Mark James | Handcrafted Kitchens and Furniture
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    • Chatwall >
      • Wood Grained Shaker
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      • Smooth Shaker
    • Shardlow >
      • Flat panel
    • Kegworth >
      • Two Tone Shaker
    • Limekiln >
      • Feelwood Rift
  • Special Works
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    • Bedrooms
    • Living Room Furniture & Library
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  • Our Services
    • Workshop Consultation - What to Expect
    • Every Step of the Way
    • The Finish
    • Our Agreement​ - Payment Terms
    • Our Guarantee
    • Meet the team
    • Our Ethos
    • How it's Made
    • Testimonials
  • Contact

​The Finish
Crafted with care - Built to Endure 
​

​The finish isn’t just a final step, it’s where craftsmanship meets character. From classic hand-painted techniques to smooth modern spray applications, we offer a choice of finishes tailored to your style, your space, and the way you live.

Preparation is Everything  Whether hand-painted or spray-finished, the foundation of every beautiful result is the same: meticulous surface preparation. Each component is sanded through multiple stages, from machine-level grit (120–240) to detailed hand-finishing (up to 400 grit), using professional-grade Festool tools and techniques. It’s this attention to detail that gives our finishes their lasting smoothness and depth.

Spray Finish – Sleek & Contemporary  To meet the growing demand for seamless, modern finishes, we’ve invested in professional-grade spray equipment. Our two-pack spray system delivers:
  • A smooth, uniform appearance
  • Fast drying and efficiency
  • Exceptional durability in busy homes
  • A clean, contemporary look for kitchens and built-in cabinetry
While robust, spray finishes are more difficult to touch up if damaged, any repair will usually require a return to the workshop.

Hand-Painted Finish – Time-Honoured and Timeless  We proudly continue the tradition of hand-painted finishes, now using eco-conscious water-based paints. This approach offers:
  • A softly textured, brush-applied surface
  • Deeper colour variation and natural character
  • Simple in-home touch-up if needed
  • A classic look loved by many of our traditional bespoke clients
It takes a little longer and is slightly more labour intensive, but the result is rich with charm and easier to maintain over time.


Spray Painting
​​Advantages
​A uniform finish, sharper more contemporary look than a traditional coach painting brush finish.
Quick drying time.
Less labour intensive and therefore not as costly for the client.
Disadvantages
Higher risk of damage to the finish whilst constructing and fitting.
If damage occurs it is not as easy to touch up in situ so some components may have to be removed and taken back to the workshop for respray rectification
Rectification would have to be carried out by a qualifed sprayer - no DIY

Hand Painting
Advantages
​
Softer look that is synonymous with high end bespoke furniture.
Easy to touch up in clients home causing minimal disruption.
Competant clients can be instructed in rectirication thus erasing the need for retificatication call out visits/charge.
Slightly enhanced shade and colour retention. Looks more 3D due to visibility of brush strokes.
Wear and tear marks are less visible due to thicker brush application.
​Possibly longer time between re paints once fitted in the home
. 
Disadvantages
​
Correct skilled application is labour intensive and therefore initially more costly for the client.
24 hour drying times between coats extending the finishing process, longer lead time for the client.
​Aftercare for Painted & Lacquered Furniture  Our finishes are designed to withstand daily life. A damp cloth is perfect for regular cleaning; warm soapy water works for heavier marks. Avoid bleach or abrasive chemicals, which can damage the surface permanently.
  • Spray finishes are fully cured before leaving the workshop
  • Hand-painted oil or cellulose finishes need 21 days to fully harden
  • Avoid wax-based polishes they can cloud the finish and alter the sheen
  • Our A/C lacquers resist common household damage from liquids and scratches

Beware the Moisture Monster  Steam is your furniture’s sneaky nemesis.
Dishwasher steam, iron bursts, and even wet mops can let moisture creep into small gaps and cause long-term damage. So mop spills quickly, avoid lingering steam near cabinetry, and always handle with a little care. And above all? No bleach. Ever. Your furniture will thank you with years of beauty and durability.

Picture
Mark James Cabinet Makers Ltd.
Designers & Makers of Bespoke Kitchens, Bedrooms & Living Spaces
Be Thoughtful. Build Beautifully, Make it Personal.

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Affiliations:
  • The Guild of Mastercraftsmen
Legal:
  • Terms, conditions & guarantees
  • All rights reserved.​
  • All images and design work on this website remains the property of Mark James Cabinet Makers Ltd.


  • Design Studio
  • Kitchens
    • Chatwall >
      • Wood Grained Shaker
    • Sawley >
      • Smooth Shaker
    • Shardlow >
      • Flat panel
    • Kegworth >
      • Two Tone Shaker
    • Limekiln >
      • Feelwood Rift
  • Special Works
  • Living Spaces
    • Bedrooms
    • Living Room Furniture & Library
    • Boot & Laundry
    • Study & Home Office
  • Our Services
    • Workshop Consultation - What to Expect
    • Every Step of the Way
    • The Finish
    • Our Agreement​ - Payment Terms
    • Our Guarantee
    • Meet the team
    • Our Ethos
    • How it's Made
    • Testimonials
  • Contact