FAQ - Frequently asked questions and answers.
We in the Frenchic team value manual skills and we think homemade is always the best!
We get a lot of questions from our customers and here are some of them with the most common answers:
The award-winning Frenchic Paint® has set new standards for furniture painting and made it even easier and more fun - if you previously thought that chalk paint is not durable or practical, now is the time to try Frenchic at the latest.
The paints of the Frenchic series have a completely new manufacturing recipe and durable protective substances are already in the paint - Convenient, isn't it? Frenchic series paints become wear-resistant and washable surfaces without waxes or varnishes.
Painted by people, not by a machine - small imperfections make the end result perfect, personal and unique, and a hand-painted surface does not have to resemble a factory-painted one.
The beautifully leveling Frenchic paints give you a head start and you achieve a smooth surface more easily than with other paint sets.
The products and accessories of the Frenchic series are award-winning, high-quality, durable and tested.
They have passed several tests for safety, non-toxicity and durability and won many awards and tests, so you can be sure of Frenchic quality when you use our products as directed.
If you have painted a lot, you will surely be amazed by the quality of the paints in the Frenchic series.
The paints of the Frenchic series have completely new features that make the painting work faster, more affordable and the end result beautiful.
However, each project is unique, working conditions and tools vary, and everyone is responsible for following the instructions.
We always recommend trying first
Try and test paint, try shades and different Frenchic sets
Try tools, brushes, roller and tape before a larger painting job. That way, you get to be you with the flow of the paint, coverage and drying times.
When testing, you will notice what kind of result the tools you have chosen give and what kind of result you are satisfied with.
Before painting, you can check the instructions and drying times on the side of Frenchic paint cans at home.
Get inspired by our customers' photos and videos in the Facebook group - Join the wonder!
Q: Why would I choose Frenchic paint?
A: The Frenchic series, made with a new recipe, is the forerunner in the paint market. Frenchic paints have many completely new features, for which the series has also been awarded: the smoothness of the paint surface and the easy-to-spread composition of the paint, for example.
For example, paints from the Al Fresco series are suitable for painting indoor and outdoor furniture.
For wood, metal, mdf, plastic and various board surfaces. The paint already has a primer and other protective agents, so varnish or wax is not needed for finishing.
Drying times are significantly shorter than usual: the drying time of a layer in the Al Fresco series is 2 hours.
The paints also have a new type of self-leveling feature, thanks to which the paint surface becomes beautifully smooth.
The composition of the paints is slightly thicker than usual and non-draining, painting is easy and the paint glides on effortlessly.
The paints are 100% water-based, safe to use and almost completely odorless, certified. The end result is a beautiful and durable matte surface. The shades of the Frenchic series are beautiful interior shades that are suitable for a wide range of interior styles. Powdery matte shades are also suitable for traditional buildings and combine beautifully with paper wallpapers.
Paints are also developing and new types of products are even safer and non-toxic. Why not choose the best!
Q: Can I start painting as soon as I open the can of paint?
A: You don't start painting with unmixed paint. Frenchic paints have a heavy mineral pigment that sinks quickly to the bottom of the jar, and unmixed paint can cause unwanted tonal variation.
Unmixed paint also affects the opacity, if the paint is not mixed enough or at all.
You will notice it as a weight at the bottom of the jar. We recommend mixing the paint carefully, long and thoroughly both before painting and during the painting project.
For manual mixing, choose a wide spatula or a wide wooden mixing stick.
The painting process always starts with cleaning the surface. After cleaning, the surface is sanded. Painting is done on a dry and clean surface.
Q: What does 'gem color' mean?
A: The shades Plum Pudding, Victor y Lane and Constance Moss , After Midnight and Steel Teal are made with a sheer base to give you a gorgeous deep jewel tone, so they require an extra coat or two.
A tip with these shades, especially if you're painting a white base - is to paint a dark base first, so one coat of Loof / Smudge and then about 3 coats of color. This is how you get a wonderful jewel tone easily.
Q: Can the old paint be used?
A: If the composition of the paint feels, looks and smells normal when mixed, do a test painting and if everything is normal, you can use the paint.
On the other hand, if the paint smells bad and does not mix evenly, we do not recommend using the paint. It is not recommended to use frozen or frosted paint.
The paint is easily spoiled by dirty water, pollen or other debris when painting outdoors, or renovation dust.
Paint spoilage is caused by bacteria, which can also get into the paint through dirty brushes.
If stored correctly, clean paint will last for at least a couple of years even when opened.
Q: Is one coat of paint enough?
A: No. Frenchic paints can all be painted at least twice.
Even if the first layer is covering, the second layer evens out the tone of the surface beautifully, covers small flaws and has a positive effect on the durability of the surface. In this case, the tone also repeats as intended by the manufacturer.
Sometimes you may need several layers if the color difference between the surface to be painted and the selected shade is large. Before a bigger job, try your chosen shade on an inconspicuous spot.
If the instructions on the can of paint say two coats, apply two coats.
If the coverage instructions say that there is paint in the can for an area of six square meters, and there is a lot of paint left after painting that size area, the paint layers are too thin.
To achieve a lasting result, you need to apply more paint.
Frenchic paints do not need to be thinned and the self-leveling property of the paint benefits from a generous painting hand.
Q: When can I apply the second coat of paint?
A: Paint the second layer only when the base has dried. You can find the drying time of the layer on the side of the paint can and on the product information page.
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Lazy Range: drying time of the layer is 1 hour.
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Al Fresco: drying time of the layer is 2 hours.
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Trim Paint: drying time of the layer is 4 hours.
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Wall paint: the drying time of the layer is 2 hours.
Q: I can't wash the furniture, can I start painting right away?
A: You don't paint a dirty surface.
Frenchic paints are water-based and repel dirt and grease. Even furniture and surfaces that look clean can get dirty when washed.
In the worst case, your careful painting work will be wasted if you paint a dirty surface: The paint cannot stick to the bottom because dirt and grease are in between, which is why the paint can start to chip.
Q: I didn't bother to sand, does it make a difference?
A: Roughening the surfaces helps the paint to stick to the surface better and it has a big impact on durability.
Light roughening by hand, e.g. with a sanding sponge, is a quick and easy work step that is always worth it.
Think in advance about what you are painting - if the furniture or surface is heavily worn, careful roughening is really in order.
Especially if you are painting a slippery, shiny and smooth surface, always roughen the surface before painting.
A rule of thumb could be: the harder the surface is exposed to wear, the better the sanding and other preparations should be done.
Frenchic paints have excellent adhesion, but all paints benefit from sanding or at least roughening the surfaces.
Q: I sanded first and then washed, was that wrong?
A: In a way, because by sanding a dirty surface, you can sand all the dirt deep into the grain of the wood.
And at the same time, your sanding paper or sanding sponge gets clogged with dirt and is quickly unusable.
Always sand only a clean surface.
Q: Which of the Frenchic whites corresponds to the Tikkurila whites? The purpose would be to paint moldings and intermediate doors.
A: The shades of the Frenchic series are completely their own, and there is no full correspondence with other series. Yorkshire Rose is close to the domestic list whites.
Q: Can I mix Topcoat with paint - will it make a more durable surface?
A: We don't recommend it.
It can affect the duration of the paint in a debilitating way. We recommend adding Finishing Coating on top of the dry paint according to the instructions, in which case it provides additional protection against wear for hard-wearing surfaces.
Q: I painted the stair railings about four years ago and now the paint has worn off in some places. Why does this happen?
A: Handrails and handrails are exposed to hand grease and other contaminants.
Preparations and cleaning before painting also have a great effect on the durability of the paint - all dirt and grease must be removed from under the paint before painting. When the paint wears off in areas of heavy wear, do maintenance painting if necessary.
Q: How much paint do I need?
A: The turnover depends on many factors.
In general, it can be said that with a small 250ml can of paint you can paint, for example, two bedside tables or two or three chairs.
One 750ml jar is enough for, for example, a large three-door wardrobe to be painted twice.
The paint consumption for painting ordinary kitchen cabinets is often 2x750ml.
The paint consumption increases from usual if the surface to be painted is porous, uneven or the color difference of the base is large compared to the selected shade.
You will need more paint than normal if you decide to paint the background and interior of the furniture or cabinets.
The flow of paint is also affected by the chosen painting medium, technique and each painter's own painting style.
The need for layers is normally two, but this can also vary if the paint is carelessly mixed, the drying time of the layers is not respected or the color difference of the base is large compared to the selected shade.
Visit the nearest retail location and you will be advised on the way. Go and see in the FB group what others are saying about the progress of projects similar to the one you have planned.
On the side of each Frenchic paint can is written the quantity stated by the manufacturer and you can find it in the product information, in this online store, next to each shade.
Adequacy of Frenchic paints on a smooth and paint-absorbing surface:
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Lazy Range: 750ml: 12.5m2 and 250ml: 3.5m2
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Al Fresco: 750ml: 12.5m2 and 250ml: 3.5m2
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Trim Paint: 500ml: 7m2
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Wall paint: 2.5L: 35m2
Q: Where can I get a small amount of paint for the test?
A: The 250ml small jars are Frenchic series test jars.
If you order today, you will have your package in a few business days!
Q: We have a party next weekend, will I have time to paint the whole kitchen this week? I haven't tried your paints before.
A: We recommend trying paints and tools first before a larger project.
That way, you get to be you with the flow of the paint, coverage and drying times.
You will notice what kind of result the tools you choose give and what kind of result you are satisfied with - and you will notice how fast / slow your project is.
Also take into account the drying times of the paint. You can take the newly painted kitchen into careful use 48 hours after painting. Be careful of painted surfaces for a few more weeks until the paint has reached its final hardness.
Q: Can I paint the high chair?
A: Yes! Frenchic paints have been awarded the European 'Toy Safe' certification, so it is safe to paint children's furniture with our paints.
However, you should be realistic about the painting decision: the children's high chair is subject to very heavy wear and is often cleaned with both cleaning agents and detergents, when dried porridge, food and drink are scraped from the joints of the chair.
Heavy wear on furniture etc. does not mean that it cannot be painted.
All paint surfaces suffer from strong cleaning agents, especially disinfectants and the use of abrasive cleaning tools. Be prepared for normal spot painting.
Q: I want to paint my wooden garden furniture as soon as the snow melts and I get the furniture clean of snow and ice. What paint do you recommend?
A: The paints of the Al Fresco series are intended for outdoor furniture.
Wooden furniture must be dry, including the inside of the wood - and clean before painting. Winter moisture can stay inside wooden furniture for a long time, so furniture that was in the yard cannot be painted immediately after the snow has closed.
Place the furniture in the sun and protect it from the rain to dry before cleaning and painting. Read the exterior painting instructions before starting .
Only store painted furniture in a sheltered location during the winter.
Q: I'm looking for the perfect gray wall paint that won't turn blue or green. Is there one from the Frenchic series?
A: It can be found. Stone in Love .
The same shade can also be found in the Trim Paint series, which is suitable for painting furniture, kitchen cabinets, doors and mouldings.
Q: When can I paint after it rains?
A: Wait at least a day.
After rain or washing the furniture, you have to wait until the furniture is completely dry (wet wood feels cold to the hand). Wooden furniture must also be dry inside the wood before painting.
As a rule of thumb, you could consider: washing and painting the furniture on different days.
Q: Can Frenchic paints be used to paint over wallpaper?
A: Yes.
Choose a wall paint for painting the wall and check that the wallpaper is stuck to the wall before starting. You can paint over the wallpaper.
Q: No - my jar has a dent! Why did you send me a dented jar? Can I use paint?
A: The thin metal shell of paint cans dents quite easily.
In transit, the metal paint or wax can inside the shipping package may have been bumped, although the cardboard package does not show any signs of damage on the surface - cardboard is a flexible material, unlike thin metal.
Since the aim is to make the transport of packages efficient and, at the request of the customers, also as fast as possible, the packages have to be really hard during the transport process.
Fortunately, dents or depressions on the side of the jar do not affect the quality of the paint in any way. So you can use the paint without worry.
We do not send damaged products or dented jars to our customers.
Q: Can I paint in a cold garage in the winter?
A: Painting should be done in the right conditions. +10 degrees is the minimum for both the painting work and the drying process - around the clock.
If you paint too hot or in direct sunlight, the paint will dry too quickly and you won't have time to smooth it out - the result will definitely be handsome brush marks.
If you paint too cold, the paint won't dry in the time specified by the manufacturer, and you won't be able to work on the next layers or steps. Here you can read more about the effect of weather on your painting project.
Read the exterior painting instructions before starting . Only store painted furniture in a sheltered location during the winter.
Q: I would like to paint the children's loft bed. What paint do you recommend?
A: You can choose a shade for interior furniture from any range: Trim Paint, Lazy Range and Al Fresco .
All Frenchic series paints are safe and tested for painting children's furniture and even toys. Consider paint drying times in your painting project.
Q: I would like to paint a radiator, an oven or a fireplace with Frenchic series paints - is it possible?
A: It will work. However, schedule the painting outside the heating season, a hot or warm surface must not be painted.
Check out our customers' photos and experiences of painting radiators and ovens in our FB group.
Metal can be painted, as can surfaces that heat up moderately, for example water-circulating radiators and surfaces that do not heat up over 80 degrees.
You can easily check the surface temperature of your toaster oven with a thermometer. Both radiators and ovens must be cold when painting, and moderate heating can only be started two days after the painting work has been completed.
Greasy soot must be carefully cleaned from the surface to be painted before painting. Frenchic series paints do not contain rust inhibitors.
Frenchic series paints have not been officially tested for heat resistance. Many of our customers have painted kilns with good success.
In general, water-based paint, such as Frenchic paints, withstands heat of 70-80 degrees. You can easily measure your object with a thermometer before painting.
Q: I would like to paint old kitchen cabinet doors - which series is suitable for that?
A: You can choose a color for painting the kitchen cabinets from the Trim Paint, Lazy Range and Al Fresco series.
Take paint drying times into account in your painting project and read tips on painting kitchen furniture before starting on Frenchic Blogs.
Q: For which paint series do you need a coating, wax or varnish?
A: Only for Original Artisa series paints. (sold out, no longer sold in Finland)
Q: When should you use Finishing Stacks?
A: If you want additional protection, especially for kitchen countertops or other surfaces that are under particularly heavy stress, or if you want a glossy surface instead of matte paint.
We always recommend the matte Tuff Top Coat coating for tabletop and countertop painters.
You can also use the matte Tuff Top Coat to protect the paint surface of kitchen cabinets.
If you want a shiny surface, add a couple of layers of Finishing Coat on top of the dry paint surface.
Frenchic series coatings are easy to apply and dry quickly. Read the work instructions in the product information.
Q: Can I paint over Frenchic paints normally with another paint? Or with another Frenchic series goal?
A: Yes and yes - if you haven't used self-applied furniture wax.
Make the same preparations as otherwise: clean the surface and roughen it before painting. If you have waxed the surface, see the instructions here.
Q: I am planning the tonal world of the new home. Where can I watch Frenchic shades live?
A: We recommend ordering a color wheel to help with planning and visiting the nearest Frenchic retailer. See contact information on the map.
You can also order small jars to try the shades from the online store.
Q: Can your paints be used for art and painting?
A: Of course!
And many people use it - the matte finish looks great in art projects. Painters have also discovered our non-toxic metallic pigment shades, the Frensheen range .
Q: I restore antique furniture and sometimes build my own furniture. Are Frenchic waxes suitable for antique furniture or for finishing wooden surfaces?
A: Indeed! Soft Frenchic waxes are natural waxes and contain beeswax, so you can use them to care for and protect your antique furniture.
With Frenchic waxes, you get beautiful, thin layers effortlessly. You can choose pre-tinted wax or clear wax to beautifully deepen the tone of the furniture.
Frenshimmers metallic shades are also suitable for restoring old furniture, decorative painting and painting helo.
Q: Where can I read more questions and answers?
A: From here.
Q: Where can I find good painting instructions?
A: Painting instructions can be found here and more instructions can be found on Frenchic Blogs .
Also read the painting instructions on the side of the jar before you start.
Work instructions for each product can be found for each product, just open a new tab.
Q: How can I be sure of the shade - I don't trust the pictures in the online store.
A: You can only be completely sure by testing the paint in the place it was intended for. Small 250ml jars are intended for testing shades.
We make every effort to ensure that the shades in the online store correspond as closely as possible to the correct shades, but the shades may vary on different devices (your phone, tablet, desktop) depending on several factors, such as the screen settings of your own device.
This means that we cannot guarantee that the shade of the paint will match exactly what you see on your screen.
For this reason, it's worth checking out our customers' photos in, for example , the Facebook group , and you'll see several photos of the same shade. Here you can watch all our other social media channels.In the group, you can conveniently search by, for example, the name of the tone.
Q: Why does the color I choose look completely different in my home than my friend's?
A: You have different light and shadows in your own home.
Bright rooms reproduce tones differently than shadowy ones. The spaces facing north have a different tone than those facing south.
The time of day and different seasons affect the repetition of colors. Look at the color in different lighting, exactly in the space where you had thought of the shade.
Look at the shade of the paint only when it is dry, after two coats.
When you test shades, you will also notice that the color repeats differently on vertical surfaces than on horizontal surfaces.
That perfect white or beige can be a completely different shade in the living room than in the bedroom - because the light comes from a different direction.
You certainly have various other large colored surfaces in your home that can reflect a muted tone: ceiling, floor, carpet, bedspread, curtains...
You can be 100% sure of the color by trying it on the surface where the color was intended. Only evaluate the shade when dry, after two coats.
The choice of shade should always be made in the space and on the surface for which it is intended. Please note that the evening sun and the daytime heat affect the colors in different ways. In winter, the light is a different color than in summer. The lamps you use in the space also affect the color reproduction.
We therefore recommend ordering a small 250ml can of paint and trying the paint on, for example, furniture in an inconspicuous place - or visit your nearest retailer to see the colors yourself. Also, make sure you reserve enough paint for your project.
Careful mixing of the paint also affects the shade.
Each of us experiences colors in our own way, so a shade that is suitable for another may appear to be a completely different type to you - this is why testing is the best way to make sure that the shade is correct.
Shades on your phone screen, computer and tablet
We make every effort to ensure that the shades in the online store correspond as closely as possible to the correct shades, but the shades may vary on different devices depending on several factors, such as the screen settings of your phone, tablet or computer.
This means that we cannot guarantee that the color shade of the paint will match exactly what you see on your screen.
We always recommend trying the shade in the space and surface it was intended for before a larger project.
Inspect and evaluate the shade only when it is dry and painted at least twice according to the instructions.
Order a small jar for testing or visit your nearest retailer to see the colors for yourself.
