General Finishes Milk Paint Self-Sealing Mineral Fusion Paint

Mineral fusion paints are all the rage these days because they come in modern, versatile colors that can instantly upgrade whatever you are painting. Even better, they are lead-free, non-toxic, odor-free and don’t contain volatile organic compounds (VOC), formaldehyde or ammonia.

Many mineral fusion paints are also made with built-in primers and topcoats, making them easier to apply. These higher-end decorative paints are not inexpensive, and are often used to paint furniture and smaller pieces instead of entire rooms. Whatever gets painted can serve as a focal point for the space it’s in.

Chalky mineral paint creates a matte, chalk-like finish that is trendy these days. It is water-based and usually dries down into a distressed, soft look because it contains calcium carbonate or plaster of Paris. The look is clean and vintage rather than glossy. In most cases, you won’t need to do any prep work as long as the surface is clean; usually, no sanding or priming is required.

Milk paint is also mineral-based and has a similar kind of finish, but in addition to being water-based, it also has milk proteins. This milk protein gives it a sheen that many describe as a more “natural” choice. You can also find paints with mica beads blended into them to create metallic, iridescent finishes. These premium paints are sold in smaller cans; you won’t often see them sold in gallons. They can also have shorter shelf lives, especially the milk paint; you’ll want to read the product descriptions carefully.

• Examples of VOCs include methyl text-butyl ether (MTBE), chloroform, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde.
• You must mix milk paint before it can be used.
• You can buy a chalk-style or natural-bristle paint brush with your chalk-style paint.
• Wipe surfaces with a damp cloth and gentle cleaner before painting.
• Always stir your paint before using it to properly distribute the coloring and minerals.
• Some mineral paints need no primers or sealants and require only one coat, saving you time and extra effort.
• You can still use a sealer on chalk or milk paint. Use an oil, wax or polyurethane sealant if you go this route.
• Both of these types of paint dry quickly, in as little as 30 minutes.