
Painting kitchen cupboards is a great way to revitalise your kitchen without the cost and bother of a refit. Farrow & Ball offers a range of wood and metal finishes for kitchen cabinets, including ultra-matt Dead Flat and super-tough Modern Eggshell. While some people opt for spray painting kitchen cupboards, others prefer hand painting. Before painting kitchen cupboards with Farrow & Ball, it is important to prepare the surface by ensuring it is clean, dry, and free from dirt, grease, and other contaminants.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint type | Water-based, low odour, quick-drying, and durable |
| Paint finish | Eggshell/satin, matt, or gloss |
| Paint colour | Striking hues like Paean Black, or lighter shades like De Nimes |
| Preparation | Ensure surfaces are clean, dry, and free from dirt and grease; lightly sand the surface to improve paint adhesion |
| Primer | Use Farrow & Ball Wood Primer & Undercoat in the recommended colour tone; allow adequate drying time between coats |
| Number of paint coats | Two coats of Modern Eggshell; allow recommended drying time between coats |
| Application method | Spray painting or hand painting; spraying may result in a more professional finish |
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What You'll Learn

Preparing the surface
Clean and Dry: Start by ensuring that all surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and dried. Remove any dirt, grease, or other contaminants that may interfere with the paint adhesion. A clean surface is essential for the paint to adhere properly and create a smooth finish.
Lightly Sand the Surface: Use sandpaper or a sanding block to lightly sand the surface of your kitchen cupboards. This process helps create a sound surface by adding a little texture, improving paint adhesion, and ensuring the paint applies evenly. Pay particular attention to the edges and any intricate details, as these areas may require more attention for a smooth finish.
Primer Application: Farrow & Ball Wood Primer and Undercoat are specifically designed to work with their paint system. Apply one full coat of the primer in the recommended colour tone that matches your chosen topcoat. This step will help you achieve the desired colour and enhance its depth. Allow the primer to dry completely, following the recommended drying time provided by the manufacturer.
Surface Preparation for MDF: If your kitchen cupboards are made of MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard), there's an extra step to ensure optimal results. Before priming, lightly sand the edges of the MDF to create a sound surface and reduce paint absorption. This step will help you achieve a smoother and more uniform finish.
Drying Time: After completing the steps above, allow ample time for the primer to dry. Farrow and Ball primers typically require a minimum of four hours of drying time between coats. Ensure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the specific product you are using.
By following these steps, your kitchen cupboard surfaces will be properly prepared for painting with Farrow and Ball paint. Remember that adequate surface preparation is key to achieving a high-quality and long-lasting finish.
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Choosing the right primer
When it comes to choosing the right primer for painting kitchen cupboards with Farrow and Ball paint, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it is essential to select a primer that is specifically designed for use with wood surfaces. Farrow and Ball offer a Wood Primer & Undercoat that can be used to patch-prime any knotty or resinous areas and create a smooth base for the topcoat. This primer is available in four different tones, each designed to enhance the depth of your chosen colour. It is important to select the recommended colour tone to ensure the best results.
Another factor to consider is the type of paint you will be using as your topcoat. Farrow and Ball offer a range of water-based trim paints, including their Modern Eggshell, Dead Flat, and Full Gloss finishes. Their Modern Eggshell finish is particularly popular for kitchen cupboards as it is tough, durable, and scuff-resistant. When choosing a primer, ensure that it is compatible with water-based paints and will provide a suitable surface for your chosen finish.
Additionally, it is important to prepare the surface of your kitchen cupboards before priming. Lightly sanding the surface can improve paint adhesion and reduce paint absorption, resulting in a smoother and more even finish. It is also crucial to ensure that the surface is clean, dry, and free from any dirt, grease, or other contaminants that may interfere with the primer's performance.
Applying the primer correctly is also crucial. Depending on the condition of your kitchen cupboards, you may need to apply one or two coats of primer, allowing adequate drying time between each coat. Farrow and Ball's Wood Primer & Undercoat, for example, recommends a minimum of four hours' drying time between coats.
By following these considerations and choosing a primer that is specifically designed for wood surfaces, compatible with your chosen topcoat, and applied correctly, you can ensure that your Farrow and Ball paint will adhere properly and result in a beautiful and long-lasting finish for your kitchen cupboards.
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Selecting paint type
When selecting a paint type for your kitchen cupboards, Farrow & Ball offers a range of options with different benefits. Firstly, consider the durability and ease of application. Water-based paints are generally faster and easier to apply, but they may require more time for each coat, especially in large kitchens. Oil-based paints achieve a superior finish more quickly than acrylic paints, but they may take longer to dry.
If you're seeking a traditional kitchen look, opt for an eggshell or satin finish. These finishes not only offer durability but also adhere well to kitchen surfaces. Farrow & Ball's Modern Eggshell is their toughest interior finish, providing lasting colour and protection for kitchen cupboards. It is a mid-sheen, easy-to-clean option.
For a more dramatic effect, consider Full Gloss, which offers a glamorous finish. If you prefer a matte look, Dead Flat® is a durable, multi-surface option that creates a rich colour from every angle and is scuff-resistant, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.
Additionally, Farrow & Ball provides Wood Primer & Undercoat to enhance the depth of your chosen colour. Their Primers & Undercoats are available in four tones, ensuring the perfect match for your desired topcoat shade.
It is worth noting that some users have reported issues with the drying process of the Estate Eggshell from Farrow & Ball, so you may want to consider this when making your selection.
Ultimately, the paint type you choose will depend on your desired finish, the time you have available, and the specific requirements of your kitchen space.
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Application techniques
Surface Preparation:
Before you begin painting, it's crucial to prepare the surface of your kitchen cupboards. Ensure that the surfaces are clean, dry, and free from dirt, grease, or any other contaminants. This step is essential for the paint to adhere properly and create a smooth finish.
Sanding:
Lightly sand the surface of the cupboards to improve paint adhesion. Sanding creates a rougher surface for the paint to grip onto, resulting in a more durable finish. Use fine-grit sandpaper or a sanding block to gently smooth the surface, being careful not to apply too much pressure, which could damage the wood. Wear a dust mask to protect yourself from inhaling any dust particles during this process.
Priming:
Primer provides a base for the paint to adhere to and helps to ensure a uniform finish. Use a high-quality primer like the Farrow & Ball Wood Primer & Undercoat, choosing the recommended colour tone that matches your desired topcoat shade. Apply one full coat of primer to the cupboards, paying extra attention to any bare, filled, knotty, or resinous areas, as these areas may require additional priming for a consistent finish.
Painting:
Now, you're ready to start painting! Select your desired colour from the Farrow and Ball range and grab their Modern Eggshell paint, which is specifically designed for kitchen cupboards, offering a durable and scuff-proof finish. Apply two coats of paint, allowing the recommended drying time between each coat. Depending on the condition of your cupboards, you may need to lightly sand the surface between coats to ensure a smooth and even finish, especially if there are raised fibres or imperfections.
Spraying vs. Brushing:
There are different techniques for applying paint, and you may consider spraying or brushing. Spraying can achieve a faster and more consistent finish, but it requires additional equipment and practice to master. Brushing, on the other hand, allows for a more traditional, handcrafted look, but it can be more time-consuming and may require more coats to achieve an even finish. Ultimately, the choice between spraying and brushing depends on your personal preference, the equipment available, and the desired outcome.
Drying and Recoating:
Ensure you allow adequate drying time between coats, as per the instructions on your paint can. Proper drying is crucial for a durable finish. After the final coat, give the paint sufficient time to cure before reassembling your kitchen cupboard doors and hardware.
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Drying and curing
Before beginning the painting process, it is crucial to prepare the kitchen cupboard surfaces properly. This includes ensuring that the surfaces are clean, dry, and free from any dirt, grease, or other contaminants. Additionally, lightly sanding the surface can improve paint adhesion and reduce paint absorption, especially on MDF surfaces.
Once the surface is prepared, you can start the painting process by applying a primer. Farrow and Ball recommend using their Wood Primer & Undercoat, available in four different tones to enhance the depth of your chosen colour. Allow the primer to dry according to the recommended drying time, which is usually a minimum of four hours.
After the primer is dry, you can proceed to apply the first coat of your chosen Farrow and Ball paint. Their Modern Eggshell paint is specifically designed for kitchen cabinets, offering a mid-sheen, easy-to-clean, and hard-wearing finish. Again, follow the recommended drying time between coats. This drying time can vary depending on the paint type and environmental factors such as temperature and humidity.
It is important to allow adequate drying time between coats. For the best results and to ensure proper curing, consider factors such as the type of paint used and the environmental conditions. In most cases, oil-based paints take longer to dry compared to water-based or acrylic paints. However, water-based paints from Farrow and Ball are designed to be quick-drying and low in odour.
Finally, after applying the final coat of paint, allow for a longer curing period before subjecting the painted surfaces to regular use. Avoid placing items on the painted cupboards or exposing them to excessive moisture or heat during this curing period. This will ensure that the paint fully cures and results in a durable and long-lasting finish.
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Frequently asked questions
Farrow and Ball offers a range of wood and metal finishes for kitchen cabinets. For a super-tough finish, Modern Eggshell is ideal. For a deeper, durable colour, try the ultra-matt Dead Flat finish.
Farrow and Ball offers a range of colours to choose from. For a striking look, try unexpected colour combinations such as Sulking Room Pink walls with Paean Black cabinetry. If you prefer a lighter touch, you could try swapping Paean Black for De Nimes.
First, ensure all surfaces are clean, dry, and free from dirt, grease, and other contaminants. Lightly sand the surface to improve paint adhesion. Apply one coat of Farrow & Ball Wood Primer & Undercoat in the recommended colour tone for your topcoat. Allow a minimum of four hours' drying time between coats. Finally, apply two coats of your chosen paint, allowing the recommended drying time between coats.
Spraying will likely result in a more professional finish, but hand-painting can also achieve a beautiful result. However, hand-painting kitchen cupboards can be a challenging process, and it may be difficult to achieve a smooth, even finish.











































