral Paint and the vibrant pigmentation of Milk Paint. Do you want to craft blended, artistic finishes? Alchemy By Fusion will become your latest obsession!
Prep for Alchemy By Fusion
Every piece you paint needs to be clean, and for that, we have the best biodegradable cleaner! Our TSP Alternative is a non-rinse, concentrated formula. A little in some water is strong enough to remove, dirt, grease and grime build-up.
Do I need to rinse off Fusion™ TSP Alternative before painting?
Answer: No, our formula is non-rinse! After you’ve washed your piece with your TSP Alternative solution, allow it to dry and you are good to go
Alchemy by Fusion’s formula bonds flawlessly to most surfaces. If in doubt, you can opt for a quick scuff-sanding on ultra-glossy finishes to boost your peace of mind. Use a fine-grit sanding pad and make just 2–3 light passes along the wood grain (even a large dresser takes under 10 minutes).
Your goal isn’t to strip back to bare wood but simply to dull the sheen and create a little “tooth” for the paint. Once you’ve knocked back the gloss, wipe away any dust, and you’re all set to apply your first coat.
How do I know when I’ve sanded enough?
Answer: You’re done once the surface sheen uniformly dulls, you should no longer see reflections. Two or three light passes with a fine/medium-grit pad almost always do the trick.
Can I skip sanding if my piece isn’t glossy?
Answer: Yes! If you’re working on previously painted or matte-finish furniture that’s in good shape, scuff-sanding is optional. Just clean and paint! Alchemy offers excellent adhesion to most surfaces with minimal prep work.
Have a surface that can’t be sanded but is highly glossy or is melamine or thermofoil? Try our Ultra Grip a powerful adhesion primer! Apply after cleaning, and allow to dry overnight before painting with your favourite Alchemy colour.
For wood tannins or bleed-through, we recommend using a stain-blocking primer containing shellac. After cleaning with TSP Alternative, brush on 1–2 coats of Zinsser BIN Shellac (its shellac base locks in tannins and knot bleed through). Allow at least 30 minutes of drying time before applying your Fusion Mineral Paint.
What happens if I don’t seal tannin-rich woods?
Answer: On lighter paint colours, untreated tannin can “bleed” through over time, causing yellowish streaks. One or two coats of a shellac-based primer like Zinsser BIN locks those tannins away so your finish stays crisp.
Prep Products for Alchemy
- Cleaner: Fusion™ TSP Alternative (eco-friendly degreaser)
- Sanding sponge: sanding pads or fine sanding sponges for scuffing.
- Solvent: Odourless mineral spirits for wax/polish removal
- Primers: For bleed-through stain blocking, Zinsser BIN™ Shellac Primer for tannin/knots
- For extra adhesion: Ultra Grip™ Adhesion Primer for surfaces that can not be sanded.
- Alchemy By Fusion: Choose your colours!
Prep for Alchemy Paint
Most of the time, all you need to do is clean your piece and start painting; it’s really that simple! The extra prep steps below only apply to specific surfaces, so don’t worry—they’re easy too.
Clean Thoroughly
Mix 2 capfuls of TSP Alternative with 1 L of water. Wipe down your surface to remove any dirt, grease, or oil. Let it dry completely before moving on.
→ If the surface is matte and free of wax or polish, you’re good to go; no sanding is needed!
Scuff Glossy Surfaces
If your piece has a shiny finish (like lacquer or glossy paint), give it a quick scuff with 220-grit sandpaper to dull the sheen. You don’t need to sand to bare wood.
Remove Wax or Polish
If the surface feels slippery or waxy, wipe it down with odourless mineral spirits until it feels clean. For heavier wax, use 000 steel wool and mineral spirits together.
Block Bleed-Through
Painting over wood like cherry, mahogany, or anything with knots? Apply 1–2 coats of Zinsser BIN Shellac to block tannin or resin stains. Let dry for at least 30 minutes.
Prime Hard-to-Paint Surfaces
For melamine, laminate, or thermofoil: clean well and then apply 1–2 thin coats of Ultra Grip™. Wait 2 hours between coats and 12 hours before painting.
That’s it! Alchemy makes it easy—clean, prep if needed, and paint it beautiful.
Correct Prep to Paint with Alchemy By Fusion!
With your piece properly cleaned, sanded, and primed where necessary, Alchemy by Fusion will adhere effortlessly, giving you a beautiful soft flat finish, rich colour, and lasting durability.
Now dip your brush, unleash your creativity, and transform ordinary furniture into your very own “alchemy” of colour and texture!
Want to know about topcoating Alchemy by Fusion? Read this blog post!