Custom Painting in Mechanicsburg, PA Just Add Paint

Kitchen idea, house painting ideas, Just Add Paint — Range Hood Cabinet Painting Projected is Prepped and Ready to GO!

When you walk into a kitchen, there are usually a few things that immediately catch your eye. For some, it’s the countertops. For others, the backsplash or maybe even the light fixtures. But in one Mechanicsburg home we recently worked on, the star of the show is undoubtedly the new custom-built range hood—a piece handcrafted by a local woodworker and brought to life with Just Add Paint’s finishing expertise.

This wasn’t your everyday cabinet project. It combined artistry, precision, and a deep understanding of how paint products perform on different materials. The result? A stunning accent piece that not only elevates the entire kitchen but also tells a story of local talent and thoughtful design. Completed start to finish in only 3 days!

The Challenge of a Custom-Built Hood

Custom woodwork is always exciting to work with. Unlike factory cabinets, which are typically built from uniform materials, a handmade hood often incorporates different species of wood. That’s part of its charm—it carries the unique marks of craftsmanship. But it also presents a challenge when it comes to painting.

Different wood species absorb primer and paint at different rates. Some are smooth and tight-grained; others are porous and textured. If not addressed properly, this can lead to a patchy, uneven finish. That wasn’t an option here. This hood needed to shine as the focal point of the kitchen.

Our Secret Weapon: Envirolak High-Build Primer

Interior Painting, Mechanicsburg, House Painting ideas — This Range Hood Has 2 Coats Of Envirolak 180 High Build Black Primer To Help Smooth Out The Texture Of Different Wood Species

To even the playing field, we turned to Canadian wonder-product Envirolak 180 high-build primer. This primer is specifically designed to fill in wood grain and create a smooth, consistent surface across varying textures.

Think of it as a leveler: it bridges the gaps between species, sands beautifully, and provides the ideal foundation for topcoats. By applying this primer, we ensured that the final color wouldn’t just sit on top of the wood—it would look seamless, professional, and uniform from every angle.

For homeowners, this step may feel invisible, but it’s absolutely critical to achieving that “wow” moment when the project is complete.

A Finish That Lasts: Envirolak 2K Poly

Cabinets Only, Cabinet Painting Mechanicsburg, Camp Hill, Harrisburg — After Photo Of This Fun Kitchen Accent In Mechanicsburg

Once the surface was primed and sanded to perfection, it was time for the finish. For this project, we selected Envirolak 2K Poly, one of the most durable and wear-resistant coatings available in our industry.

Why does this matter for a range hood?

Daily wear and tear: Range hoods endure steam, heat, grease, and frequent cleaning.
Longevity: A lesser coating might chip, yellow, or fail under kitchen conditions.
Aesthetics: The 2K poly provides a rich, professional look that enhances depth and color.

This isn’t a cut-corner product—it’s a top-tier, ultra-durable finish. It’s the same coating we trust for entire kitchen projects, and it comes backed with performance we’re proud to warranty.

Brushed and Rolled—On Purpose

At Just Add Paint, our go-to method for finishing kitchen cabinetry is spraying. It produces a flawless, factory-grade look that many homeowners love. But this project was different for a couple of reasons:

Practicality: Spraying requires masking and protecting the entire kitchen, which adds time and cost. For one small range hood, it didn’t make sense to undergo that level of prep.
Consistency: Other areas of this kitchen had already been finished using a brush-and-roll method. This approach left subtle, hand-applied textures that contributed to the home’s country/rustic aesthetic. Matching that finish on the hood kept everything visually cohesive.
Customer Preference: Our clients wanted to keep costs in check while still getting a beautiful, durable finish. Brush and roll gave them exactly that.

The result wasn’t a compromise—it was a conscious design decision that tied the room together.

The Beauty of Contrast

The range hood was painted in a contrasting tone that stands out beautifully against the rest of the kitchen’s creamy white cabinets. This design choice was intentional: instead of blending in, the hood commands attention as an architectural and aesthetic centerpiece.

Contrast is a powerful design tool in kitchens. It breaks up monotony, adds character, and draws the eye toward focal points. In this home, the hood not only serves its practical purpose but also acts as a visual anchor for the entire space.

A True Collaboration

One of the highlights of this project was the collaboration between a fantastic local carpenter and professional finishers. A Mechanicsburg woodworker poured skill and creativity into building the hood, while our team ensured that craftsmanship was protected and highlighted with the right finishing products.

It’s a reminder that the best home projects often happen when professionals share a common goal: creating something that will bring daily joy to the homeowner.

The Homeowner’s Perspective

Mechanicsburg House Painting, Just Add Paint, Cabinet Refinishing — After Photo Of The Range Hood In This Super Hip Kitchen In Mechanicsburg

For the family, the project achieved more than just a refreshed look. They saved money by avoiding full-scale masking, kept the rustic character they loved, and gained a durable, low-maintenance finish that will last for years.

Their reaction said it all: they were thrilled with the outcome. And frankly, so were we. Seeing the hood installed, painted, and glowing under the kitchen lights was one of those satisfying “this is why we do what we do” moments for our team.

Why This Project Matters

While this might seem like just one small project, it represents so much of what we value at Just Add Paint:

Customization: Every project is unique, and we adapt our process to meet the needs of the home and the homeowner.
Quality Products: From Envirolak 180 primer to 2K poly, we use coatings that perform as beautifully as they look.
Flexibility: Whether it’s spraying, brushing, or rolling, we deliver finishes that fit the style and goals of the project.
Partnerships: Working alongside local craftsmen and listening to customer preferences ensures every project feels personal.

Final Thoughts

This Mechanicsburg kitchen project was a perfect example of how thoughtful design, professional application, and premium materials can transform even a single element of a room. The custom-built hood is now more than just a practical necessity—it’s a statement piece, a conversation starter, and a testament to what happens when local craftsmanship meets professional finishing.

At Just Add Paint, we’re proud to bring this level of care and attention to every project, whether it’s a full kitchen repaint or a single standout piece. Because sometimes, it’s the details—like a beautifully painted range hood—that make all the difference.