A: Yes; the 250ml can size is a test can, available in the Lazy Range and Al Fresco series. You can also order Peel & Stick color charts - choose colors without painting from all shades.
A: Don’t believe the claims that no preparation is needed! If you paint directly on a dirty and unsanded surface, the paint will stick for a while, but the result won’t be durable. Because Frenchic Paint has excellent adhesion and primer already in the paint, preparations are very simple and always the same:
A: Wet paint in the can never looks the same as dry paint on the wall or furniture surface. Judge the color only after it’s painted in place, after two coats - applied according to instructions - and dry.
A: No need. The new Frenchic Paint series already has protective features built into the paint - How convenient!
A: Yes, completely normally.
A: Yes, absolutely normally. Since protective agents, in this series liquid wax, are already included in the paint formula, you can paint over the paint as usual if you wish. – How convenient! However, painting over a self-applied, separate wax layer is not recommended.
A: Yes, as long as the surface preparation is done according to instructions: washing and sanding. Other brands' chalk paint surfaces should be washed first with hot/warm water; most come clean just by washing. If there has been wax on the chalk paint surface, we recommend removing the wax before painting.
A: Water-based paint repels wax and oil surfaces, so adhesion and thus paint durability are not optimal. But since there are always exceptions, we tell you that when painting over wax, the paint usually reacts by cracking, which can be a desired effect in various painting techniques when creating artistic furniture with beautiful textured surfaces – and these surfaces are decorative, not for heavy use. The wax-paint-wax technique creates beautiful texture, although the layers dry very slowly. Read more about waxes.
A: Yes, you can paint your exterior door with Al Fresco series paints. Since exterior doors are usually under a small recess or canopy, snow and ice do not accumulate on them in winter like on horizontal surfaces. Al Fresco paints contain UV protection, so the colors stay beautiful year after year, and the mold inhibitor protects the wood surface. Painting the door is an easy and quick project, and a 250ml can is enough for your project. Read the easy door painting instructions here.
A: Here.
You can also order Peel & Stick color samples to explore the shades at home. Click here to view the color samples.
V: Yes, all Frenchic blacks are the same shade, but different ranges have different manufacturing recipes, so their uses differ, as do gloss levels and container sizes. A name change is coming: all blacks will be renamed under Blackjack.
V: Instructions are on the side of every paint can. On the website, each shade and product has a new tab where you can read more work instructions and information. At the top of the site, there is a section INSTRUCTIONS AND TIPS, where you will find plenty of advice for various projects.
V: Due to high demand, some Frenchic products are also sold out.
V: Maybe - yes or no. It's not always that simple, but we'll try to keep the answer straightforward: If the varnish surface is intact, you don't need to or shouldn't sand it off, just roughen it so the surface "dulls." If the varnish is cracked, crazed, or otherwise peeling from the base, the loose surface must always be removed. It depends on the condition of the varnish and what you are doing to the surface. An intact varnish layer works well as a protective surface for wood, so it shouldn't be removed. Light hand sanding is usually enough for smaller furniture. If you want to wax or do a 'color wash' type treatment, the varnish must be completely removed and the treatment done on clean wood.
V: Calculate the wall size: height x width = m2. A large 2.5-liter wall paint can covers about 36m2 - when painting twice, the paint will cover at least 18m2. Frenchic interior wall paint is richly pigmented and has an ultra-matte finish.
Panel walls and ceilings use more paint than normal, as do textured wallpaper walls, or if there is a large color difference between the chosen shade and the base, such as painting a white wall dark or vice versa. Also, untreated wood surfaces absorb more paint than usual. Treat/seal the surface first with Finishing Coat, which reduces paint consumption. Read the wall painting instructions here.
A: Yes, you can paint the wall with any Frenchic paint, but keep these points in mind: Al Fresco series paints have a different gloss level than wall paint. The largest container size for Al Fresco paint is 750ml, which covers about 13m2 in one coat. This can be an advantage if you have only a small area to paint.
A: All Frenchic series paints and Finishing Coats are 100% water-based.
A: Frenchic waxes are not self-igniting.
A: Al Fresco paint and wall paint are suitable for moist areas and painting ceramic tiles.
However, not for areas with standing water, floors, or saunas.
A: Here you can see which Frenchic paint suits your project.
Q: You can find more information and work instructions for each shade by opening a new tab: INFORMATION.
A careful and long mixing down to the bottom ensures the paint's perfect, silky texture, even mixing of important protective agents, and an optimal result.
We guide our customers to mix the paint as thoroughly and for as long as possible, down to the bottom.
With unmixed paint, you may not achieve the correct shade intended by the manufacturer, and more coats are likely needed than intended.
Unmixed paint is also thinner than normal, which negatively affects durability.
Q: There are several different lime paints available on the market.
Frenchic paints are different, with a new, award-winning recipe. Only Frenchic series chalk paints have protective features already in the paint, making Frenchic paints very durable – yet we have not compromised on the beautiful matte finish our customers love!
Al Fresco is the weather-resistant paint series that is durable on outdoor furniture.
Al Fresco paint already contains all the necessary protective features: mold inhibitor and UV protection. Painted furniture should be kept protected from the weather during winter to keep the paint surface in good condition. Al Fresco is suitable for both outdoor and indoor surfaces.
Also read Paint Outdoors! instructions before starting.
A: Lazy Range – for indoor use – is a completely new innovation: a waxed chalk paint with wax already mixed into the paint!
Al Fresco – for indoors and outdoors – is also a completely new kind of chalk paint that withstands rain and temperature changes on outdoor furniture!
A: We say: satin matte. Gloss level 35%.
A: Our online store has a normal return policy and we provide comprehensive instructions for returns. However, we emphasize that shipping liquids – such as paint cans – is challenging, at least due to the risk of leakage. The returned product must be returned to the warehouse in a saleable condition. Our website offers plenty of guidance and information so our customers can make the right purchase decision. Returns also impact increased transport emissions and thus environmental effects. Our online store has a very low return rate because our customers shop thoughtfully.
A: Often, shade differences are caused by unmixed paint. Sometimes it depends on the color and material of the surface being painted and the number of layers – sometimes their combined effect.
The industry standard guideline is to reserve enough paint for the project and ensure that the paint cans are from the same production batch – just like with wallpapers.
If the same production batch is not available, you can mix all the cans together to ensure the shade is consistent throughout the project.
For spot painting, we recommend painting the entire area rather than just a small patch, as spot painting often remains visible. This depends on the number of paint layers, painting tools, thickness of the layers, drying, and mixing of the paint.
Small shade differences are possible in the manufacturing process, but larger ones are very rare. Larger shade differences often have an answer in the above.
Q: Fresh paint cannot be worked on - waxed for example with a stiff wax brush. It is better to let the paint dry completely between coats than to paint the layers too quickly.
Frenchic paints become dust dry quickly, even in half an hour, but waxing should be left later - make sure the surface can handle waxing by testing. Wait at least 2-4h.
You can wax several thin layers, let each layer dry before the next - about 30 min. Finally, polish the waxed surface with a lint-free cloth.
You can apply the finishing coat on the paint surface after 48h or later.
Q: Finishing coating, Finishing Coat, dries quickly, in 15-30 minutes.
For best results, 2-4 layers are needed. Once dry, the surface is moisture resistant and clear. Finishing Coat is solvent-free and water-based, a safe certified Frenchic product. Apply conveniently with a sponge for a beautiful and even finish.
Matte finish coating, Tuff Top Coat layers should be applied about an hour apart depending on drying conditions. At least two layers, application can be done with a sponge. Final hardness is achieved in 16 hours.
Adding coatings on top of Al Fresco or Lazy Range series paints no earlier than 48h later, following the product's own layer drying times.
Frenchic waxes are natural waxes, soft to apply. Wax drying to so-called dust dry usually takes 30-45 min., after which you can apply a new wax layer. Re-waxing should be done as needed every 12 months, especially on surfaces with heavy wear (e.g., chair seats).
Adding coatings on top of Al Fresco or Lazy Range series paints no earlier than 48h later.
Q: Let paint surfaces dry calmly for 48h at normal temperature before careful use.
Frenchic Paints dry to a so-called dust-dry state quickly – in about an hour – but still allow time for the drying process before using the furniture.
Paint drying and the hardening of wax and other important protective properties in the paint are different things.
Frenchic Paint series paints reach their final hardness in a few weeks.
Q: Preparations are always the same, no matter what you paint: first wash, then sand or lightly roughen the surface, then paint at least twice on a clean and dry surface with carefully mixed paint.
With chalk paints, you don’t need complicated and time-consuming preparations or primers. Frenchic Paint series paints have excellent adhesion, as chalk paints generally do.
It is important to remove all excess (dirt, grease, detergent, moss, mold, rust, loose paint or varnish) between the paint and the base so the paint can adhere properly.
Don’t believe the talk that no preparations are needed!
Q: The biggest cause of failed painting jobs is unrealistic expectations and skipping steps during a rushed painting project.
In our experience, these three steps are often completely skipped: mixing the paint, cleaning the surface to be painted, and sanding.
The matter is very simple: if you skip preparations, prepare to fail – Fail to Prepare – Prepare to Fail.
Although painting is fast, you should also allow time for other phases (cleaning, sanding, drying between coats, etc.). Low-quality and dirty painting tools, thick paint layers combined with overworked fresh paint cause unwanted results.
The paint dries relatively quickly, but it reaches its full hardness only after weeks – fresh painted surfaces should be treated with extra care, so be patient when using painted surfaces like kitchen cabinets, stairs, functional furniture, and floors.
You will notice a huge difference in the durability of the paint surface when you allow the paint to fully harden at its own pace. Plan enough time for each phase of your painting project.
Please do not place a TV, heavy pots, or other objects on a freshly painted surface yet – or put cushions on a garden chair immediately after painting: paint cannot dry properly under cushions or cloths.
Protect the painted surface from wear for at least 48 hours and even then, handle the surfaces carefully for three weeks.
We recommend trying out the shades and using the tools on a practice piece before your first bigger project.
It’s always good to read the instructions on the paint can before starting your project. You can find great painting tips for various projects in the Frenchic Blogs!
V: If your furniture or exterior door has been previously oiled, paint durability cannot be guaranteed.
It’s good to ask about the original surface treatment or wood type where you bought the furniture. Test painting is also a good way to ensure product compatibility.
The type of wood can affect paint durability; some wood types are naturally oily, like teak or other 'hardwood' types. Some factory treatments of garden furniture may have used oil-based coatings or wood preservatives intended to prevent other substances from adhering to the surface. Such protective treatments are not meant to be painted over.
Read useful "Painting Outdoors" tips here.
V: Only paint outdoor furniture that you can store protected from the weather during winter.
Store your painted garden furniture properly protected from the weather during winter and be prepared for normal touch-up painting in spring if the furniture has been damaged during tight storage/stacking and the paint surface has started to crack.
Outdoor and wood stain furniture undergo heavy wear outside: temperature changes, moving and stacking furniture, pollen, needles, leaves, sun exposure, rain, and moisture all strain the surfaces – sunscreen, sand, grill grease, bird droppings, and other loose dirt should be cleaned off painted surfaces immediately using water or a very mild detergent without abrasive cleaning tools.
Patio furniture kept under a shelter during summer stays beautiful longer than furniture left directly under the open sky. For furniture on balconies or yards without protection, it’s good to wipe and dry off rainwater immediately or move the furniture to shelter during heavy rains. Take care of your painted furniture so the paint surface stays good for a long time.
Store furniture protected from the weather during winter; the best storage place is a dry, cool, and well-ventilated winter storage - tightly covering furniture with tarps can keep them too moist.
V: We recommend using Frenchic Paint series paints as they are because they have good protective properties.
If you want to thin the paint, always do it in a separate container. Use only clean tap water for thinning. Thinned paint is not recommended for storage.
Tip! Also try the handy 'spray bottle technique': lightly spray water on the surface while painting – some dip the brush in a water container before dipping it into the paint – both techniques also give a smooth finish.
Frenchic series paints are suitable for spray painting and you can thin them by e.g. 5-10% depending on your equipment. Note that paint consumption is often higher when spraying than with a brush or roller.
Paint ingredients; chalk and minerals as well as color pigments are heavier than in conventional paints and naturally settle to the bottom of the paint can during storage, so the paint may initially feel thicker at the bottom – thorough and long stirring is always necessary before use – and also during longer painting projects.
A partially used paint can should be closed carefully or the leftover paint transferred to a smaller, airtight container. Paint thickens during the drying process as water evaporates.
A: An opened paint can has a limited shelf life, and the paint’s durability depends on usage and storage conditions. An unopened paint can lasts at least two years, usually much longer if storage conditions are good.
Water-based Frenchic paints do not tolerate cold storage; they will chill and freeze easily.
Frozen/thawed or dirty paint is not recommended for use. Use a separate paint container when painting to prevent construction or sanding dust, outdoor pollen, or other dirt from getting into the paint can from painting tools.
Check partially used or long-stored, unused paint before use. Stir the paint thoroughly from the bottom and for a long time until smooth. Do a test paint. If the paint color looks correct, the consistency is even, and the paint dries normally, you can use the paint. Clean the paint can lid well to close it tightly or alternatively use a sealed glass jar for storage and store the jar upside down. Paint will thicken and dry during storage if air gets into the container.
The best place to store paints is a normal or cool, stable indoor storage temperature, away from direct sunlight.
Q: Frensheen pigment powders let you create your own stunning, non-toxic metallic paint that you can apply with a brush just like regular paint. The metal powder is mixed with Finishing Coat.
First, pour the liquid, Finishing Coat, into a container and mix in the Frensheen powder - a little at a time! You will notice how economical the powder is and can control the paint's color intensity yourself. For smaller projects, start by measuring both ingredients with a tablespoon.
You can also mix Frensheen metal pigment powder with TTC, that is Tuff Top Coat, or with Frenchic waxes!
Tip! You can mix pigment powders together to create your own rose gold, antique gold, or other unique shade blends.
A: VOCs are harmful organic volatile compounds found in many paints. These compounds, dangerous to health and the environment, evaporate into indoor air causing allergic or hypersensitivity reactions.
Long-term exposure to harmful organic compounds can lead to damage to internal organs or the central nervous system. Short-term exposure can cause symptoms such as eye irritation, headaches, shortness of breath, fatigue, skin reactions, vision disturbances, and weakness.
A: Absolutely! All paints, waxes, and finishing coats in the Frenchic Paint series are EN71:3 certified (Toy Safe) and safe to use on children's furniture, toys, children's room walls, and bedrooms.
This is a quick paint series selection guide.
A: Yes! Al Fresco series paints as well as the wall paint series are officially tested and approved for painting ceramic tiles.
As preparation, carefully prepare the surfaces; clean and roughen the surfaces and paint thin layers.
Our paint is not suitable for areas where water stands, such as shower floors, pools, or similar, or areas with high humidity, such as saunas.
Frenchic Paint cannot be used as a waterproofing layer for structures. You can see more amazing Frenchic projects in the Frenchic's own Facebook group. You can read more about painting ceramic tiles in the Blog posts.
A: Yes! Al Fresco, Lazy Range, and Trim Paint shades are well suited for painting kitchen cabinets and do not require additional protection.
Are you already following us on Instagram? A useful video on painting kitchen cabinets is available in the Blog posts. Always read the instructions on the paint can before starting a painting project and do a test paint. Useful kitchen cabinet painting tips can be found in the Frenchic Blogs.
A: In our experience, these important steps are often skipped:
Generally, skipping steps at your own discretion in a fast-paced painting project can lead to an undesirable outcome. Follow our instructions and do a test paint to achieve a beautiful and durable result.
A: There are hardly any sales in the Frenchic Paint online store. However, you can receive tailored benefits throughout the year by joining our email list. You can join the list at the bottom of our homepage. We also remember customers who write product reviews with a small gift. If you have ordered products from our online store, you will receive a reminder and instructions for writing a review by email. Check your spam folder to see if there is a message!
A: Usually, light marks indicate that either the surface curing process is incomplete or has been disturbed. Typically, the marks disappear on their own over time.
Bloom - white marks. As the descriptive term suggests, this causes a light clouding of the paint/coating. This creates an irregular, mottled, almost opalescent effect on the surface. Naturally, light marks are most visible on dark colors. It is not always possible to determine the exact cause, and sometimes it may be a combination of several factors, such as:
- If surface moisture caused by humid air condenses on the wet coating or paint during application or the drying and curing time of the first coat.
- Temperature changes at any time during application or curing can also affect this.
- Moisture trapped between paint layers.
Often in dry air and sunlight, marks can correct themselves over time. If necessary, you can also fix it by lightly sanding the affected areas and applying a new full coat of paint.
The issue may also be related to the drying properties of dark shades, causing light, chalky marks during general use when the surface is touched. The appearance of marks disappears at the latest when the curing process is complete, about three weeks if the paint has been used according to instructions. Marks can be removed by wiping with a damp cloth (not wet). The appearance of marks disappears immediately if you treat the surface with a Finish Coat or wax.
So there’s no need to worry if you can wait. The problem disappears on its own as soon as the paint has had enough time to dry and harden calmly.
Q: Join the domestic FB group Frenchic Paint Finland or contact your nearest Frenchic stockist.
Painting instructions also on Pappilan Sunday Shop pages.
International, English-speaking Frenchic FB group: The Frenchic Fan Forum.
See a video on how to paint kitchen cabinets or a door here.
You can find all the paint ingredients on the side of the paint cans,
we don’t add any secret ingredients to our products.
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"We’re not afraid to tell you what’s in our paint, in fact,
we proudly display our ingredients on each and every tin!"
