Furniture Paint Review: Melange Paints

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Photo of five jars of ONE by Melange Paints

If you have been with me for a while, you know that my go-to paint is the ONE formula by Melange Paints. I have tried many other brands out there, but I always come running back to Melange! This Melange Paint review will cover all the reasons I love it so much and why it’s the jar I reach for in the majority of my painting projects. And to be clear, this is not a sponsored post – just me telling you why I love this paint.

The ONE formula

So what is the ONE formula anyway? In short, this is an acrylic water-based all-in-one paint with primer and topcoat included. It is their signature product and has a beautiful sheen (between satin and flat) when dry. While there are times I will still use a primer or a topcoat (more on this later on), there are many other times when it is truly not necessary, and being able to bypass these steps is a huge plus.

Reasons why I love Melange ONE

1. Gorgeous brushstroke free finish

Seriously, this paint self-levels better than any paint I’ve tried. The very first time I used this paint, this is what I remember most distinctly. I would paint a surface and could actually see the brushstrokes disappearing. Good stuff. And if you’re looking for more tips on how to achieve a brushstroke-free finish, they can be found here. And while I brush the majority of my pieces, this paint also sprays beautifully as well. The self-leveling properties apply to a sprayed finish as well!

Closeup of desk painted with Melange Paints

2. Durability

One thing that I’m always a little skeptical about with all-in-one paints is durability. But with proper prep work, this paint adheres and lasts. The built-in topcoat has a beautiful sheen to it. Becuase I paint my pieces to sell, I will often add a sealer as an additional layer of protection but honestly, often doesn’t need it. I have pieces in my own home without added topcoat and they still look fantastic. The good news is that even if you do add a topcoat, it’s generally only one or two coats that are needed, compared to a chalk or mineral paint that will need more.

Not having to prime is also a great feature of this all-in-one paint. Now in full disclosure, there are other reasons to prime besides adhesion (like preventing tannin bleedthrough). But if you aren’t worried about bleedthrough or painting an extra glossy surface, this paint does not need a primer first. Learn all about priming (when it’s necessary, when it’s not) here.

3. Coverage

Another thing I noticed early on in my Melange Paints journey was how great the coverage is. Almost all colors cover in 2-3 coats. And it is a thin paint, so you aren’t using a ton of it for each coat. I find I can generally get 2 average sized projects out of a 16-ounce jar of paint. This will vary by color – whites and highly pigmented colors (i.e. yellow, red) may require more. If you have a question about a specific color and coverage, please reach out, I’ve used many of their colors and can offer my feedback. Also, if you are planning on spraying you will likely use more (just another thing to keep in mind).

4. The BEST color palette

Looking for a certain color? Chances are Melange has got you covered with 100 colors currently in their palette. The also do single batch releases so there is always something new to try! I’ve tried over 50 of them and can tell you firsthand that they are amazing. Many have a lot of depth and interest to them and they do such a beautiful job of highlighting the features of your furniture pieces. In my opinion, there is no other furniture paint company that comes close to Melange in the color department!

Dresser painted in Clover Green
Three drawer chest of drawers painted in Navy.
Dresser painted in Golden Hour

5. Waterbased and zero/low VOC

While not as exciting as color, the chemical properties of this paint are also an important feature. Melange ONE is a water-based paint, meaning easy cleanup. And it’s zero/low VOC, meaning you can paint safely indoors and you can have the completed pieces in your own home without having to worry about off-gassing harsh chemicals that aren’t great for you or your family.

7. Great customer service

This veteran-owned and woman-run small business from Sugar Land Texas takes their customers seriously. The best way to reach out to them is via email, and every time I have had an issue they have been quick to help me to resolve it. As a small business owner myself, I know how important my customers are, and Melange does too!

Other Melange Products

Photo of primers, brush cleaner and brushes sold by Melange Paints.

While this review focuses on the paint itself, I’d be remiss if I didn’t at least mention some of the other great products they make and/or carry on their website. Primers, topcoats, brushes, cleaners, and so much more! They also have an enamel based cabinetry paint that I haven’t tried yet, called MODERN Cabinetry Enamel. But I do need to re-paint the cabinets in my laundry room, so giving it a try is on my (never-ending) to-do list!

Conclusion

If you have gotten this far, I hope I have convinced you to give ONE by Melange Paints a try. While I totally get that people love different products for different reasons, this one checks so many boxes for me that I wanted to share it with all of you. You can order directly from their website or find a local retailer there as well. They also have all of the manufacturer’s instructions for use on the website, so be sure to read and follow those. I’d love to hear from you if you’ve used ONE – what is your favorite thing about it?

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