How Do I Create the Drama Llama hack on the Staircase?

Category: FAQ

“How Do I Create the Drama Llama
hack on the Staircase? "

Abi Hugo

Neutrals Stylist

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Question

How Can I Update My Faux Wood Stairs Using Frenchic’s Drama Llama hack?

Answer

A few years ago, I gave my staircase a full faux wood makeover using Frenchic’s classic Browning Wax hack. At the time it was the closest thing we had to creating that warm, rustic timber look on a budget, and honestly, it worked beautifully. But Browning Wax was never designed for high-traffic areas like stairs. It can fade over time, especially when you’ve got kids, pets and a house that never really sits still.

Now that Frenchic have brought out the shade Drama Llama in the Al Fresco range, we finally have something even better, a warm, woody depth in a paint finish that’s durable enough for everyday life. So, this week I finally decided to upgrade the staircase and give it the long-lasting glow-up it deserved.

Here’s the full process, the exact products I used, and how you can recreate this faux wood look at home with zero wax and no sealer needed.

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Step One: Clean and Prep

I gave everything a quick once over, using Frenchic’s concentrated Sugar Soap mix with some warm water. This removes any grease, fingerprints and everyday grime that might stop the paint from sticking properly.

After cleaning, a scuff sand helps create texture for the base coat to grip onto. You don’t need to sand back to bare wood, just enough to take the sheen off. Wipe away the dust and you’re ready for paint.

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Step Two: Base Coat in Crème de la Crème

For any faux wood finish you need a lighter base to act as your “grain”. I used Crème de la Crème from the Al Fresco range. It’s a soft, creamy neutral that sits beautifully underneath warmer browns.

Apply one (or two depending on your preference) even coats using Frenchic’s Oval Brush. It doesn’t need to be perfect. This layer is here to give that subtle highlight that shows through later once the wood grain effect goes on top.

Let this coat fully dry before moving to the fun part.

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Step Two: Base Coat in Crème de la Crème

For any faux wood finish you need a lighter base to act as your “grain”. I used Crème de la Crème from the Al Fresco range. It’s a soft, creamy neutral that sits beautifully underneath warmer browns.

Apply one (or two depending on your preference) even coats using Frenchic’s Oval Brush. It doesn’t need to be perfect. This layer is here to give that subtle highlight that shows through later once the wood grain effect goes on top.

Let this coat fully dry before moving to the fun part.

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Step Three: Mix Your Drama Llama Layer

This is where the magic really happens.

In a small tub, mix Drama Llama Al Fresco with Frenchic Finishing Coat until you get a single cream consistency. Roughly 30% Drama Llama to 70% Finishing Coat. The Finishing Coat thins the paint and gives it enough glide to pull soft, natural grain lines. Too thick and it’ll drag, too runny and it’ll look washed out. Aim for the consistency of thin yoghurt or single cream.

Stir well so the mixture is completely smooth.

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Step Four: Brush On the Colour

Using Frenchic’s Medium Oval Brush, apply your Drama Llama mix directly over the dry base coat. Don’t panic if it looks heavy or streaky at first, that’s exactly what you want. This layer will be blended into faux wood in the next step.

Work in small sections so the paint doesn’t start drying before you blend it.

Step Four: Brush On the Colour

Using Frenchic’s Medium Oval Brush, apply your Drama Llama mix directly over the dry base coat. Don’t panic if it looks heavy or streaky at first… that’s exactly what you want. This layer will be blended into faux wood in the next step.

Work in small sections so the paint doesn’t start drying before you blend it.

Step Five: Blend the Wood Grain

Now grab Frenchic’s brilliant Blending Brush and gently pull the bristles through the wet paint in long, smooth strokes. This creates that gorgeous faux wood texture instantly. You can keep the strokes straight for a contemporary look, or softly curve them to mimic natural grain patterns.

The trick is to keep your hand light and let the brush do the work. Don’t overthink it. If a patch looks too heavy, go back over it with a clean blending brush to soften it.

This stage honestly transforms the whole space. The warmth, the depth, it’s unbelievably satisfying.

Because the mix already contains Finishing Coat, the surface has built in durability. That means no waxing, no varnishing and no extra steps. Just let it dry and enjoy the finish. Treat gently for the first three weeks while it initially cures.

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The Final Look

The transformation is subtle but so effective. The stairs feel warmer, the grain effect looks rich without being shouty and the whole space has that cosy, characterful feel I love.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to add warmth to your home, this technique is perfect. And now that Frenchic have shades like Drama Llama, you can create a wood-look finish that actually lasts.
Grab a brush lovely, you’ll love this one.

So you, can see the Drama Llama hack side by side with the Browning Wax hack, I’ve painted the newel post and bannisters with the Drama Llama hack and left the stringer (horizontal part of the staircase) in the Browning Wax hack.

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