There is something particularly satisfying about returning to a kitchen I have painted before. You become familiar with its details, appreciate the craftsmanship all over again and see how it has served the family over the years.
This project in Little Aston, Sutton Coldfield, involved a beautiful Mark Wilkinson kitchen that I had originally hand painted several years earlier in Arsenic Green.
When the owners decided it was time for a different colour, they employed another painter to carry out the work. Unfortunately, the result fell short of their expectations, and they contacted me to ask whether I could put things right.
They were understandably upset. Their much-loved bespoke kitchen now had a finish they were unhappy with, and they needed reassurance that it could be restored.
The kitchen following my original hand painting project, several years earlier. You can view it here.
Assessing the Previous Paintwork
On inspecting the kitchen, it was clear that this would involve considerably more than a straightforward colour change.
The recent paintwork needed extensive preparation before I could begin applying a new finish. Simply painting over it would have left the underlying problems in place. The red colour from the previous painter was alrady failing after only a few months
Although the appearance had suffered, the quality of the original cabinetry was still there. My task was to prepare it properly and bring the finish back to a standard that did justice to the furniture.
Taking the Time to Prepare It Properly
Preparation is the foundation of every kitchen I hand paint. On a project like this, it becomes an especially important part of the work and often a labour of love.
The reddish finish needed thorough attention, with extensive sanding and degreasing to create a suitable surface for repainting. It was a labour-intensive process, requiring patience around the shaped doors, mouldings and other details.
I use dust-extraction sanding equipment to help control dust during this type of preparation. It is a worthwhile investment when working inside someone’s home, particularly where there is a substantial amount of sanding to do.
Considerable preparation was needed before the new paint system could be applied.
My aim was to create a sound foundation for a carefully applied, consistent finish. After over 40 years in decorating, I know that the time spent at this stage makes a real difference to the completed work.
Choosing a Completely New Colour Scheme
Alongside restoring the paintwork, the clients wanted a fresh direction for the kitchen’s colour scheme.
Choosing colours involves more than looking at a paint chart. Natural daylight, artificial lighting, worktops and flooring all influence how a shade appears in the room. I helped the clients consider those elements together before settling on their choices.
The new scheme gave the kitchen a different feel while preserving the character of the Mark Wilkinson cabinetry.
This is one of the pleasures of working with well-made furniture. When the cabinetry remains sound and the layout still works, a change of colour can help it adapt to your taste for many years.
New Handles and Knobs Without Being Restricted by the Old Holes
The clients also chose new handles and knobs to complete the transformation.
When changing cabinet hardware, you do not necessarily have to find replacements with exactly the same fixing positions. As part of the preparation, I can fill existing holes and re-drill to suit the new fittings.
This opens up a much wider choice of styles and sizes, provided the hardware suits the proportions and construction of the doors and drawers.
Existing fixing holes can be filled during preparation, ready for new hardware.
Carefully chosen handles and knobs can make a surprising difference to a painted kitchen. They are finishing touches that you see and use every day, so it is worth taking the time to get them right.
Sourcing the Correct Mark Wilkinson Kitchen Hinges
The hinges needed particular attention.
This kitchen used a specific size and type of hinge that was not readily available from the usual hardware suppliers. Finding the correct replacement mattered, both for the fit of the doors and for coordinating with the new handles and knobs.
Fitting a different-sized hinge could have meant altering the existing recesses and carrying out additional joinery repairs. Fortunately, my recommended specialist ironmongery supplier, Slingers 1858, helped me source correctly sized replacements. These fitted the existing cut-outs and complemented the new cabinet hardware.
With the hinges, handles and knobs fitted, the cabinetry had a consistent finish throughout. It was a good reminder that the success of a kitchen repaint often depends on details beyond the paintwork itself.
Giving Bespoke Cabinetry the Care It Deserves
A Mark Wilkinson kitchen contains a great deal of craftsmanship. Its proportions, decorative details and construction are all part of what makes it special.
When repainting furniture of this quality, I believe it deserves the same care and attention that went into making it.
That means understanding the existing surfaces, selecting suitable products and working patiently through the preparation and finishing stages. It also means recognising when previous coatings need remedial work before the painting can move forward.
I take a hands-on approach to every kitchen I work on. There is real satisfaction in seeing the detail emerge again beneath a carefully applied finish, particularly when the owners had been worried about whether their kitchen could be put right.
A Much-Loved Kitchen Brought Back to Life
Once the painting was complete and the new hardware fitted, the kitchen had a fresh appearance while retaining all the character of the original cabinetry.
For the clients, the most important result was being able to enjoy their kitchen again. After the disappointment of the previous work, it was lovely to see them happy with the transformation.
They kindly left the following feedback:
After changing the colour of our kitchen again we chose Russ Pike Interiors ( whom we have used previously ) Outstanding work, professional, great advise, and best service . Great advise on choosing the correct colours due to sun light and lighting . Thank you again.
For me, returning to a kitchen I had painted years earlier made this project particularly rewarding. The quality furniture was still there; it needed careful preparation, a considered colour scheme and a properly applied finish to bring it back to its best.
Thinking About Repainting Your Kitchen?
If your existing wooden or painted kitchen is looking tired, no longer suits your taste or needs attention following disappointing work, I would be happy to discuss the possibilities.
At Russ Pike Interiors, I specialise in hand painting kitchens and bespoke cabinetry across Nottingham, Derbyshire, the East Midlands and undertake projects in Little Aston, Sutton Coldfield and the surrounding areas.
With over 40 years of decorating experience, I bring a personal approach and close attention to detail to every project.
Get in touch with me to discuss your kitchen and arrange a quotation.