How to Paint & Glaze Kitchen Cabinets
Updating the look of your kitchen doesn't always have to include buying all new appliances and new cabinets. In fact, there is a way that you can give your kitchen cabinets that antique, aged look that so many people are trying to get. Many times if you were to buy cabinets that were already treated to look like this, you would pay extra, but you can do it at your home with only a few materials. The process will depend on the type of cabinets that you have and whether they are painted or stained, but either way it isn't complicated or difficult. Nor does it take that long.
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Things You'll Need
- Oil- or water-based glaze
- Stain, paint or colorant
- Paint thinner (possibly)
- Clean, lint-free rags
- Screwdriver
- Several paintbrushes
- Denatured alcohol
Instructions
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1
Decide on your color. Glaze is clear but can be colored by adding stain (if your cabinets are stained) or paint (if your cabinets are painted) to it. So, play with the colors a bit and test them on a scrap piece of wood. Once you've chosen your color, mix enough to do all of your cabinets.
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2
Remove all of the knobs and pulls-off of all of your cabinets, and remove the drawers as well. It is up to you whether you would like to take the cabinet doors down. You don't have to, but the glaze will cover the hinges a bit and cause them to fade. This could be part of the look you want.
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3
Clean all of the surfaces with denatured alcohol. You may also use a mild degreasing cleaner.
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4
Lay a drop cloth on the counter, just in case there are any drips.
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5
Begin to apply the glaze thick on the cabinets in sections. Be sure to work it deep in the corners and edges.
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6
Wipe the glaze off the cabinets with a clean rag. If you mess up, use paint thinner (if using oil-based glaze) or hot water (if using water-based glaze). Stand back and look at the color. If you would like it darker, repeat steps 5 and 6 until you are satisfied.
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7
Move to the next section and do the same thing, trying to keep the color as uniform as possible.
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8
Allow the glaze to settle in the corners and cracks. This will give it an aged and antique look.
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Tips & Warnings
You may varnish over the entire job when you are finished if you would like a stronger finish, but normally glazed cabinets will hold up fine to strong cleaning.
