I often get asked if you can paint outdoor furniture with Fusion Mineral Paint. And the answer is Yes! I created this step-by-step guide to help you transform that worn, faded outdoor furniture with Fusion paint.
First, you need to know a little about Fusion Mineral Paint and why it is my number one choice for painting outdoor furniture. And plant pots, doors, outdoor decor and just about anything! Fusion Mineral Paint is created from mineral pigments and formulated with amazing coverage and durability. It has a built-in primer and top coat and uses industrial-grade acrylic resin, which means no chipping or cracking! Fusion is water resistant when cured after 21 days and UV stable, so your colour won’t fade in the sun!
The first Step is to Prep
Prep is critical when painting any furniture. Usually, it is just a good cleaning with Fusions TSP Alternative to remove dust or grease. The following steps will vary depending on the material you are painting, i.e., wood or plastic. For wood surfaces, a little scuff sand will usually do the trick. Sanding is only necessary on high gloss finishes or peeling furniture.
Do you need to prime?
You do NOT need a primer with Fusion Mineral Paint. You will need a specific ZINSSER BIN Shellac-based primer to prevent bleed-through or knots from coming through depending on your surface. If your project is dark and you want to go to white, you could use a colour like Sterling for your first coat, just as a transition colour.
What the heck is Ultra Grip?
For non-porous hard-to-paint surfaces such as laminate, metal or plastic, you will use Ultra Grip. It’s an adhesion primer that allows you to paint the impossible! When required, apply a very thin coat of Ultra Grip™ after cleaning your surface and lightly sanding where possible. Ultra Grip™ is a milky white colour but dries clear. I recommend applying it with a sponge in a very thin layer. Allow Ultra Grip to dry for 12 hours, then continue with Fusion Mineral Paint™.
Weather
Weather can affect dry times. Avoid painting on extremely humid days or days with extreme temperature changes or even very windy days to avoid paint splatter! Do not paint below 10ºC / 50ºF and do not paint above 30ºC / 86ºF.
Get Painting your Outdoor Furniture with Fusion
When painting wood outdoors, be sure that it is completely dry before painting. Paint all sides of your project to stop water from absorbing into the wood. Choose your colour and start painting! Fusion is virtually odourless and has a top coat built in, so you don’t have to worry about sealing it for outdoor use. And with so many colour options, the hardest part is choosing a colour. Remember, you can also create your custom colours simply by mixing colours! I have created many custom colours, but some good ones are Algonquin and Cathedral, Coal Black with Bayberry and Pressed Fern, Cashmere and Victorian Lace, Midnight Blue and Cathedral Taupe…the possibilities are endless!
You can apply a second coat around 30 minutes – 2 hours if necessary. If the temperature and humidity are very neutral, and the paint is drying well, you could re-coat in 30 minutes.
Do I need a Top Coat for Outdoor Furniture?
Fusion Mineral Paint has a very durable built-in top coat, so it is unnecessary to apply an additional top coat product. Fusion is stain-proof and water-resistant, with a washable finish once cured. If you want peace of mind and prefer to put a top coat on, here are my recommendations:
Fusions Tough Coat can be used as a topcoat over wood. Since it is water-based, it can sometimes raise the grain of the wood due to the water content, so a light sand after the first coat with 220-300 grit will smooth the wood fibres ready for the second coat. I use an applicator pad or damp cloth to apply tough coat in thin coats.
Tung Oil is another option for finish for exterior wood or over top of Milk Paint exterior. At least two coats of Tung Oil should be applied for outdoor use, and make sure to remove the excess upon application. Wait 12 hours to re-coat; it can be reapplied yearly after it is cured.
I hope these steps have inspired you to paint your outdoor furniture with Fusion Mineral Paint!
