This very nice kitchen was 25 years old and showing the normal signs of long term use.

The brief

Jim & Denise contacted me to discuss painting the units, to give them a new lease of life, as the oak kitchen had been well designed, built and installed, and was just too good to take out completely. As well as the kitchen, their table & chairs wanted some TLC. In addition to this, they wanted a complete redec of the kitchen and utility, so it was a good “transformation” project to get stuck into.

Having shown them the samples of colours and finish of the units, a colour was chosen to complement the wall tiles. There was a lone-standing unit in the kitchen, so we picked that out in a darker colour to the rest.

Preparation as usual the key

We started with a good wash and degrease using the Mirka Mirlon pads to clean off and provide a key at the same time.flat surfaces.

Once dry the lightest of rubbing down using the Mirka dustless system then a wipe down with a soaked rag in meths.

As the kitchen was oak, there can be problems with tanning which can bleed through water-borne paint. I opted for one coat of Otex primer, followed by two coats Empire, which is an oil based eggshell in a little green colour mixed by Holman’s.

It’s a little slower drying than Tikkurila Feelings, but just as good.

As for the furniture, as it was down to be stripped and lacquered, and the pieces were so intricate. I decided to get them done by a friend of mine who does this all the time in his workshop.

Once Jim & Denise saw the chairs they loved them. The table was given the same treatment, and with it changing colour, it now matched the new knobs on the units.

The room was re painted in a colour that toned with the units. I also carried out a cosmetic repair on some wall tiles and repaired a chip in the worktop.

All in all a lovely job in a lovely part of the beautiful Ribble Valley.