When it comes to your bespoke kitchen, the choice of colours and finishes is endless. Whether you prefer natural wood colours with a lacquer, a shade to match your colour scheme, or bold paint to brighten up the room, the hand-painted kitchen continues to grow in popularity.
But not all painted finishes are equal. This blog is about what separates a properly hand-painted kitchen from a poor one, and why it is a specialist job rather than a weekend project. For the paint brands and colour ranges we work with, see our fuller guide to hand-painted handmade kitchens.
A Good Hand-Painted Finish at a Glance
A good hand-painted finish is smooth and even, with no visible brush marks, gaps, joints or patchy areas, and it holds its colour for years without fading or yellowing. Achieving that depends on three things: preparation, the quality of the paint, and understanding curing times so each coat is properly hardened before the next goes on. It is skilled work, which is why a DIY attempt so often disappoints, and it is also why a hand-painted kitchen can be touched up or completely repainted later, where a factory-sprayed finish generally cannot.
Why hand painting is a skilled job
Many people choose to paint their own kitchen and are left disappointed with the result. Although it may look easy, painting requires skill and knowledge, and a smooth, even finish depends on getting the preparation right before any paint is applied. At Handmade Kitchen Company we are highly skilled painters with many years of experience, and we give your finished kitchen a quality touch of colour that brings it to life.
A smooth and perfect finish requires patience, skill, a steady hand and care. We pride ourselves on our understanding of colour charts and, just as importantly, of curing times, which is what allows each coat to harden properly and gives the finished kitchen its durability.
The misconception about hand-painted kitchens
A common misconception about a hand-painted kitchen is that the quality is lower than a sprayed finish. In fact the opposite is true when the work is done properly. Hand-painted kitchens are finished with care and attention, and we inspect every inch so there are no imperfections, no visible gaps or joints and no uneven patches. That perfection and attention to detail is exactly what makes a hand-painted kitchen a high quality, luxury finish.
Some companies simply do not take the time to attend to the small details, and even minor imperfections can leave you frustrated with the result.
Colour choice and paint quality
Undoubtedly the most popular aspect of a hand-painted kitchen is complete choice. You have a countless range of colours and shades, which can be bold, bright, pastel or mixed to almost any colour you can imagine, and all are available in matt, gloss or semi-gloss.
Our paint choices are the best quality available, and we avoid strong solvent paints so you can enjoy using your kitchen without a smell lingering for days. We only use paint that will last and retain its colour for years, without fading or yellowing over time. A kitchen painted by Handmade Kitchen Company will match your colour scheme and is made to stand the test of time.
Hand-Painted Kitchen Finish FAQs
Can you hand paint a kitchen yourself?
You can, but the finish is the hard part. Most of the work is in the preparation, and getting a smooth, even coat with no brush marks takes practice. Curing time also matters, because applying the next coat too early is one of the most common reasons a home-painted kitchen fails to last.
Is hand-painted better than a sprayed finish?
Each has merits, but a hand-painted finish can be touched up or fully repainted in future, which a factory-sprayed finish generally cannot. It also gives you any colour you like rather than a set range. Done properly, hand painting produces a smooth, even finish with real depth of colour.
Will a hand-painted kitchen chip or yellow over time?
Not if the right paint is used and it is applied correctly. We use paints chosen for colour retention so the finish does not fade or yellow, and because the surface can be touched up, any knocks picked up over the years can be made good rather than lived with.
Can you repaint a hand-painted kitchen in a different colour?
Yes, and it is one of the real advantages of the finish. The cabinetry can be prepared and repainted in a new colour, which means you can change the look of the room substantially without replacing any of the furniture.
Where does Handmade Kitchen Company hand paint kitchens?
We design, hand-build and hand-paint bespoke kitchens from our workshop in Hertfordshire, for clients across Essex, Hertfordshire and North London.
For colour inspiration, see our guides to Farrow & Ball neutrals and Little Greene greys.
Viewing a kitchen by Handmade Kitchen Company is the only way to truly appreciate the craftsmanship. To see our hand-painted kitchens in their full beauty, come and visit our showroom, where we will be happy to show you our latest work. If you would like any more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
