Painting a Martin Moore kitchen takes care, precision and the right materials. This project in Didsbury involved reviving a previously painted kitchen that had been finished in Tikkurila Feelings. The aim was to freshen up the space using Helmi 30, Tikkurila’s improved version of Feelings, offering the same sheen level but with better durability and application qualities.
The job began with a full dismantle of the kitchen components. Doors and drawers were removed, hinges and handles carefully unscrewed, and each item labelled to ensure everything returned to its rightful place once finished. This stage is key for ensuring a consistent, thorough finish on all surfaces.
Next came the degreasing. Kitchens naturally build up layers of unseen grease, especially around handles and cooking areas. These were cleaned thoroughly using a strong degreaser to ensure a clean surface for the new coatings to bond to. No shortcuts here—proper preparation makes all the difference.
Before any paint was applied, the area was fully masked up. Lining paper was used across the floor, and masking tape and paper were applied to worktops, adjacent walls, and any fixtures that weren’t being painted. This careful preparation ensured that only the intended surfaces received paint, and the kitchen remained clean and tidy throughout the process.
With everything clean and protected, it was time to prime. Otex oil-based primer from Tikkurila was chosen for its excellent adhesion properties. It was tinted to the same colour as the final topcoat, a useful method for improving colour depth and reducing the number of finish coats required. Otex is particularly well suited for repainting previously coated surfaces and provides a strong, reliable base for the new topcoat.
Once the primer was fully dry, attention turned to applying the topcoat. Helmi 30 was selected for its improvements over the older Feelings product .While it maintains the same subtle satin sheen, it has better flow, improved durability and is easier to work with during application. Two to three coats were applied using a fine brush and mini-roller combination to create a smooth, consistent finish across both flat surfaces and moulded edges.
Between coats, every surface was lightly abraded using fine-grade Mirka Goldflex pads. This step removes any dust particles or minor imperfections, ensuring each coat goes on evenly and builds up to a refined, durable finish. It’s a slow, methodical process, but one that pays off in the final result.
Once the final coat was dry and fully cured, the kitchen was carefully reassembled. Doors were rehung, handles and hinges refitted, and everything checked for alignment. The refreshed kitchen maintained its original character but looked noticeably brighter and more refined.
This painted Martin Moore kitchen in Didsbury is a great example of how a high-quality repaint can transform a space without altering its design. By upgrading from Tikkurila Feelings to Helmi 30, the finish remains consistent in sheen but benefits from improved wear resistance and modern application performance. A careful combination of prep, priming and finishing delivered a result that looks clean, elegant, and ready to handle daily life with ease.
