We carry out a full range of finishing in-house, selected based on the requirements of the piece rather than a fixed approach.

The majority of our work is spray-applied. This includes:
• painted finishes in any colour
• clear lacquer systems from very flat through to full gloss
• stained finishes where the timber remains visible

Alongside this, we also undertake traditional finishes such as oils, waxes and French polishing. These are generally used where a softer, more natural appearance is required or where the piece calls for a more traditional treatment.

Spray finishing tends to be the most appropriate for larger projects, particularly where consistency across multiple components is critical.

Yes, and this is a significant part of what we do.

We regularly match finishes to existing joinery, previously completed work or specific paint references. In some cases this is straightforward, using known colour systems. In others, we work from physical samples which are analysed and matched as closely as possible.

What matters just as much is repeatability. We record batch numbers, mix ratios and supplier references so that finishes can be reproduced at a later date. This becomes particularly important where additional items are required months or even years after the original work.

Primarily timber and timber-based materials.

This includes solid hardwoods, veneers and manufactured boards such as MDF. In most cabinetry work, veneered boards are used for stability, with solid timber typically reserved for specific components such as doors, frames or detailing.

We also have experience finishing other materials, including metal, glass and certain plastics, where the specification allows. The approach changes depending on the substrate, but the objective remains the same: a stable, consistent and durable finish.

It comes down to consistency and control.

Colour should be even across all components, particularly where items are viewed side by side. Sheen levels need to be balanced so that surfaces reflect light in the same way. The surface itself should be free from defects such as contamination, pinholes or irregular build-up.

Edges are also important. They need to be properly prepared so the coating can adhere, but not overbuilt to the point where profiles are lost.

If the process has been followed correctly, the finish should sit naturally within the piece. It shouldn’t draw attention to itself, but it should hold up under closer inspection.

We tend to see a consistent set of issues.

These include:
• variation in colour across doors or panels
• coatings that fail due to poor adhesion
• surface contamination, often caused by silicone or similar products
• staining that appears patchy due to inconsistent sanding

In many cases, the issue isn’t immediately visible when the work leaves the workshop. It becomes apparent over time, particularly where finishes begin to fail or age unevenly.

Most of these problems can be traced back to preparation, application technique or an attempt to move too quickly through the process.

By treating the project as a complete set rather than a series of individual parts.

Preparation is carried out to a consistent standard across all components. Finishes are applied in controlled batches, and colour mixes are recorded and repeated.
Small differences in sanding, absorption or application can lead to visible variation once everything is installed. That’s why we control as many of those variables as possible from the outset.

Where staining is involved, this becomes particularly important, as timber itself can vary in colour which effects the resulting colour of the stain.

Quality control runs throughout the process rather than being left to the end.

Each piece is assessed:
• during preparation
• during application
• during curing
• and again prior to dispatch

If an issue is identified, it is addressed at that stage. This may involve a local correction, or it may require the piece to be re-sanded and re-finished.

The process itself.

Each stage is there for a reason, whether that’s preparation, application or curing. If those stages are rushed or omitted, it will usually affect the final result.
We avoid that by following the process properly, even where it adds time. It’s a more controlled way of working and reduces the likelihood of issues later on.

Timescales depend on the size and complexity of the work.

As a general guide:
• smaller items or short runs may take around a week
• medium-sized projects such as a single kitchen elevation may take one to two weeks
• larger kitchens or multi-room projects can take several weeks

Drying and curing times are a key factor. These can’t be accelerated beyond a certain point without affecting the finish.

Yes, where required.

For some projects, a simple colour sample is sufficient. For others, particularly larger or design-led schemes, we produce full sample boards so that colour, sheen and overall appearance can be assessed in context.

This allows decisions to be made early, which helps avoid adjustments later in the process.

The performance of a finish is influenced by both the application and the material it is applied to.

We ensure that all finishes are applied correctly, to the required specification, and checked thoroughly before leaving the workshop.

Where issues arise within that scope, they are addressed. However, movement in the substrate or environmental factors can affect any finish over time.

The simplest way is to send through drawings, photographs or a brief outline of the work.

From there, we can advise on the most appropriate finishing approach, including the type of finish, expected timescales and cost.

Early discussion tends to make the process more straightforward, particularly where colour matching or sampling is involved.