FAQ, i.e. our frequently asked questions

FAQ, i.e. our frequently asked questions

Q: Do I still need to put wax or varnish on top of the paint?

A: You don't have to. The new type of chalk paint from the Frenchic Paint series has protective properties already in the paint - How convenient!

Q: Where can I easily see all Frenchic shades?

A: From here.

Q: Does the varnish need to be sanded off the surface of the furniture?

A: Maybe - yes or no. It's not always that simple, but we try to keep the answer simple: If the lacquer surface is intact, it is not necessary or even worth sanding it off, just roughen it, so that the surface "clouds". If, on the other hand, the varnish surface is cracked, cracked or otherwise detached from its base, the loose surface must always be removed. So it depends on the condition of the lacquer surface. An intact varnish layer works well as a protective surface for the wood, so it should not be removed. Light roughing by hand is usually enough for smaller pieces of furniture.

Q: How much paint is needed for one wall?

A: Calculate the size of the wall: height x width = m2. A large 2.5 liter can of wall paint is enough for about 36m2

- when you paint twice, there is enough paint for at least 18m2. Frenchic interior paint is richly pigmented and has an ultra-matte gloss level.

Q: Is Frenchic paint water-based?

A: All Frenchic series paints are 100% water-based.

Q: Which Frenchic paint is suitable for a damp space?

A: Al Fresco paint is suitable for painting wet rooms and ceramic tiles .

However, not in areas with stagnant water or in the sauna.

Q: Where can you find instructions for choosing a paint for my own project?

A: Here you can see which Frenchic paint is suitable for your project.

Q: Where can I easily see more information about Frenchic series? Or work instructions?

A: You can find more information and working instructions for each shade, open a new tab: INFORMATION.

There are also work instructions in the same. You can also see brief information about the sets and their suitability in this Quick Guide .

Q: Why is mixing paint so important?

A: With carefully mixed paint, you will definitely get the right shade and the right composition.

We guide our customers to mix the paint as carefully as possible and for a long time, down to the bottom. The pigments of Frenchic paints are heavy and sink to the bottom of the jar quickly. If you dip the brush only on the surface of the paint, you will not get full coverage, because the color pigments of the paint have sunk to the bottom.

Careful mixing of paint before a painting project and during a longer project is important. Frenchic paints are richly pigmented and the naturally heavy color pigment and other paint ingredients sink easily to the bottom of the paint can.

Unmixed paint does not necessarily achieve the correct shade intended by the manufacturer, and more layers are needed than intended.

Unmixed paint is also thinner than normal, which affects durability.

Careful and long mixing down to the bottom ensures a perfect, translucent composition of the paint, an even mixing of protective substances and an optimal end result.

Q: Does lime paint last on furniture and outdoors?

A: There are different types of chalk paints on the market.

Only the chalk paints of the Frenchic series, chalk paint already have protective properties in the paint, which make Frenchic paints very durable - however, we have not compromised on the beautiful matte surface that our customers love!

Al Fresco is the durable paint series for outdoor furniture.

Al Fresco paint has all the necessary protective properties: mold inhibitor and UV protection. The painted furniture is stored protected from the weather during the winter, so the paint surface remains good.

Lazy Range series paints have a completely new kind of innovation; liquid wax has been added to the paint, which when hardened makes the surface very durable without other coatings.

The paints of the Lazy Range series are furniture paints for indoor use.

All the paints, waxes and finishing coatings in the Frenchic Paint series have been tested and examined - and they have received, for example, the 'Toy Safe' certification, which means that Frenchic paints are safe to paint, for example, on children's furniture and even children's toys. Frenchic series paints do not contain, for example, lead or plastic.

You can greatly influence the durability of the paint surface by following the painting instructions and drying times.

Always also read the instructions on the side of the paint can before starting.

At least two layers of paint provide moisture protection. Paint the pieces around, and the wooden furniture's survival from moisture will decrease.

Also read Let's paint outside! -instructions before starting.

If, however - life happens - and the paint surface gets scratched, patch painting is a normal and easy procedure.

Q: What is the difference between Lazy Range and Al Fresco series paints?

A: Lazy Range - for indoor use - is a completely new kind of innovation: waxy chalk paint - chalk paint with wax already in the paint!

In addition, the paint has other great properties that you won't find in other chalk paint series, such as the spreadability itself, which gives you a wonderful and smooth surface in the Frenchic style.

The paints of the Lazy Range series have a matte surface and are intended for painting interior furniture. The wax in the paint hardens into a durable and very wipe-resistant surface, and you can use the shades of the Lazt Range series to paint kitchen cabinets as well.

Al Fresco - inside and out - is also a completely new type of chalk paint that withstands rain and temperature fluctuations on outdoor furniture!

Only paint outside furniture that you can keep indoors during the winter.

Al Fresco series paints have good protective properties that make the surface hard and durable.

It takes about three weeks for the paint to harden to its final durability.

You can use Al Fresco shades for your furniture that you use outside in the garden, on the balcony or indoors. At least two layers of paint provide moisture protection. Paint the pieces around, and the wooden furniture's survival from moisture will decrease.

Read more about the features of all Frenchic series here.

So no more waxing or varnishing - just painting!

Q: Is Trim Paint glossy?

A: We say: satin matte. A small difference in the degree of gloss appears when the paint from the Trim Paint series is used with our ultra-matte wall paint. Otherwise, the surface is very close to the same as Al Fresco and Lazy Range.

Trim Paint is an excellent choice for kitchen cabinets, metal radiators, doors, moldings and panels - also for interior furniture.

Trim Paint is a molding and door paint with high abrasion resistance, in wall paint tone pairs.

Q: Why is there a shade difference in my paint between the cans?

A: Often the shade difference is due to unmixed paint. Sometimes from the color and material of the base and the number of layers - sometimes from their combined effect.

The industry's standard guideline is to recommend that you reserve enough paint for the project and make sure that the paint cans are from the same batch - just like with wallpaper.

If the same manufacturing batch is not possible, you can mix all the jars together, which will ensure that the shade is always the same throughout the project.

In spot painting, we recommend painting the entire area, rather than a small spot, because often the spot painting remains visible. It is affected by painting layers, painting tools, thickness of painting layers, drying and mixing of paint.

Small tonal differences are possible in the manufacturing process, but larger ones are really rare. Larger tonal differences can often be answered in the above.

Q: How long does the paint need to dry before waxing or other finishing?

A: You cannot work on fresh paint - wax it, 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 are dust-dry quickly, even in half an hour, but waxing should be left for later - make sure that the surface can withstand waxing by testing. Wait at least 2-4 hours.

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 put the finishing coating on the paint surface after 48 hours or later.

Q: How long does Frenchic wax and Finishing Coat take to dry?

A: Finishing Coat dries quickly, in 15-30 minutes.

2-3 coats are needed for best results. After drying, the surface is moisture resistant and clear. Finishing Coat is a solvent-free and water-based, safe certified Frenchic product. Apply the product conveniently with a sponge to achieve a beautiful and even result.

Matt Finishing Coating, Tuff Top Coat The interval between painting the layers is about an hour, depending on the drying conditions. At least two layers, the application can be done with a sponge. The final hardness is obtained in 16 hours. Matte coating, like other added coatings, can slightly change the tone of the paint, so try the coatings on an inconspicuous area first. Adding coatings on top of Al Fresco or Lazy Range series paints after 48 hours at the earliest, following the product's own layer drying times.

Frenchic waxes are natural waxes, soft to spread. The drying of the wax, so-called it usually takes 30-45 minutes for the dust to dry, when you can apply a new layer of wax. Re-waxing should be performed every 12 months if necessary, especially for surfaces that are subject to heavy wear (e.g. chair seat). Waxes are for indoor use only. Learn more about the natural waxes of the Frenchic series and their versatile use on the Frenchic Blogs . If you wish, you can finally polish the wax surface with a lint-free cloth. Wax is always the last surface.

Adding coatings on top of Al Fresco or Lazy Range series paints after 48 hours at the earliest.

Q: The paint seems to dry quickly, can I use the furniture immediately?

A: Frenchic paints dry so-called dust dry quickly - in about an hour - but still give the drying process time before putting the furniture into use.

The drying of the paint and the hardening of the wax and other important protective properties in the paint are different things.

Allow the paint surfaces to dry for 48 hours at normal temperature before careful use. Wax paint, Lazy Range and Al Fresco series paints reach their final hardness in a few weeks.

Until then, take care of the paint surface a little more than normal, until then the paint is still fresh. Read the painting instructions on the side of the paint can before starting the painting project and join the domestic FB group Frenchic Paint Finland - you will find good painting tips in the group . Read more about the durability of the paint surface on Frenchic Blogs.

Q: Do I have to do foundation work?

A: There is no need to do complex and time-consuming primers or primers with lime paints. The paints of the Frenchic series have excellent adhesion, as do chalk paints in general.

That is why it is important to remove all excess between the paint and the base, so that the paint can adhere to the base.

The preparations are always the same, no matter what you are painting: first washing, then sanding or lightly roughening the surface, then painting at least twice on a clean and dry surface with carefully mixed paint.

You don't paint a dirty surface. Careful preparations are the key to the durability of the paint surface. At least clean the surface or furniture to be painted, at the same time you can look at the surface of the furniture and decide if you want to cover up the scratches and dents or if you want them to be visible and give the furniture a worn look?

Remove the handles and knobs - putty the holes if you plan to replace the handles with different ones. The surface to be painted must be clean, dry and grease-free. Light sanding or roughening the surface with a sanding sponge before painting is recommended, especially if the surface to be painted is smooth, shiny and slippery. 

You don't believe the talk that no preparations need to be made! A rule of thumb could be that surfaces that are subject to heavy wear should be carefully roughened or sanded (chair seat, table top, etc.).

After cleaning, the surface is sanded. Painting is done on a dry and clean surface. Light surface roughening or sanding is always an important step and affects the durability of the paint surface, don't skip these steps.

Try Frenchic Paint's own Sugar Soap solution, and use it to wash away dust, grease and dirt. Wash the surface before sanding to avoid sanding impurities into the wood. An excellent product also for removing sanding dust.

Adhesion can be increased and improved by applying a layer of Finishing Coat to the surface before painting. Even if the paint sticks to the surface without any preparations, the end result is better and more durable when the preparations are done carefully.

Whatever detergent you use, it is important to rinse all detergents off the surface with clean water before painting. The Frenchic series' own Sugar Soap is a sufficient concentrate, made specifically for cleaning furniture before painting. It lathers well and you will notice that the seemingly clean furniture still gets dirty when you wash it. Also read the useful Painting Instructions.

Q: What can go wrong?

A: Unrealistic pre-expectations and self-chosen implementation of instructions in a fast-paced painting project have the greatest influence on unsuccessful painting work - skipping steps.

According to our experience, these three steps are often not done completely: mixing the paint, cleaning the surface to be painted and roughening.

However, the matter is very simple: if you procrastinate on preparations, prepare to fail - Fail to Prepair - Prepare to Fail.

Even though painting is fast, it is also worth taking time for other steps (cleaning, roughening, drying of layers, etc.) Low-quality and dirty painting tools and thick layers of paint combined with an overworked fresh paint surface also cause an undesirable end result.

The paint dries relatively quickly, but it only reaches its full hardness after weeks - you should be more careful than usual with a fresh paint surface, you should be patient with painted surfaces; in the commissioning of kitchen cabinets, stairs, utility furniture and floors.

You will notice a huge difference in the durability of the paint surface when you let the paint reach its final hardness in peace. Plan your own time for all phases of your painting project.

Do not put a TV, heavy pots or other objects on the freshly painted surface - or put cushions on the garden chair immediately after painting: the paint cannot dry normally under the cushions or cloths.

Protect the paint surface from wear for at least 48 hours and even then use the surfaces carefully for three weeks.

We recommend trying out the tones and using the tools before the first bigger project for a practice piece.

It is always a good idea to read the instructions on the side of the paint can before starting the project. You can find good painting tips for various projects on Frenchic Blogs!


Q: Can I paint previously oiled outdoor furniture or the front door?

A: If your furniture or front door has been previously oiled, the durability of the paint cannot be guaranteed.

You should ask about the original surface treatment or wood quality at the place of purchase of the furniture. Test painting is also a good way to make sure the products are suitable.

The quality of the wood can play a role in the durability of the paint, other types of wood are naturally oily, such as teak or other 'hardwood' qualities. In some factory processing of garden furniture, an oil-based coating or wood preservative may have been used, the purpose of which is to prevent other substances from sticking to the surface. These protective treatments are not intended to be painted over.

Read the useful "Let's paint outside" tips here.


Q: How do I store my painted outdoor furniture during the winter?

A: Store your painted garden furniture during the winter in an appropriate warehouse, protected from the weather, and be prepared for normal spot painting in the spring if the furniture has been bumped during cramped storage/stacking and the paint surface has cracked.

Garden furniture and wooden shed furniture are exposed to a lot of stress outside: changes in temperature, moving and stacking of furniture, pollen, needles, tree leaves, the heat of the sun, rain and humidity stress the surfaces - sunscreen oils, sand, barbecue grease and bird droppings and other loose matter should be cleaned from painted surfaces immediately, using water or a very mild detergent without abrasive cleaning tools.

The terrace furniture under the canopy in the summer stays beautiful longer than the furniture directly in the sky. It is a good idea to immediately wipe and dry the rainwater remaining on the surface of the furniture on the balcony or in the yard without protection, or lift the furniture into a rain cover during heavy rains. Take care of your painted furniture, and the paint will remain good for a long time.

Keep the furniture protected from the weather during the winter, the best possible place to store it is a dry, cool and well-ventilated winter warehouse - tightly compressing the furniture can keep the furniture too damp.

Only paint outdoor furniture that you can store away from the weather during the winter.

Q: The paint is quite thick - Can I thin it?

A: We recommend using the paints from the Frenchic Paint series as they are, because they have good protective properties.

However, if you want to thin the paint, always do it in a separate container. Use only clean tap water for dilution. Thinned paint is not recommended for storage.

Tip! Also try the handy 'spray bottle technique': Lightly spray water on the surface while you paint - others dip the brush in a container of water before dipping into the paint - both techniques also give an even paint mark.

Frenchic series paints are suitable for spray painting and you can thin them, e.g. 5-10% depending on your device. Note that when painting with a sprayer, the paint consumption is often greater than with a brush or roller.

Paint ingredients; chalk and minerals and color pigments are heavier than in conventional paints and they naturally sink to the bottom of the paint can during storage and the paint may initially feel thicker from the bottom - careful and long mixing is always necessary before you use the paint - and also during longer painting projects.

You should carefully close the can of paint that is empty or transfer the splash of paint to a smaller and tight container. The paint thickens in the drying process, when water starts to evaporate from it.

Q: How long will my paint last?

A: An opened can of paint has a limited shelf life, and the paint's shelf life is affected by the conditions of use and storage of the paint. Water-based Frenchic paints cannot be stored in cold storage, they cool down and freeze quickly.

It is not recommended to use frozen/melted or dirty paint. When painting, use a separate paint container so that construction or sanding dust, outdoor pollen or other dirt from the painting equipment does not get into the paint can.

Check unused paint that has been stored for a short time or for a long time before use. Mix the paint carefully along the bottom and for a long time until smooth. Make a test painting. If the shade of the paint looks right, the composition is uniform and the paint dries normally, you can use the paint. Clean the lid of the paint jar well so that you can seal it tightly, or use a sealed plastic jar for storage, for example, and store the jar with the lid down. The paint starts to thicken and dry out during storage if air gets into the storage container.

The best place to store paints is at a normal or cool, even temperature inside the warehouse, away from direct sunlight. An unopened can of paint will keep for at least two years, usually much more.

Q: How do I use Frensheen Metallic Highlighter?

A: Frensheen pigment powders can be used to make a wonderful, non-toxic metallic paint yourself and you can apply it with a brush like normal paint. The metal powder is mixed with the Finishing Coat.

First, dispense the liquid, Finishing Coat, into the container and mix the Frensheen powder into it - a little at a time! You will notice how sufficient the powder is and you can adjust the color saturation of the paint yourself. For smaller projects, start by measuring both ingredients by the tablespoon.

You can also mix Frensheen metallic pigment powder with TTC or Tuff Top Coat or with Frenchic waxes!

Tip! You can mix pigment powders together and make yourself rose gold, antique gold or other unique shades.

Q: What are VOCs and how does Frenchic Paint differ from other products in terms of them?

A: VOCs are harmful organic volatile compounds found in many paints. These compounds, which are dangerous to health and nature, evaporate into the room air, causing allergic or hypersensitivity reactions.

Long-term exposure to harmful organic compounds can lead to e.g. damage to internal organs or the central nervous system. Short-term exposure, on the other hand, causes, for example, burning eyes, headache, shortness of breath, fatigue, skin symptoms, visual disturbances and weakness.

The VOC concentrations of Frenchic paints are minimal, the limit value is UKCA and European Toy Safe certification EN71-3: 2013+A3: 2019. Read more information in the blog post, Instructions for more sensitive painters.

Q: Is Frenchic Paint safe to use in a child's room?

A: Indeed! All the paints, waxes and finishing coatings of the Frenchic Paint series are EN71:3-certified (Toy Safe) and are safe to use on children's furniture, toys, walls in children's rooms and bedrooms.

This is a quick paint kit selection guide.

Q: Can I paint ceramic tiles and tiles with Frenchic paints?

A: Yes! Al Fresco series paints and wall paint series have been officially tested for painting ceramic tiles.

Do careful surface preparation for ground work; cleaning and roughening of surfaces and paints thin layers.

Our paint is not suitable for areas where water stands, such as shower floors, pools or the like, or areas with a high moisture content, such as a sauna.

Frenchic paints cannot be used as waterproofing for structures. You can see more wonderful Frenchic projects in Frenchic's own FB group . You can read more about painting ceramic tiles in the blog posts.

Q: Can I paint the kitchen cabinets with Frenchic paints?

A: Yes! Al Fresco, Lazy Range and Trim Paint shades are well suited for painting kitchen cabinets and do not need any other protection.

Are you already following us on Instagram ? You should watch a useful video about painting kitchen cabinets, it can be found in the Blog entries. Always read the instructions on the side of the paint can before starting the painting project and do a test painting. Useful tips for painting kitchen cabinets can be found on Frenchic Blogs.

Q: Where can I find more information about the Frenchic Paint range?

A: Join the domestic FB group Frenchic Paint Finland or contact your nearest Frenchic dealer .

You can find all paint ingredients on the side of paint cans,

we do not 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!"

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