FAQ - Frequently asked questions and answers.

We at the Frenchic team value craftsmanship and believe that homemade is always best!

We get a lot of questions from our customers and here are some of the most common ones with their answers:

The award-winning Frenchic Paint® has set new standards for furniture painting and made it easier and more fun - if you previously thought that chalk paint was not durable or practical, now is the time to try Frenchic!

The Frenchic series paints have a completely new manufacturing recipe and the durable protective agents are already included in the paint - convenient, right? The Frenchic series paints create 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.

Beautifully smoothing Frenchic paints give you a head start and achieve a smooth surface more easily than with other paint series.

We want to offer our customers plenty of advice, tips and tricks, because every painting job and every painter's 'craft' is always unique.
The products and accessories in the Frenchic series are award-winning, high-quality, durable and tested.
They have passed multiple safety, non-toxicity and durability tests and have won many awards and tests, so you can be sure of Frenchic quality when you use our products as directed.

If you've painted a lot, you'll definitely be amazed by the quality of the Frenchic series paints.

The Frenchic series paints have completely new features that make painting faster, more affordable and the end result beautiful.

However, each project is unique, working conditions and equipment vary, and everyone is responsible for following the instructions.

We always recommend trying it first.

Try and test paint, experiment with shades and different Frenchic series

Try out tools, brushes, rollers and masking tape before a major painting project. This way you will become familiar with the paint's application, coverage and drying times.

When testing, you will notice what kind of effect the tools you choose give and what kind of end result you are satisfied with.
You can check the instructions and drying times on the side of Frenchic paint cans at home before painting.

Get inspired by our customers' photos and videos in the Facebook group - join us!

Q: Why would I choose Frenchic paint?

A: The Frenchic series, made with a new recipe, is a leader in the paint market. Frenchic paints have many completely new features, for which the series has also won awards: the smoothness of the paint surface and the easy-to-spread composition of the paint, for example.

For example , the Al Fresco series paints 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 no varnish or wax is 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 property, which makes the paint surface beautifully smooth.

The paint's consistency is slightly thicker than usual and does not run, making painting easy and the paint glides 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 variety of interior styles. The powdery matte shades are also suitable for traditional buildings and combine beautifully with paper wallpapers.

Paints are also evolving and new types of products are becoming safer and non-toxic. Why not choose the best!

Q: Can I start painting as soon as I open the paint can?

A: Please do not start painting with unmixed paint. Frenchic paints contain heavy mineral pigments that quickly sink to the bottom of the can and unmixed paint can cause unwanted shade variations.

Unmixed paint also has a negative impact on coverage if the paint is not mixed enough or not at all.

You will notice it as a weight at the bottom of the can. We recommend mixing the paint carefully, for a long time and along the bases, both before painting and during the painting project.

For hand mixing, choose a wide spatula or wide wooden mixing stick.

The painting process always begins with cleaning the surface. After cleaning, the surface is sanded. Painting is done on a dry and clean surface.

Q: What does 'jewel color' mean?

A: 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 color, so they require an extra coat or two.

A tip with these shades, especially if you are 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 way you can get a great jewel tone easily.

Q: Can old paint be used?

A: If the paint consistency feels, looks and smells normal when mixed, do a test painting and if everything is normal, you can use the paint.

If the paint smells bad and does not mix evenly, we do not recommend using the paint. Frozen or frosted paint is not recommended.

Paint is easily damaged by dirty water, pollen or other debris when painting outdoors, or renovation dust.

Paint spoilage is caused by bacteria, which can also enter the paint through dirty brushes.

When stored properly, clean paint will last for at least a couple of years, even after opening.

Q: Is one coat of paint enough?

A: No. All Frenchic paints can be painted at least twice.

Even if the first coat is opaque, the second coat evens out the surface tone beautifully, covers minor defects and has a positive effect on the surface's durability. This also ensures that the tone is reproduced as intended by the manufacturer.

Sometimes you may need more than one coat if there is a large difference in color between the surface to be painted and the selected shade. Before starting a larger project, test the shade you have chosen on an inconspicuous area.

If the instructions on the paint can say two coats, apply two coats.

If the coverage instructions say that the can contains paint for an area of ​​six square meters, and after painting an area of ​​this size, there is a lot of paint left over, the paint layers are too thin.

Read more about how many coats of paint are needed here.

To achieve a lasting result, you will 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 application.

Q: When can I apply the second coat of paint?

A: Only apply the second coat after the base coat has dried. You can find the drying time for each coat on the side of the paint can and on the product information page.

• Lazy Range: the drying time of the layer is 1 hour.

• Al Fresco: the drying time of the layer is 2 hours.

• Trim Paint: the drying time of the layer is 4 hours.

• Wall paint: the drying time of the layer is 2 hours.

Q: I can't wash the furniture, can I start painting it right away?

A: Please don't paint a dirty surface.

Frenchic paints are water-based and repel dirt and grease. Even furniture and surfaces that appear clean can still come away with a lot of dirty water when washed.

In the worst case, your careful painting work will be wasted if you paint a dirty surface: The paint will not be able to adhere to the surface because dirt and grease are in between, which is why the paint can start to chip.

Q: I didn't bother to sand, does that make any difference?

A: Roughening surfaces helps the paint adhere to the surface better and has a significant impact on durability.

Light roughening by hand, e.g. with a sanding sponge, is a quick and easy step that is always worth it.

Think in advance about what you are painting - if the furniture or surface is subject to heavy wear, 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 more wear and tear the surface will be exposed to, the better the sanding and other preparations should be.

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 wood grain.

And at the same time, your sanding paper or sanding sponge becomes clogged with dirt and quickly becomes unusable.

Always sand a clean surface.

Q: Which Frenchic white is equivalent to Tikkurila white? The purpose would be to paint moldings and partition doors.

A: The shades of the Frenchic series are completely unique, and there is no complete correspondence to other series. Yorkshire Rose is close to Finnish whites.

Q: Can I mix the Finishing Coating with paint - will it make the surface more durable?

A: We do not recommend it.

It can have a negative impact on the durability of the paint. We recommend adding the Finishing Coat to the dry paint according to the instructions , which will provide additional protection against wear on surfaces that are subject to heavy wear, such as kitchen countertops, etc.

Q: I painted the railings on my stairs about four years ago and now the paint has worn off in some spots. Why is this happening?

A: Railings and handrails are exposed to hand oils and other contaminants.

The preparation and cleaning done before painting also has a big impact 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 a maintenance painting if necessary.

Q: How much paint do I need?

A: Sales depend 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 a couple of chairs.

One 750ml can is enough to paint a large wardrobe - a three-door one - twice.

The paint consumption for painting standard kitchen cabinets is often 2x750ml.

Paint consumption will increase 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 back and inside of the furniture or cabinets.

The paint consumption is also affected by the chosen painting medium, technique, and each painter's own painting style.

Uneven surfaces, such as embossed vinyl wallpaper, fiberglass wallpaper or panels, always take more paint than normal. Porous surfaces, such as clean wood or MDF surfaces, absorb a lot of paint. It is recommended to seal porous surfaces with Finishing Coat before painting.

The need for two coats is normally two, but this can also vary if the paint is carelessly mixed, the drying time of the coats is not followed, or the color difference of the base is large compared to the selected shade.

Visit your nearest retailer and they will advise you on sales. Visit the FB group to see what others are saying about sales in projects similar to the one you are planning.

The manufacturer's stated coverage is printed on the side of each Frenchic paint can, and you can find it in the product information, in this online store, for each shade.

Coverage of Frenchic paints on a flat, non-absorbent surface:

• Lazy Range: 750ml: 12.5m2 and 250ml: 3.5m2
  

• Al Fresco: 750ml: 12.5m2 and 250ml: 3.5m2

• Trim Paint: 500ml: 7m2
  

• Wall paint: 2.5L: 35m2
  

Q: Where can I get a small amount of paint for testing?

A: The 250ml small jars are Frenchic series test jars.

If you order today, you will have your package within a few business days!

Q: We have a party next weekend, will I have time to paint the entire kitchen this week? I haven't tried your paints before.

A: We recommend testing paints and tools first before embarking on a larger project.

This way you can be sure of the paint's application, coverage, and drying times.

You will notice what kind of effect the tools you choose give and what kind of end 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 use the newly painted kitchen with caution 48 hours after painting. Be careful with the 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 granted the European 'Toy Safe' certification, so our paints are safe to use on children's furniture.

However, it is worth being realistic when deciding on painting: a children's high chair is very hard to clean and is often cleaned with both cleaning agents and detergents, as dried porridge, food and drink are scraped off the joints of the chair.

Heavy wear on furniture etc. does not mean that it cannot be painted.

All painted 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 can get the furniture clean of snow and ice. What paint do you recommend?

A: Al Fresco series paints are intended for outdoor furniture.

Wooden furniture must be dry, including inside the wood - and clean before painting. Winter moisture can remain inside wooden furniture for a long time, so furniture that has been outside cannot be painted immediately after the snow melts.

Take the furniture out to the sun and shelter from the rain to dry before cleaning and painting. Read the Exterior Painting Instructions before you start .

Only store painted furniture protected from the weather during the winter.

Q: I'm looking for the perfect gray wall paint that doesn't look blue or green. Is there one in the Frenchic series?

A: Yes. 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 moldings.

Q: When can I paint after it rains?

A: Wait at least 24 hours.

After rain or washing the furniture, you must wait until the furniture is completely dry (wet wood feels cold to the hand). Wooden furniture must also be dry from the inside before painting.

A rule of thumb to remember is to wash and paint 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 attached to the wall before you start. You can paint over the wallpaper.

Q: No - there's a dent in my can! Why did you send me a dented can? Can I use the paint?

A: The thin metal shell of paint cans is quite susceptible to dents.

During transportation, a metal paint or wax can inside the shipping package may have been dented, even though the cardboard packaging shows no signs of damage on the surface - cardboard is a flexible material, unlike thin metal.

Because we strive to make package transportation as efficient and, if customers wish, as fast as possible, packages are really put through their paces during the transportation process.

Fortunately, dents or dents on the side of the can 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 painting and the drying process - around the clock.

If you paint in too hot or direct sunlight, the paint will dry too quickly and won't have time to level out - the result will definitely be nice brush marks.

If you paint in too cold a weather, the paint will not dry in the time specified by the manufacturer, and you will not be able to work on the next layers or stages. You can read more about the impact of weather on your painting project here.

Read the Exterior Painting Instructions before you start . Only store painted furniture protected from the weather during the winter.

Q: I would like to paint my children's loft bed. What paint do you recommend?

A: You can choose a shade for your interior furnishings from any of the ranges: Trim Paint, Lazy Range and Al Fresco .

All paints in the Frenchic series are safe and tested for painting children's furniture and even toys. Please take the drying times of the paint into account when painting your project.

Q: I would like to paint a radiator, stove or fireplace with Frenchic series paints - is this possible?

A: Yes, you can. However, schedule the painting outside the heating season; hot or warm surfaces should not be painted.

Check out our customers' photos and experiences of painting radiators and stoves in our FB group.

Painting metal is possible, as is painting moderately heated surfaces, such as water-circulating radiators and surfaces that do not heat up above 80 degrees.

You can easily check the surface temperature of your stove with a thermometer. Both radiators and stoves must be cold when painting, and moderate heating can only be started two days after the painting work is completed.

Greasy soot must be carefully cleaned off the surface to be painted before painting. Frenchic series paints do not contain rust inhibitors.

The Frenchic series paints have not been officially tested for heat resistance. Many of our customers have painted their ovens with good success.

Generally, water-based paint, such as Frenchic paints, can withstand heat of 70-80 degrees. You can easily measure your own 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 your 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 Cabinets before you start on Frenchic Blogs.

Q: Which paint series requires a coating, wax or varnish?

A: Only for Original Artisan series paints. (sold out, no longer sold in Finland)

Q: When should you use Finishing Inlays?

A: If you want extra protection, especially for kitchen countertops or other surfaces that are particularly exposed to heavy wear and tear, or if you want a glossy finish instead of a matte finish.

We always recommend the matte Tuff Top Coat for those painting tabletops and countertops.

You can also use matte Tuff Top Coat to protect the paint surface of kitchen cabinets.

If you want a glossy finish, add a couple of coats of Finishing Coat on top of the dry paint.

The Frenchic series coatings are easy to apply and dry quickly. Read the product information for working instructions.

Q: Can I paint over Frenchic paints normally with another paint? Or with another paint from the Frenchic series?

A: Yes and yes - if you haven't used self-applied furniture wax.

Do the same preparations as usual: clean the surface and roughen it before painting. If you have waxed the surface, see the instructions here.

Q: I'm planning the color scheme for my new home. Where can I see Frenchic shades live?

A: We recommend ordering a color wheel to help with your design and visiting your nearest Frenchic dealer. See the map for contact information.

You can also order small jars to try out shades from the online store.

Q: Where can I get a discount code or other discount for the online store?

A: Our online store rarely has discounts, but our email subscribers receive benefits throughout the year and are the first to hear about offers or other benefits. You can find discontinued products and -50% discounts here.

Last pieces and discontinued products are subject to change, so keep an eye on this page.

Q: Can your paints be used for art and painting?

A: Of course!

And many do - the matte finish looks great in art projects. Painters have also discovered our non-toxic metallic pigment shades, the Frensheen series .

Q: I am into restoring antique furniture and sometimes build my own furniture. Are Frenchic waxes suitable for antique furniture or finishing wood 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 can get beautiful, thin layers effortlessly. You can choose from pre-tinted wax or clear wax to beautifully deepen the tone of your furniture.

Frenshimmers metallic shades are also suitable for restoring old furniture, decorative painting and painting fittings.

Q: Where can I read more questions and answers?

A: From here.

Q: Where can I find good painting instructions?

A: You can find painting instructions here and more instructions can be found on the Frenchic Blogs .

Also read the painting instructions on the side of the can before you start.

Work instructions for each product can be found under 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 on the area it is intended for. The small 250ml jars are intended for testing shades.

We make every effort to ensure that the shades in the online store match the actual shades as closely as possible, but shades may vary on different devices (your phone, tablet, desktop) depending on several factors, such as your device's screen settings.

This means that we cannot guarantee that the paint shade will match exactly what you see on your screen.

For this reason, it is worth checking out our customers' photos, for example in the Facebook group , where you will see several images of the same shade. Here you can also view all our other social media channels.

In the group, you can easily search by, for example, the name of the shade.

Q: Why does the color I chose look completely different in my home than in my friend's?

A: You have different light and shadows in your own home.

Bright rooms reproduce tones differently than shady ones. Rooms facing north have different tones than rooms facing south.

The time of day and different seasons affect the color reproduction. View the color in different lighting, in the exact space you had in mind for the shade.

Only look at the paint shade when it is dry, after two coats.

When testing 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 probably have other large colored surfaces in your home that can reflect the muted hue: ceiling, floor, carpet, bedspread, curtains...

To be 100% sure about the color, try it on the surface you intend to use it on. Only evaluate the shade when it is dry, after two coats.

The choice of shade should always be made in the space and on the surface where it is intended. Note that evening sun and daytime sunlight affect colors differently. 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 testing the paint on an inconspicuous spot, for example on a piece of furniture - or visit your nearest retailer to see the colours for 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 suits someone else may appear completely different to you - which is why testing is the best way to make sure the shade is right for you.

Tones on your phone screen, computer and tablet

We make every effort to ensure that the shades in the online store match the actual shades as closely as possible, but 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 paint color tone will match exactly what you see on your screen.

We always recommend testing a shade in the space and surface where it is intended to be used before a larger project.

Observe and evaluate the shade only when it is dry and has been painted at least twice according to the instructions.

Order a small jar to test or visit your nearest retailer to see the colors for yourself.