Alchemy

Alchemy by Fusion is a chalk-style paint known for its flat, chalky finish and artistic flexibility. It’s highly pigmented and a little thicker in texture, highly blendable, easy to layer and distress, making it perfect for achieving unique, textured looks. Adding a touch of water or misting while painting is a common desire among painters and it works very well with Alchemy. Fusion Mineral Paint has a very high built-in durability and a modern, self-sealing finish, Alchemy allows for creative freedom by letting you choose your preferred topcoat or leave it as is for a soft, flat vintage look.

Step 1: Prep
Clean your surface to remove dust, grease, or residues.

Step 2: Paint
Apply 1-2 coats of Alchemy. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Some vibrant hues will need additional coats for full coverage.

Step 3: Finish
Alchemy does not require a topcoat, but it is recommended for areas prone to water or heavy use. Choose from a wide variety of top coats offered by Fusion. Such as clear or coloured waxes, water-based acrylic or water-based polyurethanes are offered in various sheens.

Furniture Wax for a soft, chalky finish is a great option and so easy to apply compared to other Chalk type paints! Tip: Buff with an applicator pad or natural bristle brush for a classic waxed look with ease!

Yes absolutely! Just make sure there is no pre-existing wax on the surface, and remove any loose debris or dust and paint!

Alchemy offers excellent adhesion to most surfaces with minimal prep work. While sanding and priming are rarely necessary, we recommend cleaning the surface to remove dust and grease. For slick surfaces like laminate or glass, a light scuff sand will improve adhesion.

Alchemy is best suited for indoor projects as it is not designed for exterior durability.

Alchemy dries quickly, typically within 30 minutes to an hour. However, humidity, temperature, and application thickness can affect drying time. For best results, allow 1-2 hours between coats.

Absolutely! You can mix Alchemy colours together to create custom shades. This makes it easy to achieve a personalized colour palette for your projects.

We recommend a top coat in areas prone to water or heavy use to prevent marking. For added sheen, durability, or protection, we recommend:

• Tough Coat or Ultra Guard for a smooth, durable finish in high-traffic areas.
• Furniture Wax or tinted waxes for a subtle sheen and added dimension.
• Gel Stain & Topcoat for a rich, aged effect.

Dark, ultra-matte finishes like Alchemy’s Onyx are stunning, but they do come with a few quirks. Because Alchemy is a chalk-style paint and does not have the built-in topcoat that Fusion™ Mineral Paint does, darker colours can show fingerprints, light marring, and dust more easily when left unsealed. These aren’t flaws—just part of the character of true flat finishes—and they can often be wiped clean with a damp cloth.

For added protection and easier maintenance, applying a topcoat is a great option. However, it’s important to choose the right one. Water-based polyurethanes with standard matte finishes can sometimes soak in too quickly on porous paints, especially over rich dark shades, causing the colour to appear cloudy or muted.

That’s why we developed Ultra Guard, a water-based polyurethane that levels beautifully over both light and dark colours. It maintains the richness of colours like Onyx without streaking or dulling the finish.

Other topcoat options include:

• Furniture Wax or Beeswax Finish for a soft, velvety feel
• Stain & Finishing Oil in Natural for added depth and durability

See Ultra Guard in action over Coal Black:
https://fusionmineralpaint.com/protect-your-coffee-table…/

Compare all our topcoats here:
https://fusionmineralpaint.com/topcoat-showdown…/

When it comes to selecting a top coat, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your choice will depend on several factors: the sheen you desire, the level of protection required, and the colour of your paint.

Non-Yellowing Top Coats for Light Colours

Ultra Guard or Tough Coat: For light colours like Picket Fence or Casement, which are prone to showing any yellowing, Ultra Guard and Tough Coat are the recommended top coats. Both are designed to provide a protective layer without altering the brightness of these lighter colours, ensuring your piece stays vibrant over time.

Top Coats for Darker Colors

Ultra Guard, Stain & Finishing Oil (SFO), Gel Stain, and Waxes: For darker colours, you have more flexibility with your top coat options. Ultra Guard, SFO, and Gel Stain add both durability and protection while enhancing the depth of the colour. Waxes can be used for added sheen or decorative effects but don’t provide significant protection.

Enhancing Sheen with Minimal Additional Protection

Hemp Oil or Waxes: If you’re simply looking to increase the sheen of your piece without adding extra durability, hemp oil and waxes are ideal. They’re easy to apply and will give your finish a subtle shine. However, these products are best for decorative purposes, as they do not offer added protection.

Top Coats for Added Durability and Protection

Ultra Guard and Tough Coat: Designed to provide long-lasting protection and available in multiple sheens, these are ideal for furniture that needs extra durability.

Stain & Finishing Oil (SFO): A versatile option that provides both stain and finish, SFO adds durability with a natural-looking sheen, perfect for high-traffic pieces. Additional coats increase the sheen. If you’re satisfied with the colour intensity of a tinted SFO, add the Natural option of SFO which is untinted clear and will increase durability and sheen.

• Gel Stain: This option works well for those looking to achieve a rich, durable finish, especially on darker colours.

Alchemy is fantastic for furniture makeovers, but for high-traffic surfaces like kitchen cabinets, we highly recommend Fusion Mineral Paint, as it is self-sealing and built for durability. Or you can apply a durable topcoat over Alchemy for heavier traffic areas.

Alchemy works best with:

Staalmeester® Natural Bristle Brushes for a textured, vintage look.
Staalmeester® Synthetic Brushes for a smoother application.
Round or Oval Brushes for blending and layering.
Alchemy Chalk-Style Brushes for the ultimate Alchemy painting experience.

Alchemy is perfect for distressing! You can achieve an aged look by:

Light sanding along edges and raised areas.
Using a damp cloth to subtly remove paint in specific areas (a dust-free alternative to sanding).
Layering colours and sanding through the layers for depth and dimension.
Add Fresco! The ultimate tool to pair with Alchemy that will create texture and dimension for your chosen colours to play around.

Yes! Alchemy by Fusion is a water-based paint, making it safe for indoor use with minimal odour.