The Finish
It's all about the Finish.
When we began manufacturing right here in Whitchurch, Shropshire our focus was on traditional bespoke furniture meticulously painted by hand. Drawing inspiration from the techniques of early coach painters, we honed our skills to create a superior and enduring oil based finish that stood the test of time.
When we began manufacturing right here in Whitchurch, Shropshire our focus was on traditional bespoke furniture meticulously painted by hand. Drawing inspiration from the techniques of early coach painters, we honed our skills to create a superior and enduring oil based finish that stood the test of time.
Preparation
As a professional painter, whether you opt for sprayed or hand-painted finishes, the foundation of a stunning paint application lies in meticulous substrate preparation. Prior to entering the paint room, each furniture component undergoes a thorough process to ensure a perfectly flat surface.
Our method begins with the use of a dual roller drum sander at 120 and 150 grit to achieve uniformity. Subsequently, a random orbital hand sander is employed, starting at 120 grit to eliminate any marks left by the drum sander. This is followed by three successive applications using grades 150, 180, and 240 to refine the surface further. A final hand sanding with a soft pad, paying close attention to chamfers, prepares the substrate for the undercoat. Once the undercoat is dry, further refinement is achieved through sanding, progressing up to 400 grit. This meticulous preparation sets the stage for the application of the mid-coat. Before the final top coats are applied, the piece undergoes a gentle hand de-nibbing using a specialized tool crafted by Festool, ensuring a flawless finish that meets our exacting standards.
As a professional painter, whether you opt for sprayed or hand-painted finishes, the foundation of a stunning paint application lies in meticulous substrate preparation. Prior to entering the paint room, each furniture component undergoes a thorough process to ensure a perfectly flat surface.
Our method begins with the use of a dual roller drum sander at 120 and 150 grit to achieve uniformity. Subsequently, a random orbital hand sander is employed, starting at 120 grit to eliminate any marks left by the drum sander. This is followed by three successive applications using grades 150, 180, and 240 to refine the surface further. A final hand sanding with a soft pad, paying close attention to chamfers, prepares the substrate for the undercoat. Once the undercoat is dry, further refinement is achieved through sanding, progressing up to 400 grit. This meticulous preparation sets the stage for the application of the mid-coat. Before the final top coats are applied, the piece undergoes a gentle hand de-nibbing using a specialized tool crafted by Festool, ensuring a flawless finish that meets our exacting standards.
The Spray Finish
As styles and trends evolved, we noticed a shift towards smoother paint finishes featured in magazines and showcased at prestigious Kitchen Exhibitions like the NEC in Birmingham. Eager to adapt and exceed expectations, we made a bold decision to invest in state-of-the-art spray guns and equipment. For the past six years, we've embraced this secondary finishing option wholeheartedly, utilizing a hard-wearing two-pack spray finish for our furniture. This method not only allows us to achieve a smooth finish but also ensures durability and longevity. We're thrilled to have evolved with the times while staying true to our commitment to excellence. This journey has been nothing short of exhilarating, and we're excited to continue pushing boundaries and exceeding your expectations with every piece we create. While spray painting offers many advantages, it's important to note that it may not be suitable for every project or surface, so it's essential to consider the specific needs of your furniture before deciding on the pigmentated finishing method.
As styles and trends evolved, we noticed a shift towards smoother paint finishes featured in magazines and showcased at prestigious Kitchen Exhibitions like the NEC in Birmingham. Eager to adapt and exceed expectations, we made a bold decision to invest in state-of-the-art spray guns and equipment. For the past six years, we've embraced this secondary finishing option wholeheartedly, utilizing a hard-wearing two-pack spray finish for our furniture. This method not only allows us to achieve a smooth finish but also ensures durability and longevity. We're thrilled to have evolved with the times while staying true to our commitment to excellence. This journey has been nothing short of exhilarating, and we're excited to continue pushing boundaries and exceeding your expectations with every piece we create. While spray painting offers many advantages, it's important to note that it may not be suitable for every project or surface, so it's essential to consider the specific needs of your furniture before deciding on the pigmentated finishing method.
Hand Painted Finish
For those of you who appreciate the time-honoured tradition of coach painting techniques, rest assured, we haven't forgotten how to do this!
We continue to offer hand painting, now using a water-based product, in line with our commitment to environmental care. This method enhances your furniture, ensuring a beautiful finish that reflects our dedication to craftsmanship and sustainability. The choice is entirely yours, tailored to your individual taste, and we're delighted to offer both options to accommodate your preferences. Please see Special Works.
Below, we've outlined some of the key advantages and disadvantages for both approaches.
For those of you who appreciate the time-honoured tradition of coach painting techniques, rest assured, we haven't forgotten how to do this!
We continue to offer hand painting, now using a water-based product, in line with our commitment to environmental care. This method enhances your furniture, ensuring a beautiful finish that reflects our dedication to craftsmanship and sustainability. The choice is entirely yours, tailored to your individual taste, and we're delighted to offer both options to accommodate your preferences. Please see Special Works.
Below, we've outlined some of the key advantages and disadvantages for both approaches.
Spray Painting
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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
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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 paint finishes and lacquers are designed to provide long-lasting durability, ensuring your furniture maintains its pristine appearance for years to come. Simply wiping with a damp cloth is usually sufficient for regular cleaning, while warm soapy water can tackle heavier stains.
However, it's important to avoid bleach-based products, as they can damage the finish permanently.
After painting, we allow your furniture to harden for at least two days, ensuring it's ready for use. Keep in mind that oil-based or cellulose hand-painted finishes require 21 days to fully cure and harden, so handle with care during this period.
For spray applications, we offer two-pack A/C lacquers, known for their exceptional performance and resistance to household chemicals like tea, coffee, and perfume, as well as physical damage like scratches. Avoid wax-containing polishes, as they can create a buildup that mars the appearance and alters the sheen of the lacquered surface.
These lacquers meet stringent performance standards, making them suitable for various settings, including office furniture, kitchens, and contract furniture. Trust our lacquers to provide the durability and protection your furniture deserves, ensuring it withstands everyday wear and tear while maintaining its beauty.
Beware the Mositure Monster
Watch out for the dreaded Moisture Monster lurking in your home! Imagine the horror of your dishwasher belching out steam, ready to wreak havoc on your painted furniture. And don't even get me started on the steam iron turning your beloved cabinet into a sauna – not exactly a relaxing spa day for your furniture!
But wait, it gets scarier! All it takes is a small scratch for the Moisture Monster to sneak in and ruin your pristine finish. So, be vigilant! Mop up spills like a superhero and treat your new furniture like your trusty old friend – with love and care.
Oh, and here's a pro tip: painted furniture absolutely despises bleach. Save that harsh stuff for the bathroom tiles, not your beautiful cabinets. Keep the Moisture Monster at bay, and your furniture will thank you with years of beauty and charm.
Watch out for the dreaded Moisture Monster lurking in your home! Imagine the horror of your dishwasher belching out steam, ready to wreak havoc on your painted furniture. And don't even get me started on the steam iron turning your beloved cabinet into a sauna – not exactly a relaxing spa day for your furniture!
But wait, it gets scarier! All it takes is a small scratch for the Moisture Monster to sneak in and ruin your pristine finish. So, be vigilant! Mop up spills like a superhero and treat your new furniture like your trusty old friend – with love and care.
Oh, and here's a pro tip: painted furniture absolutely despises bleach. Save that harsh stuff for the bathroom tiles, not your beautiful cabinets. Keep the Moisture Monster at bay, and your furniture will thank you with years of beauty and charm.
