Frequently asked Questions

Our Process, Standards & What To Expect

Do we clean the kitchen?

Yes. We thoroughly clean and degrease all surfaces that are being painted before any sanding or priming begins. 

We use a specialist degreaser to remove grease, residue and other contaminants 

that could affect paint adhesion and the final finish.

Do we sand?

Yes. We sand all cabinet doors, drawer fronts and painted framework as part of our preparation process.

We use a professional dustless sanding system, which captures sanding dust at the source and prevents it from circulating throughout your home.

We also hand-sand between coats to de-nib the surface and remove any small imperfections before the next coat is applied.

Thorough sanding is an essential part of our preparation and helps ensure the primer and paint adhere correctly.

Do we prime?

Yes, we prime all surfaces before painting. We apply two coats of specialist primer, selected to 

suit the existing surface and ensure strong adhesion and long-term performance.

 Between primer coats, we carry out any necessary filling, caulking and hand-sanding  to address gaps 

and small imperfections before applying your chosen colour.

How many topcoats are applied?

 We apply a minimum of two cabinet enamel topcoats. 

Some colours may require additional coats to achieve full, even coverage and the correct depth of colour. 

What paint products do we use?

 We use professional products specifically designed for hand-painted cabinetry.

The primer is selected according to the existing surface and what it requires, whether that is adhesion, stain blocking or sealing. 

We then apply a specialist water-based cabinet enamel designed for high-use areas.

These products are chosen for their durability and suitability for everyday use, and are widely used 

throughout our industry by professional cabinet makers and kitchen designers.

 We select the appropriate primer and paint system for each individual project rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

Will the paint chip?

The premium enamel system we use cures to form an exceptionally tough, hard-wearing surface designed 

to withstand everyday kitchen use. Our preparation and priming process ensures excellent adhesion and long-term durability.

 As part of our finishing system, we install discreet rubber buffers to the backs of cupboard doors and drawers.

 These prevent contact with the cabinet framework and protect the finish during curing and ongoing use. 

At completion, we re-pot and reseal any leftover paint for you and provide a detailed Aftercare Guide 

outlining how to care for your cabinetry while the paint fully cures.

We stand firmly behind the quality of our work and are always available should you ever need assistance.

Is the paint wipeable?

 Yes. Once fully cured, the cabinet enamel can be wiped clean with a soft cloth and warm soapy water.

We recommend avoiding harsh or abrasive cleaning products, as these can affect the painted finish.

Wax-based polishes and furniture sprays should also be avoided. 

Your cabinetry is now a painted surface and does not require any wax, polish or additional protective product.

We provide a detailed Aftercare Guide on completion, including advice on cleaning

 and caring  for your cabinetry while the paint fully cures and beyond.

Can I choose my finish?

Yes, you can choose from:

Matt - 8% sheen

Satin - 40% sheen

Can I choose from other colour palettes?

 Absolutely. While we love the Farrow & Ball palette, we can colour-match to colours from other brands too, 

giving you plenty of flexibility when choosing the right shade for your cabinetry. 

Will I have help with colour choice?

Choosing the right colour is one of the most important parts of the process, and we are always happy to guide you.

We strongly recommend ordering a Farrow & Ball colour fan if you are unsure.

 The fan provides much larger and more accurate colour samples than standard in-store cards,

allowing you to properly view tones in your own lighting and space.

If you find shades you love, send them over to us. We can share examples of previous kitchens where those colours

have been used, and we can also create mock-up images of your own kitchen to help you visualise how the final result will look.

Our goal is to ensure you feel completely confident in your colour choice before we begin.

Choosing Your Kitchen Colour

 Choosing the perfect colour for your kitchen is one of the most exciting parts of the process.

However, it’s important to remember that paint colours can look very different 

depending on both the paint product and the surface they’re sampled on. 

Sample Pots

Many paint brands, including Farrow & Ball and Little Greene, only supply their sample pots in an emulsion finish.

These are designed for walls rather than cabinetry, so the colour can appear quite different from the cabinet paint that will be used on your kitchen.

For a much more accurate idea of your chosen colour, we recommend visiting your local Paintwell store

 and asking them to colour-match your chosen shade into a 450ml tin of Tikkurila Everal in your preferred finish:

Matt – approximately 8% sheen
Satin – approximately 40% sheen

Sampling your chosen colour in a similar paint and finish to the one that will be used on your kitchen

 will give you a much better indication of the final result.

Although your kitchen will be painted using Tikkurila Intact, this product isn’t available in sample pots.

 For this reason, we recommend sampling in Tikkurila Everal, which is from the same Tikkurila paint system and provides the closest practical representation of the final colour and finish.

The Surface You Sample On Matters

The surface and base colour underneath your sample can affect how the colour appears, particularly with deeper shades.

When we paint your kitchen, the primer is selected and tinted to suit the chosen colour. 

For example, a deep shade such as Studio Green would be applied over a darker-toned primer rather than a bright white base.

If a dark colour is sampled directly onto white card or a white cabinet door, it can appear

 brighter or less representative of the finished result, especially before full coverage is achieved.

For this reason, we recommend sampling onto a background that is closer to the primer tone that will be used:

Light colours – white card
Mid-tone colours – mid-grey card
Dark colours – dark grey card

Always apply enough coats to achieve full coverage, then view the sample in both natural daylight and artificial 

lighting and move it around your kitchen throughout the day.

When do you need my colour choice?

 We ask for your final colour and finish to be confirmed by the Tuesday before your scheduled start date. 

 What if my cabinets have de-laminated? 

 De-lamination is where the vinyl or laminate covering begins to lift, bubble or peel away from the MDF underneath.

 This is quite common on older kitchen doors, particularly around areas exposed to heat and moisture.

Where de-lamination is present, we use controlled heat to carefully remove the laminate from all cabinet doors and drawer fronts,

 not just the areas that have failed. This allows us to create a consistent surface and achieve the same painted finish throughout the kitchen.

The exposed MDF is then carefully prepared and dustless-sanded before the appropriate primer system is applied,

 followed by the finishing coats.

We also remove and dispose of the old laminate as part of the process.

Can we change the handles?

 Yes. You’re welcome to supply your own new handles, and we’ll fit them at no additional cost as part of the project.

If the new handles require different fixing points, we fill the existing holes using a professional two-part filler,

 sand them smooth and drill new fixing points to suit your chosen handles.

Do I have to empty my kitchen?

No. We only ask that you clear surfaces, drawers and all glass-fronted cabinets, as we paint the internal framework.

Can I use my kitchen during work?

 Your kitchen won’t be fully functional during the working day, so you may not have access to 

the oven or hob and may not be able to cook hot meals while we’re working.

At the end of each day, we leave the kitchen tidy and usable so you can continue to use it in the evening.

We just ask that you take a little extra care around freshly painted areas, particularly around the sink.

How do you protect my floors and worktops?

 We use hard-surface floor protection and worktop protectors, which remain in place throughout the project.

 We avoid traditional dust sheets, as they can trap particles and release dust when moved. 

Do I need to be home?

No. We simply ask that someone is present on the first morning so we can meet with you and discuss the project before work begins. 

After that, we’re happy to work independently, so there’s no need for you to remain at home throughout the project.

For your peace of mind, Daniel is fully DBS checked, and his certificate is available upon request.

Hand-painted or sprayed?

Both hand painting and spraying are established methods of finishing kitchen cabinetry, and both have their place.

 They simply create two different styles of finish. We specialise exclusively in bespoke hand-painted kitchens and cabinetry. 

Hand painting is a detailed and time-intensive process, but it allows us to work carefully with the individual mouldings, features and details of each kitchen, and no two kitchens are approached in exactly the same way.

Each layer is carefully applied and laid off by hand, creating a crafted, detailed finish rather than a factory-style appearance.

For us, the appeal of hand painting lies in the craftsmanship behind the finish.

Our Experience

 Daniel has over 13 years of professional painting experience, originally starting

 out hand-painting furniture before going on to specialise in kitchens and cabinetry.

Over more than a decade, he has continually developed his skills and knowledge, completing specialist training in both

 professional spray application and surface finishing, while refining the hand-painting techniques and systems we use today.

We continue to keep up with new products, techniques and developments within the industry, 

and Daniel is also contracted to carry out specialist hand-painting work for bespoke cabinetry makers.

Is there a guarantee?

Yes. We firmly stand behind the quality of our workmanship and the professional paint system we use.

Our cabinetry paints are specifically designed for high-use surfaces and are widely used within the

professional kitchen and cabinetry industry. 

Once fully cured, they form a hard-wearing finish suitable for the demands of everyday kitchen life.

We also offer a complimentary touch-up service should an issue with our workmanship arise,

 giving you added peace of mind long after your kitchen has been completed.

Can I repaint my kitchen in the future?

 Absolutely. The beauty of paint is its flexibility.

 A hand-painted kitchen can be refreshed or completely changed in the future if you want to change the feel of the space. 

What other services do you offer?

Alongside kitchens and cabinetry, we also hand-paint utility rooms, boot rooms, pantries, fitted bedroom furniture and media walls. 

We can also paint tiles, walls and woodwork, and sand and re-oil wooden worktops.

 If you have another project in mind, please feel free to get in touch and we’ll be happy to let you know if it’s something we can help with.