STAINING: A KNOW-HOW THAT RESPECTS THE WOOD GRAIN!
An artisanal method, mastered by Cuisines Steam to sublimate each essence with precision.
At Cuisines Steam, each project is shaped with precision, passion and high standards. Our kitchen cabinets are not simply manufactured, they are meticulously designed and finished according to rigorous processes, inherited from artisanal know-how and enhanced by years of field experience.
In this article, we introduce you to the different finishing techniques that we master in the workshop. Today, we focus on staining, a rigorous method that enhances the wood grain like no other. Our meticulous, consistent approach makes all the difference in the final result.
Shades of white: stain tests on solid oak.
Among the strong trends in kitchen design, the return of oak as a featured material is hard to miss. Whether it’s white oak, red oak, or ash, staining has become an essential finishing technique to enhance the natural richness and texture of the wood.
In this second article of our series on finishing techniques, we reveal our traditional staining method, perfected over the years and offered to our clients to achieve results that meet their highest expectations.
👉 Checkout our previous article on lacquer!
The richness of the hand-rubbed stain
The stain provides a transparent or semi-opaque finish that preserves the wood grain while adding depth. It’s a delicate technique that requires precise handling and careful attention to detail at every step.
Our process spans 5 days and includes 6 key steps, meticulously followed to achieve a high-end finish:
Careful preparation and sanding of both faces and all four edges to remove cutting marks and close the wood’s pores.
Edge profiling with a router to create a slight round-over, which helps prevent drips during application.
Application of the stain by hand (with a cloth) or with a spray gun, depending on the desired finish.
Immediate manual wiping to ensure the stain penetrates properly and to control the intensity.
For oil dyes: spray shading for an even shade.
Application of a protective lacquer, which seals the stain and safeguards the surface over time.
🛠️ Preparation: the key step.
Unlike lacquer finishing, where most of the work is based on the application of successive coats and rigorous masking between each step, dyeing requires a long and meticulous preparation – accounting for almost 80% of the total time. It's this attention to detail, from the start, that results in a rich, durable finish that is true to the uniqueness of each wood species, while maintaining its natural appearance. For very light, stain-free finishes, we apply two coats of sealant after sanding, to protect the wood while maintaining its natural look.
" The art of enhancing your kitchen lies in these little touches that make all the difference and that, together, transform your daily life. »
Desire for a kitchen thought out down to the smallest detail ? Trust our team to design a bespoke kitchen that is perfectly suited to your needs, style and space. For more inspiration, take a look at our achievements.
