About Wood Glaze

Wood glaze is a substance that is used to enhance wood surfaces in flooring, furniture and wall fixtures. Glazing different wood pieces can add beauty to your home and can also prolong the life of some of your more delicate wood fixtures.

Function

There are two main functions of wood glaze. The first is to enhance the natural color of wood fixtures around your home. Wood glaze does not stain woods but instead brings out its richer, natural tones. The secondary function of wood glaze is to protect the quality of your wood. Although glaze is not a replacement for sealant, the extra layer of lacquer helps keep your wood refreshed and aids in the prevention of warping due to lack of moisture.

Time Frame

Glazing and sealing can take anywhere from an hour to half of a day depending on how much glaze you use and what brand you choose. If you are looking for a dramatic look, then the glazing and sealing process may take a little longer, especially if you used advanced layering techniques that involve applying overlapping layers of glaze.

Benefits

There are several benefits to using wood glaze around your home. First of all, it allows you to customize pre-made wood pieces that you already own, as well as add value. Using wood glaze also helps you to match and coordinate different wood pieces with other elements in a room. Wood glaze can be used on nearly any wood product, but is most commonly used to create accents in wood furniture and cabinets.

Misconceptions

Although wood glazing is primarily used for furniture and cabinetry, it also has several artistic uses. Everything from complex woodcarvings to simple homemade picture frames can be enhanced by using wood glaze. Many wood artisans use specially made wood glazes for detailed woodcarvings and models, and different glaze layering and diluting techniques can be used for unique glaze effects.

Warning

It is very important to seal your wood after using glaze. Otherwise the color will not set correctly and the glaze will retain a sticky texture and fade much more quickly. The sealing process should be initiated directly after you have applied the amount of glaze you want and have achieved your desired color.

Resources

• Tips for Applying Wood Glaze
• Glazing special effects