I was invited to hand paint this kitchen in Wolvey, a village not far from Hinckley in Warwickshire. The kitchen had received some recent modifications and as part of the upgrade and with this, the old glass fronted dresser would be updated for a modern, multifunctional Butlers Pantry. This was quite a large bespoke wooden kitchen with a central island, walk through utility and some large wooden cabinet doors in the front entrance, reception area used for additional storage.
There was wine cooler integrated into the island which was removed and replaced with drawers. The existing black granite worktops would be replaced with white, grey veined quartz stone tops. There was also a large wooden mantle surround above the Aga, which would also be hand painted to match the island and butlers pantry, with a lighter contrasting colour to the remaining, main kitchen cabinets, utility room and large storage cabinets to the entrance area. The existing cabinet hardware would be replaced with some new chrome cup handles to the drawer fronts and door pull knobs on the doors. These were from Armac Martin, and would add a touch more class over the hand painted finish.
The makeover work for the painting began and after I had removed all the doors and drawers, the usual prep started by cleaning down and degreasing all surfaces to be painted. This removes any residue and provides a good key for the primer to adhere properly. This process can take anything from 1 to 2 days, depending on the size and detail of the kitchen. However, it wasn’t until I started priming the cornice to the top of the units, that I realised who ever fitted the cornice originally had done so with the use of silicone sealant. It was everywhere!
If you are considering having your existing kitchen painted or are having a new one installed and its going to be painted… please ensure the trades doing it, DO NOT use silicone sealant where paint will be applied. It is a kitchen painters nightmare and I see it so many times! Paint does not stick to silicone sealant.
It cost me a full day in labour to remove that silicone from all the cornice and various other areas. Lots of tedious cutting with a Stanley knife, scraping, sanding and silicone remover. I then had to reprime and go over all the gaps using an acrylic decorators caulk. Okay, rant over!
Painting the oak kitchen cabinets
Now that all the oak surfaces are prepped and ready for primer. Any areas that have broken down and worn or where the original lacquer has worn, were primed with a shellac based primer to stop any tannings coming through to the new paint work. Following that, there was a full coat of high adhesion primer applied to all surfaces being painted.
A solid wooden kitchen that has been hand painted will last for many years to come, provided the correct procedures and products for the job in hand are used. The products I use are not the same for each and every job and the specification I choose will depend on the substrate, the age and condition of the kitchen and the environment. The top coats paints I used for this particular project were a waterborne acrylic enamel. These are durable and hard wearing but flat in sheen level and quite subtle.
One of the key advantages of hand-painted cabinets over spray-painted doors is the texture and depth that brushstrokes provide. Spray-painted finishes may look uniform and polished, but they often lack the richness and subtle variations that only a skilled painter can achieve with a brush.
Once all the painting is completed, its time to re-fit all of the doors and drawers, the fit the new cabinet handles and pull knobs. All the doors are also checked for alignment and adjusted if necessary.
When it comes to creating a truly unique kitchen, hand-painted cabinets bring warmth, character, and craftsmanship into the heart of your home. With a steady hand and an eye for detail, I will transform standard kitchen cabinets into one-of-a-kind pieces, ensuring each brushstroke adds to a unique finish. For homeowners who want a kitchen that stands out, hand-painted cabinetry offers an artisanal touch that simply can’t be achieved with factory-made finishes.
Additionally, hand-painted kitchens offer greater flexibility and control over colour and finish. Unlike spray-painted finishes, which are often limited to pre-selected shades, hand painting allows for a tailored approach, making it easier to create a look that aligns perfectly with a homeowner’s vision. Whether you’re aiming for a modern look with sharp contrasts or a classic, cosy kitchen with earthy tones, I can help you achieve the exact shade and finish you want. This flexibility, combined with the quality and durability of hand-painted cabinets, makes them a lasting choice for those who want a kitchen that’s both functional and full of personality.
Russ Pike Interiors, have been hand painting luxury bespoke kitchens, bespoke cabinetry and rejuvenating existing wood kitchens for many years. I understand the correct process required for each different job. With the knowledge, experience to provide you with the highest quality paint finishes for your kitchen project.
If you would like to Get in Touch, will would be happy to discuss with you, your painted kitchen project and provide you with a cost.