Behind the Finish: Craftsmanship in Cabinet Finishing with Boxco Studio
Featuring: Michael Childress, Lead Finisher
At Boxco Studio, finishing isn’t an afterthought – it’s a refined, hands-on process that defines the final product.
Boxco Studio has been operating since 2020 and is led by founders Gallagher Hannan and David Erickson, who built the business around a streamlined, process-driven approach to custom cabinetry.
Led on the finishing side by Michael Childress, the studio has built a reputation for precision, consistency, and a deep understanding of colour in custom cabinetry. Michael joined the team as Lead Finisher with a background as a fine artist and painter, and has since helped evolve and refine Boxco’s finishing processes, particularly around colour development and consistency.
Based in Greenfield, Massachusetts, Boxco Studio specializes in fully custom kitchens, bathrooms, and built-ins, with every door and panel hand-finished in-house using Osmo.
How does Boxco Studio choose the finishes or treatments for wood projects?
“Our finishing process is designed to be efficient, low-waste, and highly controlled. Rather than spray finishing, we apply Osmo using a rotary buffer, which allows for even coverage and a more hands-on approach. We’ve also developed our own custom colour system by mixing Osmo’s primary wood wax colours into proprietary formulas. This allows us to apply rich colour while still preserving the visibility of the wood grain.”
From Fine Art to Fine Finishing
Michael joined Boxco Studio with a background as a fine artist and painter – a foundation that now shows up in every surface he touches. Since joining, he’s helped elevate and systemize Boxco’s finishing approach, particularly in colour development and consistency.
A Process Built on Control + Craft
Rather than spray finishing, Boxco takes a more tactile approach.
Using a pneumatic rotary buffer paired with microfiber pads, finishes are applied with precision – allowing for:
- Even coverage
- Reduced waste
- Greater control over the final look
This hands-on method aligns perfectly with Osmo’s hardwax oil system, enhancing the wood rather than masking it.
The Most Satisfying Moment
“Seeing all the individual components come together as one cohesive finished set.” – Michael Childress, Lead Finisher, Boxco Studio
In custom cabinetry, that moment is everything – when color, grain, and craftsmanship align.
Color Is Where It Gets Interesting
Boxco Studio has developed its own proprietary color system, mixing Osmo Wood Wax Finish tones into custom formulas.
Each color is:
- Mixed by hand
- Documented for repeatability
- Designed to preserve natural grain visibility
From their Core and Extended palettes to fully custom client work, color is where their projects truly stand out.
“Color-forward projects are my favorite – especially when clients push into bold combinations. Green kitchens are always a win.” – Michael Childress, Lead Finisher, Boxco Studio
Material Matters
Sustainability isn’t a trend for Boxco – it’s foundational.
They primarily work with maple plywood:
- Locally available
- Durable and stable
- Ideal for natural oil-based finishes
Osmo complements this approach with plant-based, low-toxicity formulations that support both longevity and material integrity.
Why Osmo
For Boxco, it comes down to workflow and performance:
- No spraying required
- Efficient, repeatable application
- Strong durability for real-life use
- Easy maintenance and spot repair
“You don’t need harsh cleaners, and you can repair small areas without redoing everything – which is huge for cabinetry.”
Standout Projects
Michael highlights:
- Dark-toned cabinetry projects with rich Wood Wax finishes
- White oak veneer finished with Raw or Clear Polyx-Oil®
These projects strike a balance between bold color and natural texture – a signature of Boxco’s work.
Advice for the Next Generation
“Experiment often and make samples. Always test before applying a new finish.” – Michael Childress, Lead Finisher, Boxco Studio
And one lesson learned the hard way:
“Surface preparation matters more than you think. Good sanding makes all the difference.”– Michael Childress, Lead Finisher, Boxco Studio
Looking Ahead
With more clients embracing multi-color interiors, Boxco is heading into a year of more dynamic, creative builds.
“We’d love to match colorful cabinetry perfectly to a wood floor.” – Michael Childress, Lead Finisher, Boxco Studio
