Primer already included in the paint - what does that mean and how does it work?

Frenchic is paint with primer already built in - what does that mean, and how does it work?

What is ‘Self Priming’ paint, and does it really work?

Frenchic brings an innovation that makes painting easier: paint with primer already included in the same can. In practice, this means that for many painting projects around the home, you can get straight to work without a separate coat of primer, as long as the surface is clean and grease-free.

This feature is called self priming in English, meaning “self-priming.” In this article, we’ll explain clearly what it means to have primer already in the paint, which surfaces Frenchic is suitable for, and when it’s still worth applying a separate primer.

Smart Frenchic paints are quickly becoming the most popular choice for home painters and DIYers who want to reduce the time and effort spent repainting their favorite furniture.

What makes Frenchic paint innovative?

Frenchic Paint has developed a paint with primer already built into the paint itself. This is not just a marketing term, but a technical feature based on the paint’s composition and adhesion.

The binders and pigments in Frenchic paints are designed to adhere directly to most surfaces in the home without a separate primer. This reduces the number of steps and makes painting much easier, especially for home use.

Does Frenchic paint need a separate primer?

The short answer is usually no.

Frenchic paint can be used without a separate primer, for example

• on wood and MDF surfaces
• on furniture
• on kitchen cabinet doors
• on trim and doors
• on panels and railings

When the surface is clean, dry, and grease-free, Frenchic adheres directly without a separate primer. However, read our article to the end and we’ll tell you more about the options.

However, there are so many paint options on the market. Is Frenchic really what it promises to be?

Frenchic is made in England, which has a long tradition and expertise in manufacturing paints and wallpaper. Frenchic paints combine traditional craftsmanship with completely new innovations that no other paint ranges have seen before.

Frenchic has received numerous awards and accolades for these innovations.

You can read more about them here.

Self Levelling - Frenchic paints level out beautifully to a smooth finish, with few or even no brush marks. Yes!

Self-levelling - a Frenchic paint quality praised by our customers that amazes even experienced painters.

To achieve a self-levelling finish, follow our instructions:

• Stir the paint thoroughly from the bottom before you start, until it has a smooth, creamy, thick consistency. Frenchic paints don't need to be thinned; in fact, thinning them too much and applying them with a brush can even remove this wonderful quality!

• When painting, use a normal amount of paint. Don't skimp on it. For the self-levelling effect to work, there needs to be enough paint to level out - coats that are too thin dry in an instant and don't have time to level out. Frenchic paint is drip-free and makes for a wonderful painting experience.

• Be sure to follow the recommended drying time between coats. It varies by range, so check the side of the tin if you forget. For example, the drying time between coats is 1 hour for the Lazy Range and 2 hours for the Al Fresco range. This is the time needed for the paint to level out.

• Self-priming - no primer needed.

• Self-sealing - no varnish or wax needed.

Read more to discover the benefits of self-priming paint and tips for using it in your own projects.

What is self-priming paint?

Self-priming paint is primarily designed to eliminate the need for primer.

It's typically thicker than regular paint and has a higher solids content, which helps cover imperfections, leaves a more durable finish, and ultimately makes the process quicker and easier.

Primer can also be mixed into paint to create a two-in-one product that prepares and colors the surface in one go.

What is the purpose of priming?

There are several reasons why a surface should be primed before painting. Priming smooths rough surfaces, improving the paint finish.

It also helps paint adhere to surfaces that don't take paint well, such as metal and porous surfaces like raw wood, where variations in the grain and knots cause the paint to absorb at different rates.

Primer can also be used to seal surfaces, preventing underlying fillers, liquids, grease marks, or glue and paste stains from bleeding through the new coat of paint and spoiling the finished look. For example, new and untreated drywall should be primed before applying a topcoat. 

Some primers are only intended to improve adhesion and may not prevent unknown contaminants from coming through.

The benefits of self-priming paint: easy and quick

If you're an experienced DIYer, you know that finishing always takes longer than you initially planned.

Preparing surfaces and waiting for each coat of paint to dry before moving on to the next - the finishing work isn't quick.

The main advantage of Self Priming paint is that it shortens the painting process.

Unlike traditional paints, which require a primer that takes 24 hours to dry, Self Priming paint reduces the number of coats needed.

Also note that Frenchic paints have a quick drying time between coats, ranging from 1- 4h depending on the range.

Although some professional decorators prefer to use a separate primer and paint, it's really not necessary for most upcycling projects and home repainting jobs.

All Frenchic paints glide easily over surfaces and adhere to furniture without needing to be primed first. Their composition also helps smooth rough surfaces and cover small imperfections.

You also don't need to worry about the old colour bleeding through, as our paints act as a barrier against liquids and help slow down bleed-through and staining from things like wood knots.

Frenchic paints are even washable, so accidental splashes won't spoil your decor.

If you choose our wall paint, Trim Paint, Lazy Range or Al Fresco products, you'll save even more work, time and money, as they don't need a separate topcoat either!

Self Priming paints are especially great for painters who just want to open the paint tin, dip their brush in and get started.

As with all Frenchic paint products, there's no need to thin them. You can paint straight from the tin - start by stirring the paint thoroughly to make sure you get all the pigment. Even better, because the paint is thicker than average, you can refresh darker items with just a couple of coats.

How to use our Self Priming paint

All Frenchic's non-toxic paints are both Self Priming and self-levelling, which guarantees a professional finish and makes your painting projects easier.

Whether you're a complete beginner or have never used our products before, we've put together some helpful tips and tricks to get you started on your latest project. Start experimenting with our award-winning Lazy Range.

What does self-priming mean in practice?

In practice, self-priming means that the priming property is already built into the paint. From the user's perspective, this is reflected in

• a faster painting process: working and drying times
• fewer products
• easier success: smooths out minor imperfections
• neater work

This isn't cutting corners, but a smart solution that meets today's painting needs.

What about the exceptions? When is it a good idea to prime or seal a surface before painting?

When should you still use primer?

Since there are countless projects, there are also exceptions. Although this article mainly discusses painting furniture, we also cover painting other surfaces. The general industry recommendation is to use products from the same manufacturer together.

Since the Frenchic range doesn't include a separate primer, we recommend testing first if you decide to use another manufacturer's primer under Frenchic paints. Finishing Coats work as a primer, that is, as an untinted primer. 

1. Painting metal Use a suitable rust inhibitor when painting bare metal. None of the paints in the Frenchic range contain toxic rust inhibitors. Frenchic Finishing Coats slow the appearance of rust and can be used under paint when painting metal. 
   
2. Very knotty wood Natural discoloration can't always be avoided, but you can slow it down. Note that not all primers on the market are designed to prevent bleed-through or other contaminants. You can slow discoloration and knot bleed-through by sealing the surface with Finishing Coat before painting. 
3. Porous surfaces For porous surfaces such as bare MDF, new untreated drywall, or clean, new wood: priming isn't needed for adhesion, but it's a good idea to seal the surface with Finishing Coat before painting to save on top coats. Larger wall areas should be primed with either thinned topcoat paint or regular primer. 
4. Large color differences When painting over, for example, a reddish or orange surface - or changing from black to white - you don't need primer for adhesion, but to neutralize the underlying color. Choose a light gray shade to tone down the color difference, such as Swanky Pants or City Slicker. This way, you'll need fewer top coats.
5. Blocking various contaminants The walls of a renovation project may be covered in wallpaper paste, glue and filler compounds, which can react with the topcoat. In this case, the purpose of the primer is to isolate contaminants from the topcoat. Some primers are intended only to improve adhesion and may not act as a barrier against unknown contaminants. We always recommend testing the compatibility of the products you plan to use on your project before starting a larger project.

1. Preparation

Although the surface doesn't need to be primed before painting, it does need to be cleaned.

As with any painting project, you want to make sure the surface is in the best possible condition before painting. This means removing excess residue, such as grease and other dirt, as it can form a barrier that prevents the paint from adhering.

Dilute Sugar Soap cleaner in warm water and use a cloth or sponge to clean grease and other dirt from the surface to be painted.

Once the surface is dry, it's a good idea to sand it lightly to roughen it up, so the paint adheres better.

Use coarser sandpaper on surfaces that have previously been coated or treated. Be sure to wipe away the dust with a lint-free cloth before painting. Only paint a clean, dry surface.

2. Painting

The great thing about Self Priming paint is that once the surface has been prepared, you can paint your chosen color directly onto it.

You can use a brush, or if you want to cover large areas faster, all our paints can be used with a handheld paint sprayer.

For the best results, apply the first coat and wait at least two hours before applying the second.

A second coat ensures even coverage and a durable finish, but always check whether your chosen paint needs a topcoat.

All Frenchic paints require at least two coats.

Thoroughly mixing the paint before you start affects both coverage and durability.

Ready to get started?

If a laborious painting process is putting you off starting your next project, you're in the right place.

Frenchic's cleverly designed Self Priming paint helps you get the job done much faster and potentially much more affordably, as you won't need as many products.

Explore our full range of easy-to-use paints that are safe for children's furniture, online or find a stockist near you.