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FAQs

Eco paint advice

Please find below our most asked FAQs. If we haven’t answered yours before you start your paint projects then please just get in touch for any paint advice.

WHERE CAN I BUY ECO PAINT IN LONDON UK?

Francesca’s Paints, based in the Clapham / Battersea of London. We supply a complete range of high quality eco friendly paint including Eco Emulsion and Lime Wash, and traditional paints in over 230+ colours.

ARE YOU A SHOP AND WHEN ARE YOU OPEN?

We are a working studio rather than a retail store. You are more than welcome to come and visit. We just ask that you call or email ahead, to make sure that there is someone here to help you. Our opening times are Monday-Thursday 10am-5pm.

WHAT IS ECO PAINT?

Eco paints are free from solvents and all their components. They are plastic free and do not contain any microplastic. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE LIME WASH AND THE ECO EMULSION ARE THE ONLY PAINTS THAT CAN BE CONSIDERED ECO PAINTS in our range.
The Eco Emulsion and Lime Wash are sourced from Italy and coloured with a mix of just 12 mineral, organic and synthetic pigments. All our other paints are traditional paints, they can be acrylic and vinyl base, so they are not considered ecological as such, however they do have a low VOC count.

WHAT ARE VOCS?

Volatile Organic Compounds have a high vapour pressure and low water solubility, meaning when the paint dries it emits all the toxicity. Francesca’s ECO Emulsion and Lime Wash both have very low VOC counts – the VOC of our eco emulsion is just 0.6g/litre. The other paints have a vinyl or acrylic base, they are water-based but not breathable. However, they have a low VOC count. Our pigments are VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) free.

IS ECO PAINT MORE EXPENSIVE? ARE ECO PAINTS WORTH IT?

Eco paint can be more expensive because it is made with natural ingredients. Eco paint has a low impact on health and environmental issues due to low VOC contents. Eco paints are usually free of plastic and are non toxic.

WHY USE BREATHABLE PAINT?

Eco paints differ because they are plastic free which allows the wall to breathe, meaning moisture is able to pass through so it is not trapped within the wall. Francesca’s Eco Emulsion and Francesca’s Limewash are both breathable.

ARE ECO PAINTS FOR NURSERIES?

Yes, eco paints are good for nurseries and other children’s areas because they have a low VOC count and are less toxic. However, the paint does not have the same characteristics as plastic paint meaning it cannot be touched up or scrubbed.

IS THERE A LARGE RANGE OF COLOURS IN ECO PAINTS?

Yes, Francesca’s Paints produce an extensive range of eco friendly paints and traditional paints in over 230+ colours.

ARE ECO PAINTS LONG-LASTING?

Yes, eco paints are long lasting. They are more delicate than vinyl/plastic paints because they are not washable, but they retain their pigmentation well and last a long time.

CAN I GET EMULSION IN ECO PAINT?

Francesca’s Eco Emulsion is the most ecological of our emulsions. It is a water based emulsion paint with an SD value of 0.003 making it completely breathable. Breathability in paint is essential as it allows the passage of moisture, preventing walls from bubbling up. Francesca’s Eco Emulsion Paint is free from solvent and their components; glycol and microplastic. The VOC of our eco emulsion is 0.6g/litre.

CAN I GET GLOSS IN ECO PAINT?

Francesca’s Paints supply an acrylic (water based) Gloss Paint, with a low VOC count. It is a top quality high gloss finish for wood and metal surfaces, INTERNAL USE ONLY. It comes in all our colours. Please note that it is not considered an eco paint as such due to its acrylic base.

CAN I GET OIL BASED PAINTS FROM FRANCESCA’S?

Yes, there are three products: Francesca’s Eggshell is a high quality oil-based satin sheen finish for woodwork and metal, suitable for internal and external use. Francesca’s Oil Gloss (same characteristics as eggshell) and Francesca’s Flat Oil which is a traditional matt finish formulated for interior use and produces a durable, smooth matt even finish. They all come in 230+ colours.

IS YOUR PAINT WIPEABLE, WASHABLE AND SCRUBBABLE?

Please see the individual product page for full information.

HOW DO I APPLY FRANCESCA’S PAINT?

Please see the individual product page for full information.