If your painting project didn’t go quite as planned, don’t give up. Almost every problem can be fixed. The solution is often surprisingly simple: wash, sand lightly and repaint according to the instructions.

Frenchic paints are very forgiving, but they have one thing in common with all other paints: it’s worth following the instructions. They’re not just there to decorate the tin. 😉

Every painting project is unique

The best thing about painting is that you don’t have to aim for perfection with the first brushstroke. Every project reflects the person who does it, and we all have our own way of painting. Some projects go well, others don’t. 

Sometimes everything goes right on the first try. 

Although painting with Frenchic paints is ultimately very simple, we’ve put together some of the most common places where things can go wrong. 

Patience is key

Most often, when a painting project gets off to a rushed start, instructions have simply been skipped at will, and it shows in the result.

There are only a few steps, but they’re important, so we’ll keep it simple: expect things to go wrong if you cut corners on preparation. 

The good news is that almost all mistakes with Frenchic can be fixed. Often, the result is even better the second time around than the first.

What went wrong? 

1. The paint isn’t covering properly

This is one of the most common questions, and the reason is almost always one of these:

The paint wasn’t mixed

During storage, the pigments settle at the bottom of the tin. If you start painting as soon as you open it, the first strokes may consist of almost nothing but binder. And no, a couple of swirls with old chopsticks won’t be enough to lift the pigment from the bottom.

• You’ll need a wide mixing spatula so you can ‘scrape’ the bottom and sides.
• When you think you’ve mixed it enough, keep going for a little longer.
• And remember to mix it again during longer painting projects. 
• A mixing attachment for a drill is also a good option, especially for a tin of wall paint. 

Solution: Mix the paint thoroughly and for a long time, all the way to the bottom of the tin. There’s a reason for mixing: it ensures that both the colour pigment and those important protective ingredients are evenly distributed across the surface you’re painting. This is a step you don’t want to skip. 

The surface being painted absorbs paint

Raw wood, bare MDF and other porous surfaces absorb much more paint than already-painted surfaces. So the first coat soaks into the surface. 

Solution: First seal the porous surface with Finishing Coat finishing coat, following the instructions. 

A very large difference in shade or dark knots in the wood

If you want to paint a black, bright red, or deep orange surface white, for example, the job takes a little more patience. You'll save topcoat by neutralizing challenging red colors and color differences with a coat of gray paint. 

The same instructions apply if you're painting a white surface with dark paint. 

Solution: First paint the surface with a neutral gray shade, such as City Slicker, to even out the color contrast before applying the topcoat.

Too little paint has been applied

Frenchic paints don't need to be thinned, and you don't need to skimp on the paint.

A generous, normal coat of paint covers better than an almost invisible brushstroke.

2. Brush marks remained visible

The most common cause is a painting environment that's too warm, combined with a coat of paint that's too thin.

When paint dries too quickly, it doesn't have time to level out before it dries.

This happens especially:

• in direct sunlight
• on hot days
• in overly warm indoor spaces without ventilation

Solution: Let the surface dry, sand it lightly until smooth, and apply a new coat in cooler conditions.

3. The paint started lifting with the brush and the surface began to roll up

This phenomenon is known as overworking.

This means painting the same spot over and over, even though the paint has already started to dry. The brush then lifts the paint back off the surface. 

Solution: Finish painting one area before moving on. 

The first coat doesn't need to look perfect. It's just the first chapter, not the whole book. So resist the urge to keep going back to touch up "just a little bit here and there," and let the paint level itself. Follow the drying times between coats. 

The second coat often works its magic.

4. Paint peels or chips in one spot

If the problem appears in just a few specific spots or only one spot, the paint usually isn't the cause.

The more likely culprit is:

• grease, oil, or wax
• dirt, rust, moss, mold
• silicone residue, paste, or glue
• inadequate sanding
• some other contaminant beneath the paint that prevents it from adhering
• repeated impacts or knocks
• the furniture or surface was put to use too soon

For example: Over the years, kitchen chair backs or stair handrails collect a surprising amount of grease from hands. You can't paint over it for a durable finish without thoroughly washing and cleaning the surface. 

Or if the family always tosses their key rings onto the same painted dresser, the paint will wear away and may chip in places from the impacts - you can try doing the same to a car's painted hood. Paint wears according to how much it is used. 

Solution: Wash the area thoroughly, roughen the surface, and repaint.

5. I applied just one coat

This is perhaps the most common shortcut.

And yes, the surface may already look good.

But...

Frenchic paints are designed to be applied in at least two coats.

Follow the instructions here too, and you'll get a beautiful finish, the shade intended by the manufacturer, full durability, and washability. 

The second coat improves:

• durability and washability
• coverage
• the correct shade
• an even surface

The first coat lays the foundation. The second coat finishes the job.

6. I started using the furniture too soon, right away

Even though the surface feels dry quickly, the paint continues to dry for 48 hours and to harden for about three weeks.

The first 48 hours are especially important. 

If, for example, you put the TV back on a freshly painted surface right away, its base will definitely leave marks in the soft paint. You can't put cushions on a freshly painted garden chair right away, as they prevent the paint from drying. Be careful with a painted floor, and it's a good idea to add pads to the feet of furniture. 

Solution: Let the surface rest undisturbed: at least 48 hours before using it carefully. After that, take care of the surface for another three weeks, during which the paintwork reaches its full hardness. 

Protect the paintwork in everyday use with felt pads for furniture, coasters, etc. 

7. Poor tools make life more difficult

A good brush or roller is more than just a nice accessory.

It directly affects how smooth the paint finish will be.

If the finish ended up uneven because of a poor-quality or dirty tool, light sanding and a fresh coat of paint will usually work wonders. 

8. Wear and tear leaves marks, and that’s completely normal

Dining tables, kitchen chairs, children’s bedroom furniture and hallway benches all see everyday use.

Use leaves its mark.

If you painted the surfaces because they were worn, they’ll probably continue to wear in the same spots with the same use. 

Repainting furniture that’s used every day is just as much a normal part of its life cycle as oiling a cutting board in the kitchen or treating a deck. 

Touching up small areas now and then is a sign that a piece of furniture is being put to real use. 

Frenchic paints come with built-in protective properties, but using a finishing coat is recommended when surfaces are subject to heavier-than-normal wear. Realistically assess how you use the item and choose extra protection for the paint finish with a finishing coat.

The best recipe for a successful result

Following a few basic guidelines greatly improves your chances of success.

✔ Wash and clean the surface thoroughly to remove grease and dirt before painting.

✔ Roughen the surface at a minimum, and sand it all over if needed.

✔ Stir the paint thoroughly before and during painting. 

✔ Apply at least two coats. 

✔ Let the coats dry according to the instructions.

✔ Let the surface dry thoroughly before using it gently.

If something went wrong, you’re not alone. Every year, we see thousands of successful projects, along with questions about situations where everything didn’t go quite according to plan.

Most of the time, the solution is a few small adjustments.

And sometimes the best result comes on the second try.

Find instructions for your painting project:

Looking for more detailed instructions for your specific project?

On the Frenchic website, you’ll find comprehensive guides to topics such as:

• painting kitchen cabinets
• painting wooden stairs
• painting tiles
• painting pine furniture
• painting garden furniture
• painting doors and trim
• painting walls
• as well as dozens of other painting projects.

A small tip to finish: sometimes the biggest mistake isn’t a failed paint job. It’s not doing the project at all. 🎨