Long weekends and Bank Holidays are the perfect time to tackle those decorating projects you’ve been dreaming about. But let’s be honest – when your time is limited, a little preparation can make all the difference.
Whether you’re transforming furniture, giving your walls a fresh lick of paint or sprucing up the garden, a bit of forward thinking means you can spend less time faffing and more time enjoying that lovely, rewarding feeling of a job well done.
Here’s our guide to making the most of every minute – your time-saving toolkit for painting with ease.
Prep like a pro
Good prep is key to a beautiful finish – and it doesn’t need to eat up your entire weekend. If you’ve got a few spare moments ahead of time through the week, use them wisely:
- Clean and lightly sand any surfaces (if needed)
- Make sure everything’s dust-free
- Lay down dust sheets or masking tape
You’ll thank yourself when the weekend rolls around and all you need to do is open your tin, grab your brush and get stuck into the fun part.
Got furniture with a waxed or glossy finish? A light sand to roughen the surface will give it a key and help with adhesion. If you’re painting bare MDF, a quick once over with Frenchic Finishing Coat will seal it and prevent the paint from soaking into the MDF too much.
Factor in drying time
Frenchic’s water-based paints are designed to dry faster than traditional oil-based options, but it’s still wise to plan for a little waiting time between coats. Most projects need two or more layers, so make sure your schedule allows for that.
Depending on the range and conditions, a coat may be touch dry in under an hour – but we always recommend leaving a few hours between coats for best results.
Tip: if you’re using the Original Artisan Range, don’t forget it’s a traditional-style paint that requires sealing with wax or topcoat, which also needs some curing time. Great things come to those who wait!
Choose time-saving paints
One of the easiest ways to speed things up? Choose a paint that does more with less. Frenchic’s self-priming and self-sealing paints are perfect for time-pressed decorators. Skip the faff of separate primers and topcoats – our Chalk Wall Paint, Al Fresco Range, Lazy Range and Trim Paint all have you covered.
Painting kitchen cupboards? The Lazy Range is your go-to, with its unique wax-infused formula that levels beautifully and seals itself as it dries.
Working on skirting boards or doors? Trim Paint offers a lovely satin sheen with high scuff-resistance, no separate primer required.
Want a quick garden refresh? Al Fresco gives a weatherproof, UV-resistant finish with minimal prep – and looks stunning indoors, too!
Plan your palette with swatches
There’s nothing worse than being ready to paint, but not quite sure which colour to choose. Save time and avoid indecision by testing your favourite shades in advance. Order some of our handy peel and stick paint samples, and try them out in different lights and times of day. Whether you’re after the moody elegance of Blackjack or the fresh energy of Wise Old Sage, seeing the colours in your own space will help you commit with confidence.
Plus, having your chosen paint already on hand means no last-minute dashes to the shop – or waiting around for delivery.
Keep an eye on the weather
We all dream of a golden Bank Holiday weekend. But in true British fashion, the forecast doesn’t always cooperate.
If it’s set to rain, why not turn your focus indoors? Our Chalk Wall Paint is scrubbable and ultra-matte, perfect for giving your living room or hallway a quick and satisfying glow-up. Or turn your attention to that bedside table you’ve been meaning to restyle – a couple of coats of Lazy Range and it’s back to its best.
Whatever the weather, there’s always a project waiting to be brought to life. And with a little planning, you’ll be ready to make it happen.
Related reading: What Weather & Conditions Are OK for Painting?
Get painting, the Frenchic way
With some clever prep, a great paint choice and a bit of forethought, your weekend painting project can be smoother, faster and infinitely more fun. And don’t forget – whether you’re revamping a whole room or refreshing a single piece, you’re never alone. The Frenchic family is here to help every step of the way.
Why not pop into your local Frenchic stockist to explore the full range of colours and finishes? From tester tins to time-saving formulas, everything you need is waiting – so you can get stuck in with confidence and creativity.
