Painting rather than replacing
About 31% of Baldock households have a mortgage and another 35% own outright. For owners staying put, a kitchen with good carcasses and a layout that works is worth keeping. New colour on the doors, end panels and plinths changes the room without disconnecting appliances or waiting for a fitter.
Graham looks at the doors first. Solid timber, painted wood and MDF can all be painted when prepared properly, and he'll be honest at the visit if your doors have a finish unlikely to hold paint.
Our method and finishes
Grease near the hob and around handles stops paint bonding, so we degrease thoroughly, then sand with Mirka dust-free sanders and prime with Zinsser. On long runs of flat doors the Graco Ultra cordless sprayer gives a brush-free coat, while in a small kitchen a brush and roller can be quicker once masking is counted.
Eggshell or satin woodwork paint from Tikkurila, Farrow & Ball or Dulux stands up to wiping. Timber worktops can be oiled with Osmo afterwards, as we did at the Old Telephone Exchange in Fulbourn.
Baldock at a glance
- 30 milesby road from our Landbeach base, about 40 minutesOSRM routing
- 66%of homes are owner-occupiedCensus 2021
- 31%of households own with a mortgageCensus 2021
- 31%were built 1983 to 1999VOA Council Tax stock
- 13%were built since 2000VOA Council Tax stock
- 79%are houses rather than flatsCensus 2021
How we approach kitchen cabinet painting
Handles and hinges come off and doors are labelled so each returns to its place. After degreasing, chips are filled and sanded flush, then primer and two top coats follow. Worktops, tiles, floors and appliances are masked before any paint is applied. We agree which runs are done when so you can still cook, and clear up every evening. The full method, products and FAQs are on our kitchen cabinet painting page.