How to Chocolate Glaze My Cabinets

Chocolate glaze cabinets by mixing chocolate-colored paint with clear glaze.

Applying a glaze to a cabinet is much like applying a stain. The main difference is that you apply a glaze over an already painted surface. The specific color of a glaze comes from the color of the paint you add into it, but you may use standard pre-colored glazes. Although using a glaze adds protection to the surface to which it is applied, the main reason to use it is the antique aesthetic effect that it gives to a wooden surface.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Table
• Newspapers
• Dish-washing soap solution
• Rags
• Shallow pan or bowl
• Mixing stick
• Water-based clear glaze
• Water-based latex chocolate-colored paint

Instructions

1. Remove all of the cabinet hardware. Place the cabinet doors on a table covered with newspapers.

2. Wash the cabinets before beginning. Use a dish-washing soap solution and a rag. Wipe down the cabinets with a damp rag when done and allow them to dry thoroughly.

3. Pour the paint and glaze in a shallow bowl. The more paint that is used, the darker and more antique the glaze looks. For example, one part paint to three part glaze creates a very light chocolate-color finish. Three part paint to one part glaze creates a very dark chocolate finish. Adjust the paint-to-glaze proportions according to your personal taste.

4. Mix the glaze and paint together with a mixing stick.

5. Dip a rag into the paint/glaze mixture and rub it onto the cabinets. Work in small sections as you go and rub it in briskly. As soon as a particular section is covered, wipe the glaze/paint mixture off. The top coat mixture that is left behind is the glazed finish.

Tips & Warnings

• Although there are oil-based paints and glazes, using water-based types are much easier to clean up. However, never mix an oil based paint or glaze with a water based one. Always use compatible types.

• Never mix an oil-based paint or glaze with a water-based one. Always use compatible types.

References

• Cabinets-N-Storage: Glazing Kitchen Cabinets Video