Few features add as much depth and functionality to a space as cabinetry. Whether it be custom shelving, a built-in desk, a private library, or an entire kitchen, at Artisan, we pride ourselves on providing beautiful, durable, factory-level finishes to last a lifetime. We can do this thanks to years of experience, the most reliable products, and our tried and true processes. We also understand that these methods shouldn't completely interfere with our client's comfort and happiness during the project's progress. At Artisan, we do our best to be as non-invasive as possible both while in your home and after we've left for the day.
On the first day, we will label and remove all doors and drawer faces to be painted at our shop. Once there, they are hung using Paint Line's cabinet hanger system, which allows them to be painted in our custom paint booth. Because they are hanging, we are able to paint the front, back, and all sides in one step. But before that happens, the surfaces, or substrates, must be prepped.
As with all paint projects, the quality of the finished product is only as good as the care taken to prepare the surface being painted. Our first step is to clean. Newly constructed cabinetry is thoroughly vacuumed and all loose construction dust is removed. New and used Kitchen cabinets are vigorously scrubbed with Krud Kutter Cleaner/Degreaser to remove any dirt, grime, and built up grease. This step is vital to ensure the paint bonds with the substrate.
Next, we sand with a fine grit sandpaper using a Festool Sander with Dust Extractor. These tools are real "Game Changers", providing fine finishes without adding dust to the environment and using HEPA filtration to control contaminates any released in this step. This "scuff sand" allows for proper adhesion for the paint applied in the next steps.
Once cleaned and sanded, we'll give everything another vacuum and begin the masking process. At Artisan, we are meticulous in everything we do, and masking is no exception. Floors, countertops and the cabinet boxes themselves are completely protected using the proper products that will block paint and not damage the surfaces to which they are applied. In addition to protecting the areas not to be painted, we will "tent" ourselves in the space and activate the Air Scrubbers (you may hear us call them "Snuffies"—and you can see why) which remove particulates from the space and move the air and odors outside.
Now that the space is ready, things will start to move fast! We'll apply a primer coat either by airless sprayer or by hand (depending on the situation). This step will "flatten out" the surface and provide the first layer of coverage. We will fill old holes in this step if new hardware is selected. Then the process of sanding repeats, removing any roughness from the primer coat, which will also raise the "grain" of some substrates, such as MDF. We'll vacuum again, and we're ready to start the exciting part: Your New Color.
Finish Coats (any coat of the color/sheen selected) are applied in two coats, with the sanding moving into higher grits for finer finishes. Between coats, we inspect everything and address surface or paint imperfections throughout this process. Typically, a few touch-ups are made on the last day of spraying.
Once done, we'll unmask the space and take down the "tent" in preparation for re-installing doors and drawers. At the shop, they will be wrapped individually in foam sleeves and sent back to your house. This is the final and most impressive step. Your new cabinets will be ready for immediate use and will be fully cured in 30 days. Artisan's finished product is nearly indistinguishable from painted cabinetry direct from the factory.
This process has been our tried-and-true method to deliver to our clients a high quality finish which will last and be enjoyed for years to come. And for additional peace of mind, starting in December 2024, Artisan Painting offers a Lifetime Guarantee on cabinet painting!
