Turn yourself over to the dark side and be bang on-trend, you will. Deep charcoal grey with the me...Turn yourself over to the dark side and be bang on-trend, you will. Deep charcoal grey with the merest hint of a blue undertone steering it away from the ordinary. Sits well in a multitude of settings - adds drama to neutral settings or work it as a sophisticated alternative to black. Perfect for updating your kitchen, bathroom, front door or just about anywhere! It is a water based, durable, weatherproof, UV resistant chalk and mineral paint specifically developed to transform your garden or indoor furniture. It is incredibly versatile, eco-friendly, smooth, creamy and virtually odourless. Requiring simple preparation, it is self-levelling (meaning little to no brush marks), self-priming and self-sealing with excellent coverage. The Al Fresco Range has minimal VOC content and has gone through rigorous testing to be certified UKCA and EN71-3 compliant meaning it is safe to use on children’s toys. With a very low, almost flat finish, suitable for wood, laminate, UPVC and metal, it is a great choice for your kitchen, bathroom, front door or just about any type of garden furniture. Voted Best Paint Range – Garden & Exterior at Ideal Home Awards 2025. Weatherproof and hardwearing. Matte finish. Self-priming. Self-sealing. Water-based. Suitable for multipurpose paint for interior and exterior use. Recommended for furniture and woodwork. Laminate, powder-coated radiators, metal, uPVC, ceramic wall tiles (we recommend avoiding very wet areas like showers/bath surrounds), kitchen cupboards, front doors and interior wood and concrete floors. The Technical Stuff. Safe for use on children's toys - EN71-3 certified. Contains: Chalk, Clay, Titanium Dioxide, Resin, Talcum, Preservative. Coverage. A 750ml tin will provide a coat of up to 12.5m². For a durable finish, a minimum of 2 coats is required, so your 750ml tin should provide full coverage for 6m² on non-porous surfaces. Thinner application may affect durability. Porous surfaces will affect the rate of coverage and require additional coats. Always ensure you have enough paint for your whole project. When more than 1 tin of the same colour is needed, it is good practice to ensure batch numbers are identical or to intermix batches prior to commencing painting. We make every effort to match our online colour swatches to the paint, however, we cannot guarantee an exact colour replication as images can display differently due to screen types and device settings.
Frenchic Smudge Furniture Paint - Al Fresco Inside/Outside Range (750Ml, )Free delivery in 1–3 days£28.95Visit shop →
Product Information
Full details
This Frenchic Al Fresco Multipurpose Paint in Smudge Grey is ideal for DIY enthusiasts and professionals seeking a versatile, hardwearing solution for both indoor and outdoor projects. Its key benefit lies in its all-in-one self-priming and self-sealing properties, delivering a durable matte finish on a wide range of surfaces. A key consideration is the requirement for a minimum of two coats to achieve optimal durability and coverage, particularly on porous surfaces.
All features
Colour
Grey
Brand
Frenchic
Extended Product Information
FAQs
Can this paint be used outdoors?
Yes, Frenchic Al Fresco paint is designed for both indoor and outdoor use and offers a weatherproof finish.
Is it safe to use on children's toys?
Yes, this paint is EN71-3 certified, making it safe for use on children's toys.
How many coats do I need to apply?
A minimum of two coats is required for a durable finish and full coverage. Porous surfaces may require additional coats.
What kind of surfaces can I paint with it?
It is suitable for furniture, woodwork, laminate, powder-coated radiators, metal, uPVC, ceramic wall tiles (avoid very wet areas), kitchen cupboards, front doors, and interior wood and concrete floors.
What is the coverage of a 750ml tin?
A 750ml tin provides a coat of up to 12.5m². For full coverage with two coats on non-porous surfaces, it should cover approximately 6m².
Do I need to prime or seal the surface first?
No, this paint is self-priming and self-sealing, which simplifies the painting process.
Troubleshooting
Paint isn't covering well or looks patchy
Ensure the surface is clean and not overly porous. A minimum of two coats is required for optimal coverage and durability. For very porous surfaces, more than two coats may be needed.
Paint finish appears less durable than expected
Ensure you have applied a minimum of two coats. Avoid thinning the paint too much, as thinner application can affect durability. Allow adequate drying and curing time between coats and before heavy use.
Color appears inconsistent when using multiple tins
If you are using more than one tin of the same color, it is good practice to ensure batch numbers are identical. If they are not, intermix all tins prior to commencing painting to achieve a uniform color.
Paint is not adhering properly
Ensure the surface was thoroughly cleaned and degreased before application. For very glossy or difficult surfaces, a light scuff sand can improve adhesion, even though the paint is self-priming.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Highly versatile for indoor and outdoor use
Durable, weatherproof, and hardwearing finish
Convenient self-priming and self-sealing properties
Water-based for easy clean-up
Certified safe for children's toys
Suitable for a wide variety of surfaces including challenging ones like uPVC and laminate
Cons
Requires a minimum of two coats for optimal durability
Thinner application can compromise durability
Coverage rate is significantly reduced on porous surfaces
Not recommended for very wet areas like shower interiors
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Surface Preparation
Clean: Ensure surfaces are clean, dry, and free from dirt, dust, grease, wax, or flaking paint. Use a suitable degreaser or cleaner if necessary.
Light Sanding (Optional but Recommended for Glossy Surfaces): For very shiny or non-porous surfaces like laminate or uPVC, a light scuff sand can help with adhesion, though the paint is self-priming.
Repair: Fill any cracks or holes and allow to dry thoroughly before painting.
Application
Stir Well: Before and during use, stir the paint thoroughly to ensure an even consistency and color.
Apply Coats: Apply a thin, even first coat.
Drying Time: Allow sufficient drying time between coats. > Info needed: [specific recoat time]
Second Coat: Apply a second coat. A minimum of two coats is required for durability and full coverage. For porous surfaces, additional coats may be necessary.
Curing Time: The paint will be touch dry quickly, but full hardness and durability develop over time. > Info needed: [full cure time]
Compatibility
Suitable Surfaces: Furniture, woodwork, laminate, powder-coated radiators, metal, uPVC, ceramic wall tiles (avoid very wet areas like showers/bath surrounds), kitchen cupboards, front doors, interior wood and concrete floors.
Not Recommended For: Very wet areas such as inside showers or bath surrounds, unprimed rusty metal (pre-treat rust first).
Care & Maintenance
Cleaning: Once fully cured, the painted surface can be wiped clean with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or harsh scrubbing.
Durability: While hardwearing, extreme impacts or sharp objects can still damage the finish.
Storage: Store the tin in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Ensure the lid is tightly sealed to prevent drying out.