---
title: "Charles Graves Painting Company — Painters | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/painters/charles-graves-painting-company-pfvwus-pf~916378924
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~916378924.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Charles Graves Painting Company"
category: ["Painters"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/ab7343740758a4f8_7711-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "5466 Truxion Ct, Burke, Virginia 22015, United States"
latitude: 38.7894
longitude: -77.2818
phone: "(703) 953-4631"
website: http://www.charlesgravespainting.com
rating: 5
review_count: 42
best_of_houzz_awards: 5
followers: 35
last_updated: 2026-08-22
---

# Charles Graves Painting Company

Original Houzz profile: [Charles Graves Painting Company](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/painters/charles-graves-painting-company-pfvwus-pf~916378924)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Painters
- **Location:** Burke, VA
- **Serves:** Arlington, Alexandria, Centreville, Reston, McLean, Lake Ridge, Burke, Woodbridge, Manassas, Annandale, Oakton, Oak Hill, Springfield, Jefferson, Herndon, Baileys Crossroads, Fairfax, Chantilly, West Springfield, Woodlawn, Lorton, Lincolnia, Tysons Corner, Buckhall, Franconia, Idylwood, Gainesville, Manassas Park, Vienna, Falls Church, Mount Vernon, Newington, Fairfax Station, Lake Barcroft, Dunn Loring, Seven Corners, Greenbriar, Fort Belvoir, Mantua, North Springfield, Potomac Mills, Pimmit Hills, Hayfield, Kings Park, Ravensworth, Haymarket, Quantico, Claremont, Clifton, Mc Lean
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (42 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2018–2025), for Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 250 Ideabook Saves
- Best of Houzz winner
- Woman owned
- Award winning

Our Class A Licensed and insured, BBB A+ rated northern VA painting company specializes in high-end interior and exterior, residential and commercial painting and design. We are also a woman co-owned small business and have full workers compensation coverage. We create retreats and moods that are beautiful and innovative. Our award-winning work begins with painters that are hand-picked, and bring passion and enthusiasm to every project, and it ends with professional management. Take a look at our project gallery and experience the beauty of design. We do the following projects:

-Interior Painting (includes patching, sanding, replacing drywall, caulking, full prep)
-Exterior Painting (includes powerwashing, scrape/sand, caulk etc, full prep)
-Bathroom remodels (full or partial)
-Tile installation by itself
-Drywall installation and repair
-Basement finishing
-Trim installation (including install, wood fill, caulk and paint... such as crown moulding, chair rail, baseboards, beadboard, wainscoting)
-Flooring installation (but not refinishing)
-Mold remediation (Done to NIOSH/IAQA standards, process on website)

### Services Provided

- Interior Painting
- Exterior Painting
- Ceiling Painting
- Door Painting
- Cabinet Painting
- Deck Staining
- Wallpaper Removal
- Popcorn Ceiling Removal
- Color Consulting
- Cabinet Refinishing
- Wallpaper Installation
- Decorative Painting
- Texture Painting
- Faux Painting
- Drywall Installation
- Paint Removal
- Epoxy Flooring
- Plaster Repair
- Lead Paint Removal
- Garage Floor Refinishing
- Mural Painting
- Wall Stenciling
- Pressure Washing
- bath remodel
- bathroom remodel
- hardwood flooring installation
- laminate flooring installation
- mold remediation
- tiling installation
- trim and moulding installation

### Areas Served

- Arlington
- Alexandria
- Centreville
- Reston
- McLean
- Lake Ridge
- Burke
- Woodbridge
- Manassas
- Annandale
- Oakton
- Oak Hill
- Springfield
- Jefferson
- Herndon
- Baileys Crossroads
- Fairfax
- Chantilly
- West Springfield
- Woodlawn
- Lorton
- Lincolnia
- Tysons Corner
- Buckhall
- Franconia
- Idylwood
- Gainesville
- Manassas Park
- Vienna
- Falls Church
- Mount Vernon
- Newington
- Fairfax Station
- Lake Barcroft
- Dunn Loring
- Seven Corners
- Greenbriar
- Fort Belvoir
- Mantua
- North Springfield
- Potomac Mills
- Pimmit Hills
- Hayfield
- Kings Park
- Ravensworth
- Haymarket
- Quantico
- Claremont
- Clifton
- Mc Lean

### Typical Job Cost

$2,500 - 7,500

The costs for your project can vary based on scope, but we are happy to provide free estimates, either virtual or in person. We do both large, medium and some small sized projects and we tend to specialize in full-home painting projects with a design consultation. Estimates are free, so please give us a call today to get yours!

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Charles Graves Painting Company |
| Address | 5466 Truxion Ct, Burke, Virginia 22015, United States |
| Phone | (703) 953-4631 |
| Website | http://www.charlesgravespainting.com |
| License Number | 2705167892 |
| Followers on Houzz | 35 |

**Social profiles:**
- Blog — https://www.charlesgravespainting.com

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Charles Graves Painting Company](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/painters/charles-graves-painting-company-pfvwus-pf~916378924)
- **Website:** http://www.charlesgravespainting.com
- **Phone:** (703) 953-4631

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- A+ rating with BBB
- Class A Licensed and insured, HIC and PTC License \#2705167892
- "People love us on Yelp!" award for Best of Yelp
- "Best of Houzz" 2018 for service providers
- Proud Partners with Sherwin-Williams Paint
- "A" rating on Angie's List

- **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2018–2025), for Service.

**Affiliations**
- [Better Business Bureau](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/better-business-bureau-pfvwus-pf~1830530549)
- [Painting & Decorating Contractors of America](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/painting-and-decorating-contractors-of-america-pfvwus-pf~1134749802)

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 42 reviews**

*Aspect averages:*
- Work Quality: 50.0
- Communication: 50.0
- Value: 49.0

### Reviews

**★★★★★ — HU-68592271, June 2025**

> Melvin did an amazing job on both the interior and exterior painting of our house.
>
> I’d give him 6 stars if I could !! Conscientious professional and friendly.  I would hire him and Charles Graves for any painting work in the future !!

**★★★★★ — Business\_Name\_Placeholder, July 2024**

> I recently had the pleasure of working with Charles Graves Painting, for a bath remodel and full home paint job, and I couldn't be happier with the results. From start to finish, the team went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect. Not only was their workmanship top-notch, but they were also incredibly helpful and nice to work with. They took the time to understand my vision and made sure every detail was executed flawlessly. I highly recommend Charles Graves Painting, for anyone looking for quality service and a team that truly cares about their customers.

**★★★★★ — HU-791111174, Sept. 2023**

> Charles Graves Painting did a fantastic job on our home.  We went from a traditional red brick to a classic white painted brick home.  We are getting rave reviews from our neighbors!  Team does a great job making sure the customer is satisfied!

**★★★★★ — Beatriz Gardner, July 2023**

> Charles' team are the best in the area. They painted our entire house and it came out amazing! Great communication and pricing! Highly recommend!

**★★★★★ — Devin Keane, April 2023**

> We contacted Charles after having our home painted and limewashed a few days earlier (siding painted, brick limewashed). The limewash job was poorly done and not to our liking. We were scrambling and reached out to several other painters. Charles jumped on our case immediately, stressed how important it was to fix the job quickly because of the time sensitive nature of limewashing. We went with them and he immediately wrote us a professional letter to detail what went wrong with the previous painter's work, in case we ever needed it.
>
> As far as the work, they were on time, professional and easy to work with. Alex was the crew lead - he and his team did a great job reapplying the limewash and pulling it off to our preferences. He is one of the few in the trades that you can tell truly cares about doing a good job for the customer. They managed to get the job done in two days total (one day to powerwash the brick and clear it off as much as possible, second day repainting.) We are very happy we went with Charles and crew. It sucked that we had to do the painting again but they helped turn our frowns upside down.

**★★★★★ — Stephen Stone, Feb. 2022**

> Charles Graves Painting team did a great job on our full exterior paint.  We are getting compliments from all the neighbors.  The team was professional and meticulous. Highly recommended.

**★★★★★ — Steve Smith, Feb. 2022**

> Charles Graves Painting did an great job at our house in Alexandria. We received the estimate on the same day and their price was just in the middle of other quotes I got. I decided to go with them again since they made me feel very comfortable. They also painted our friends home and also did a great job. They were on time and super clean.

**★★★★★ — Frank Finn, Jan. 2022**

> Charles Graves Painting Company did an excellent job on our new purchase. They painted our house in a fast and efficient time. Charles was very good at checking on the project. The quote was very fair compare to other companies. They did my house in a week and half and there was nothing to complain about. I will hire them again

**★★★★★ — Oren Hyde, Jan. 2021**

> This company provided such quality service and professionalism to our house. They listened to exactly what we wanted and treated our humble home as if it was a million dollar house. I was so pleased that I offered to pay more than what was originally asked for, and Charles said they were just doing their job, very profissional guy! I look forward to hire him again.

**★★★★★ — dylany, Dec. 2020**

> Charles and his crew did an amazing job! If you're the type of homeowner who is like me and is always reading reviews and cant choose what company to go with... look no further Charles is your man. The team painted my entire house within 3 days of being there. The quality of work was amazing and would be recommended to anyone. The price was completely reasonable. No complaints at all... completely satisfied

**★★★★★ — Mark Ross, Dec. 2020**

> These guys know what they are doing, I was trying to get a few rooms done before putting the house on the market and they were quick, helpful and affordable. In two days, they were able to make my house look good and my realtor very happy, since we are about to close in 9 days and I do believe the painting was what made it possible, thank you guys!!

**★★★★★ — Laura Wolfe, Nov. 2020**

> We had a great experience with Charles Graves Painting. They are responsive, prompt, and the quality of the work is excellent. In addition to interior painting, they installed wall molding in my master bedroom, and it turned out great. In addition, they finished two floors of rooms with tall ceilings (including the molding installation) in less than 2 days, and with very dark paint colors. I would highly recommend them.

## Selected projects

- [Great Falls, Virginia full house painting and carpentry project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/great-falls-virginia-full-house-painting-and-carpentry-project-pj-vj~6043387)
  - Location: Great Falls, Virginia
  - Photos: 37
- [Exterior siding, trim and porch painting](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/exterior-siding-trim-and-porch-painting-pj-vj~6672295)
  - Location: Vienna, Virginia
  - Photos: 12
- [Custom, full interior and railing painting at Arlington home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-full-interior-and-railing-painting-at-arlington-home-pj-vj~6432370)
  - Location: Arlington, Virginia
  - Photos: 21
- [Master Bathroom Remodel, Manassas VA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/master-bathroom-remodel-manassas-va-pj-vj~7755331)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 12
- [Bath Remodels 2023](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bath-remodels-2023-pj-vj~7182721)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 40
  - Description: Hey everyone! :) These were some bath remodels we completed recently. We are a Class A Licensed HIC and PTC Contractor. Our licensed designer is certified with IFDA, WFCP, and CAPS​, graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelors degree, and has a Design Certification from the Council of Qualified Residential Interior Designers. With our highly skilled bath remodel/plumbing/tile staff that has been working with us for over 5 years, strict adherence to code, highest quality materials, and reasonab…
- [Limewash Projects!](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/limewash-projects-pj-vj~7182695)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 54
- [McLean VA Full Exterior Painting!](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mclean-va-full-exterior-painting-pj-vj~6432384)
  - Location: McLean, Virginia
  - Photos: 6
- [Cabinet Painting](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cabinet-painting-pj-vj~1863433)
  - Location: Burke, VA
  - Photos: 121
- [Wood, deck and siding re-staining!](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wood-deck-and-siding-re-staining-pj-vj~6278959)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 33
- [Steel blue Coffered Ceiling and Bookshelf Painting](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/steel-blue-coffered-ceiling-and-bookshelf-painting-pj-vj~6432379)
  - Location: Aldie, Virginia
  - Photos: 4
- [Hardwood Flooring Installation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hardwood-flooring-installation-pj-vj~7075729)
  - Location: Warrenton, VA
  - Photos: 13
- [Exterior Painting Project- Siding and Trim](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/exterior-painting-project-siding-and-trim-pj-vj~6482963)
  - Location: Leesburg, Virginia
  - Photos: 3
  - Description: Provided client with a professional design consultation to help pick out colors, repaired dents/imperfections in siding and trim, primed and painted 2 full coats
- [2024 Master Bath Remodel- Gainesville](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2024-master-bath-remodel-gainesville-pj-vj~7296092)
  - Location: Gainesville, Virginia
  - Photos: 12
  - Description: As always, we provide magazine-quality state of the art bath remodels, fully waterproofed, for an affordable cost! \*This project has:\* -Custom smart mirror, with defrost and lighting -Jacuzzi tub, with jets, shower head and multiple settings, and GFCI + dedicated circuit -Custom shower enclosure, with bench, double miche, mosaic strip, and dual showerhead with multiple settings- and detachable showerhead that has multiple jet settings of it’s own -Fully waterproofed floor and shower, with DITRA…
- [Basement Finishing w/ Permits Project!](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/basement-finishing-w-permits-project-pj-vj~6541968)
  - Location: Manassas, Virginia
  - Photos: 31
  - Description: Client had a nearly unusable, out-of-style basement with high moisture levels and minor mold growth. We demo’d the existing walls and floor, and remediated. Then we installed 2 sump pumps and a perimeter drain system, waterproofed the walls with 6-mil PVC membrane and insulated them. This created a dry, usable and safe basement. Then, we added new framing, firestop, etc to get up to code. We made the unnecessarily large laundry room smaller, added a new bathroom, including framing it, moving plu…
- [Bath Remodel- Ashburn](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bath-remodel-ashburn-pj-vj~3014932)
  - Location: Ashburn, VA
  - Photos: 23
- [Statement Panel Wall Carpentry and Painting- Alexandria](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/statement-panel-wall-carpentry-and-painting-alexandria-pj-vj~6432305)
  - Location: Alexandria, VA
  - Photos: 9
- [Painting and Carpentry Project in Aldie](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/painting-and-carpentry-project-in-aldie-pj-vj~5997381)
  - Location: Aldie, Virginia
  - Photos: 8
- [Mold Remediation Project- Bristow VA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mold-remediation-project-bristow-va-pj-vj~5507724)
  - Location: Bristow, VA
  - Photos: 47
- [Drywall installation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/drywall-installation-pj-vj~2081891)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 35
- [Limewash photos](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/limewash-photos-pj-vj~6432366)
  - Location: Great Falls, Virginia
  - Photos: 35
  - Description: We do custom limewash projects, where Charles and our project manager work closely with you to get the exact style and finish you want. We do a small test sample for you at the beginning of the project, refine it until it’s perfect, and then replicate on the rest of the home!

[See all 49 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/painters/charles-graves-painting-company-pfvwus-pf~916378924)

## Ideabooks

- [Bathroom Remodel Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/118680862/list/bathroom-remodel-ideas) — 50 ideas
- [charlespainting10's ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/68325320/list/charlespainting10-s-ideas) — 1 idea

[See all 2 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/charlespainting10)

## Community Q&A

**Q: Kitchen Cabinet refinishing (pro not DIY)- Milesi, BM Advance?** *(in Kitchens)*

Hi folks, we are shopping cabinet refinishers and have found that the top two contractors in our area use either Milesi or Benjamin Moore Advance (spray application). 
I understand that quality of contractor is paramount for this type of work, but I'm also wondering if anyone can advise on which of these two products are better? 
Any other advice for this type of project, including vetting the contractor properly, would be appreciated. The kitchen is quite large and we are very concerned about this being done right. At the same time, spending $30k-$50k on new kitchen cabinets is not an option. Existing layout and structure of the cabinets are in great shape.

A: Heather- interestingly enough, coffee is one of the few substances which will stain Milesi.  The Milesi is technically a water-based poly, and although Milesi’s 2k is highly durable and cutting edge, coffee can still stain it. 
The coffee stains are mainly caused by the acidic colored substances in coffee, along with the tannins in the coffee, which are both water-soluble and react with both the water-based stain and the wood.
Because coffee stains are highly acidic, your best solution is to use an alkaline (and oxidizing) agent like Oxone, who’s active ingredient is potassium peroxymonosulfate. 
However, even this is not guaranteed to work, as it may also react with the poly and/or the coffee may not come out completely. Coffee is one of the worst things to land on any painted surface. You most likely will need to have the stain removed first as much as possible using Oxone or a similar alkalizing product, and then have the cabinets prepped and recoated where the coffee stain was

**Q: LVP or wall to wall carpet in the basement** *(in Polls)*

We are updating our basement. Currently there is wall to wall carpet but we are planning to put in LVP in the bar area (kitchen area) and in front of the fireplace. What do you think we should do in the living room area (sofa/tv area)? My current thought is to leave existing wall to wall carpet just in the sofa area and LVP all the rest. This will help with sound, comfort and warmth. Will I regret not doing LVP in the entire space?

A: Hey, good question. So if you have a sump pump and an otherwise waterproofed basement, and moisture is not at all a problem, then staying with carpet is fine and probably worth it. however disclaimer as a general rule, laminate is always the safest bet in a basement fyi. But if you like carpet and it’s below 50% humidity in air and below 60% in concrete, then carpet is a safe choice (except if a flood happens obviously). 

But if the humidity in your basement is often at or above 60%, then over time carpet is going to develop a musty smell from small amounts of mold growth. This can negatively impact air quality. Obviously the amount of risk is dependent on the humidity- 80%+ humidity in basement is a huge problem. 62% might just be a minor one. If that makes sense. Mold grows faster the higher the humidity. 

Moisture meters and hygrometers are great for testing the moisture in the air and also in your concrete. If you take up the carpet for the bar area, test the concrete and air and find out your humidity is high, then I recommend doing a moisture barrier and laminate everywhere. (I also recommend investing in a sump pump in that case, or waterproofing exterior walls or doing French drains, depending on your situation and what’s causing the moisture issue, if one exists.)

But if you take up the carpet, test the concrete and air and your humidity is below 50% in air and below 60% in concrete, then you should be fine with carpet In the rest of the area.
Our Northern VA painting company handles mold remediation along with painting and flooring, so we do this kind of work regularly.
Good luck!

**Q: House color help!** *(in Polls)*

Help me pick a color for exterior of house- stucco as well as door. New roof also being placed first. Many pretty details- but im stuck on which colors to go with. Thanks!

A: Nice home! Personally I think a gray/blue hue or a tan would look really good with that roof and stucco. You’re right, a dull gray would look pretty dreary on it. If in doubt, you can always google “stucco home paint colors” and see what people are doing- you also can  see different Houzz photos. Last but not least many companies offer pro design consults with a designer (ours does). If they offer it near you, it’s a really good investment before painting!

**Q: Contractor didn't prime bare wood kitchen cabinets - paint now peeling** *(in Paint)*

Cabinet Contractor built some really nice cabinets in the kitchen, but never primed the bare wood before he painted.  He used an acrylic Sherwin Williams paint, but no primer.
Now, the paint on the cabinets are peeling anywhere a drop of water sits.
He is willing to remedy the situation.  I want to make sure I know the proper fix to tell him.  If he sprays another coat of acrylic paint (as I'm guessing he will suggest), it will be a band-aid until the next drop of water sits on the lip of these cabinet doors and drawers again.  Other than sanding, priming and painting the entire lot of kitchen cabinets, is there another solution that would be acceptable or is that the proper one?  Help please!
Thanks!!!!

A: That is unfortunate to hear that the painter/wood installer you hired, did not sand or prime your cabinets before painting. We always recommend that you check the license/insurance of who you hire before hiring them to avoid this issue. He is most likely not licensed. A simple license check with your state will prevent many of these issues from ever occurring in the first place. 
Because he did not degloss, sand and prime the cabinets (and then wait the appropriate amount of time for the primer to cure) before painting them, then you will unfortunately need to strip the cabinets and start over. 
Our company specializes in painting cabinets as well as stripping cabinets- We have fixed a LOT of jobs around our area, where homeowners "went cheap" and hired an unlicensed/unqualified painter and paid the price. This is very, very common. We probably do 2 jobs a week to fix the mess of someone cheaper.  I really don't understand why more people do not just hire professionals the first time, why tempt fate... but I digress.
There is no quick fix here- you will need to do things the right way from here on out, unless you want to experience this problem all over again. So again, you'll need to have the cabinets completely stripped then cleaned, prior to sanding, oil priming and repainting.  Or you could just buy new doors entirely, and negate needing to do the stripping and cleaning work for the cabinet doors.  (You'll still need to sand, oil prime and paint them.)
I recommend hiring a professional to finish this job, as most likely this guy is just going to do things wrong again. They always do. If he isn't smart or diligent enough to even do a basic google search or crack open a textbook to understand cabinets need to be primed, then do you really think that he's going to magically become a cabinet aficionado the second time around? Most likely not. And if he does a bad job stripping the cabinets, he may cause further damage, like deep scratches, uneven stripping, etc, along with wasting more of your money on materials and time.

**Q: Painting popcorn ceiling - Paint sprayer vs. Paint Roller** *(in Paint)*

Need to  paint a popcorn ceiling, What method is the best for ease and coverage - Using spray gun (and what kind to use) or using a thick napped roller. This is for living room and bedroom. Removal is not an option - too much work/time involved.  I just want the ceiling to have a fresh coat of white paint.  Also, any particular type of paint to use???  Thanks for your input.

A: If it has not been painted before,  then spraying is recommended. 
If it has been painted before with success, then either spraying or brushing/rolling will be fine. Spraying has a finer finish, but rolling is better at getting everything white. The sprayer sometimes does not get every angle perfectly, as often there are jagged edges. Using a 3/4" or 1" roller nap (depending on popcorn length) works very well to get into the grooves. Provided the popcorn doesn't come off, then rolling actually gives a slightly better and more complete look. 
Note: Brushing/rolling can be done if DIY, even if it hasn't been painted before, but be careful to make sure to test a closet or something inconspicuous first, to make sure the popcorn is not so delicate that it comes off with the brush/roller. Most of the time it wont, but sometimes it will.
Other notes are obvious- sprayer covers more ground faster, but with sprayer you must carefully cover and plastic every last thing in the house and all surfaces, cover vents and shut off return system, etc etc, to avoid overspray mist getting onto things it shouldn't. 
If it is a smaller job, most companies/painters would roll, because a sprayer takes a lot of time to set up and clean hoses after job completion. This can substantially raise the cost of the project. If it is a larger job, most everyone who's qualified is going to roll- UNLESS the house is fully lived in and furnished.
When homes are lived in and furnished with a lot of furniture, clothes, dressers, items, objects, picture frames etc around the home, then you simply do not want to spray indoors at all.

**Q: Farrow & Ball Estate Eggshell for kitchen cabinets** *(in Design Dilemma)*

We
have decided to paint our own kitchen cabinet doors. A carpenter is making the doors for ikea bases. They are made of poplar wood and we will either paint them ourselves or ask the
carpenter to paint them (he usually uses a brush whereas I've seen mini-rollers recommended for this). The consensus seems to
be that Eggshell is the best finish for doors and having seen other furniture in this finish I love the look.
We are in Italy where the choice of brands with an eggshell finish is limited, but we are near to a Farrow & Ball stockist, and I love their colours. But doing a bit of internet research I've discovered lots of negativity surrounding F&B estate eggshell, mainly that it's not as good as it used to be since it was reformulated. However, many bespoke kitchen companies and cabinet makers (inthe UK at least) are still using this paint, which (wrongly?) makes me think that it can't be that bad...  
So, bearing in mind that other brands are hard to obtain/would be significantly more expensive as they'd have to be shipped internationally, my questions are: 
\- Is F&B a really bad choice for kitchen cupboards? Or just not the best choice/not as good as it used to be? Has anyone used it for this purpose since the reformulation who can give some feedback on how it's holding up?  
\- Are there any tricks we can use to ensure a better finish/make it more hardwearing? E.g. I'm assuming we should apply a primer first, and aim for 3 coats of F&B. I wouldn't want to apply a varnish as such as it defeats the point of the nice finish, but I saw that this company http://touchwoodkitchen.co.uk/services/painted-kitchens/ mixes in clear varnish for the 3rd coat... Would the exterior eggshell be more robust or are there reasons why it can't be used inside?
Any help would be much appreciated.

A: Andrea- Yes. Farrow and Ball’s paint is generally standard water-based paint (read the can). So all you need to do is scuff-sand, then wipe dust off, let dry and apply 2 full coats of Emerald Urethane Enamel (I recommend the semigloss finish). This paint bonds perfectly fine to water based paint. 
If you want to be extra careful, you can prime first, although it isn’t actually necessary in this particular case

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-22.*