Chalk Paint vs Fusion Mineral Paint (What’s The Difference?)

Mineral and chalk paint are two similar paint, but they are not the same paint. So, what’s the difference between both paints?

Mineral paint is a more durable paint because it is designed with a built-in top coat. On the other hand, chalk paint isn’t as durable and will wash off if exposed to water. 

Mineral paint has no chalk or plaster in its formula. And chalk paint doesn’t have a built-in top coat. So, these two paints are different.

Chalk Paint

Chalk paint is a water-based paint that doesn’t contain just water and paint pigments; it also has dehydrated gypsum or plaster of Paris in its formula. These two additives give the paint a vintage appearance and increase its adhesive qualities.

The presence of plaster in the coating and its water-based nature helps it stick well on all types of surfaces. Plasters are powerful bonders used to hold material together. Plaster of Paris especially is used while making sculptures and casts.

Chalk paint is a new paint. However, due to the additives on its paint coating, its finish has a vintage appearance when dry. Its finish is a colorful dry matte, which is why it is used for old furniture. 

Chalk paint has over 40 different color shades that you can mix and create a unique color shade. However, the paint isn’t as durable and won’t last long on outdoor or busy surfaces.

Fusion Mineral Paint

Mineral paint, known as fusion mineral paint, is an acrylic water-based paint. This a new paint known for its smooth, colorful, and durable finish.

Since mineral paint is water-based, the paint has good adhesion qualities. As a result, you can apply it to different surfaces without using a primer. You can also apply it to glossy finishes and it will stick because it is a self-leveling paint. This means the paint will level itself and produce an even smooth silky finish.

You can use it to cover furniture, plastered walls, and plastic. The paint is common for surfaces that need a fine finish, such as cabinets, desks, and drawers. 

Unlike other paints, mineral paint comes with an in-built top coat. So, you don’t need to seal it. This means this paint is durable and will withstand different weather elements. 

It comes in several colors, with Fusion having over 50 color shades to choose from.

Mineral Paint vs Chalk Paint

For this comparison, we’ll use the features of both paints. Since both paints are water-based, let’s start with durability.

Paint Durability

Mineral paint is more durable than chalk paint because it is designed with a built-in top coat. This top coat is resistant to moisture and chipping and protects the finish from different elements.

On the other hand, chalk paint doesn’t have a topcoat. So, the paint isn’t durable enough to withstand moisture or water for a long time. As a result, you can use it for decorative and indoor surfaces only.

Paint Application

Chalk paint requires prep work before applying, while mineral paint doesn’t. You must sand and prime (for glossy surfaces) before applying chalk paint to get a smooth finish.

In comparison, mineral paint doesn’t require any prep work because it is a self-leveling paint that sticks to any surface without sanding or priming. 

Paint Thickness

Both paints are water-based, so they aren’t too thick. However, chalk paint has a thicker flow than mineral paint. So in most cases, you need to thin it before applying it.

On the other hand, mineral paint has a thin flow. Its thin flow helps it to hide brush marks better. 

Paint Bonding

Mineral paint has better adhesive qualities than chalk paint because it is self-leveling paint and will stick to any surface, including glossy surfaces.

On the other hand, chalk paint has good adhesive qualities, but it won’t stick to a glossy surface. 

Paint Distressing

Chalk and mineral paint both offer a dry finish. So, to archive an antique look, you must distress their finish. To get a distress finish, you must sand or buff it with sanding sheets to archive an old distressed finish.

You can distress chalk paint easier than mineral paint because it isn’t durable (or hard) and can be sanded off easier. To distress it, you can use sandpaper and manually sand it. 

Since mineral paint is harder (and more durable), you need to use a power sander to distress it.

Water Resistance

Chalk paint isn’t water-resistant. The paint will resist a low amount of water, but it will get removed if you wash it with water. On the other hand, mineral paint is water-resistant because it has an in-built topcoat that makes the finish resistant to water. 

Paint Clean-Up

Both paints are easy to clean. To get rid of stains on chalk paint, you can use a clean rag and a little amount of water. But, if you clean it frequently, it will wear off.

However, mineral paint is easier to clean as you need to only use a clean rag (without water). That’s because its top layer is stain-resistant so stains won’t etch, discolor, or penetrate its finish. Since the stain can’t penetrate or stick, it can be wiped off with a cloth.

Paint Sealing

You don’t need to seal mineral paint because the paint has an in-built top coat. This top coat protects it from moisture, water, stains, and scratches. 

However, you must seal chalk paint because it isn’t durable and will wear off without a sealer. 

Paint Smoothness

Mineral paint has a smoother finish than chalk paint because it has a built-in top coat. On the other hand, chalk paint has a textured dry finish. 

Which One Do You Need?

Before making your decision, consider:

1. Painting Experience – Both paints are easy to apply, but mineral paint is easier to apply than chalk paint. That’s because it doesn’t require prep work before applying it. So, use mineral paint if you are a beginner.
2. Distress or not – If you want a distressed finish, use chalk paint because it is easier to distress.
3. Clean-up – If you are painting a high-traffic surface, use mineral paint as it’s easy to clean.
4. Sealing or Not – If you want to use a clear coat sealant, use chalk paint because it has a textured dry finish, and you can use a clear coat sealant. However, mineral paint has its own sealant, so sealing it will be harder. 
5. Indoors or Outdoors – For indoor surfaces, use chalk paint. For outdoor surfaces, use mineral paint. 

Related Read: Chalk vs Latex Paint?