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The variety of options when painting cabinets often leaves you confused. There are many factors you have to know and include before you start the whole process. For example, if you want to choose the ideal type of cabinet finish, you must know what is essential and what is available on the market. Or, you want to refresh your cabinets, maybe? You have to see if you should do a glaze or a vintage finish. Glazing is always better, though. Why? Read below to find out how to glaze cabinets on your own.

What Is Cabinet Glazing?

glazing How to glaze cabinets correctly (Easy to follow tips)

We can define glazing as a semi-transparent coating. This coat is much darker than the color you’re painting with. This layer is put on top of the painted surface. But, you have to apply it when the paint is still fresh. You have to do this fast, though. Wipe it off immediately after you apply it. It leaves a dark outline. You have all kinds of glazing finishes.

However, the most commonly used are the darker ones. The darker glaze often makes the cabinets look more accentuated. They make a dramatic impact on the whole look of the cabinets. You can use this technique almost everywhere.

It makes all kinds of furniture look unique and antique. This use ranges from kitchens to bathrooms and even standing furniture.

Types of Glaze

oil-base How to glaze cabinets correctly (Easy to follow tips)

The glaze product can be found in two formulas. One has an oil-based formula, and the other one is water-based. But, the oil-based ones are typically better. They can have more applications, and they work best for stained cabinets. The water-based glazing product has much better use when you have painted cabinets.

water-base How to glaze cabinets correctly (Easy to follow tips)

The first type of glaze is better to work with as well. Because it contains oil in its formula, it dries much slower. This is excellent if you want to take your time with painting.

Overall, depending on the paint you work with, you have to choose the right glazing finish. Make sure also to read the instructions carefully!

Glazing your kitchen cabinets

Shiloh-Painted-Kitchen-and-Dining-Room-by-Kleppinger-Design-Group-Inc. How to glaze cabinets correctly (Easy to follow tips)
Image source: Kleppinger Design Group, Inc.

Glazing is the easiest part of renovating your cabinets. It is a forgiving process, and it is a process that anyone can do. The best thing about it is that you can wipe away the coating if you mess up.

You can’t make a permanent mistake. When you are done painting the cabinets, you should apply the glazing. Please don’t do it the other way around. Make sure the cabinets are completely dry before you use the finish. You can instantly learn how to glaze cabinets and create your modern twist to them.

Glaze supply list:

glaze-tools How to glaze cabinets correctly (Easy to follow tips)

  • Glaze (if you prefer to buy glaze already tinted)
  • Clear Glaze ( if you want to mix your color )
  • Latex paint in the color of your choice
  • Rags Foam brushes
  • Gloves
  • Drop Cloth

How to glaze cabinets and prepare beforehand?

  • The first thing you need to do is remove the doors and drawers from the cabinets. You should unscrew the screws and hinges. Then empty the cabinets, so they’re free from junk. You can also remove the cabinet knobs and drawers to protect them from the drippings. Put nylon on the floor and other counters so they won’t get messy. You can use painter’s tape to cover the edges of the nearby objects.

Steps to glaze cabinets:

Clean and sand cabinets

Clean-and-sand-cabinets How to glaze cabinets correctly (Easy to follow tips)

First, you have to remove any excess grease from the cabinets. Use a degreasing cleaner. Scrub away any debris or residue. You can also use a deglosser. It is similar to sandpaper, except it is in a liquid form. Use a rag to do this. Rub a little to ensure there is no junk left. You can sand the cabinets with sandpaper if your goal is to repaint them. With this, you will smooth out the surface and make it ready for the next step.

Paint your cabinets (optional)

paintpaint How to glaze cabinets correctly (Easy to follow tips)

It would be best if you choose a paint color that is lighter than the actual glaze. The glaze is meant initially to darken the counter paint. You can apply a base coat of latex paint. Then use a paintbrush to paint them. You should wait approximately twelve hours before you apply the next product on top.

Seal your paint (Optional)

varnish How to glaze cabinets correctly (Easy to follow tips)

You can set your paint with a clear varnish. The varnish or the lacquer should be in a spray bottle for a more sophisticated application. Then coat the dry surfaces. The lacquer is especially beneficial for a white cabinet. It will prevent the cover from darkening and getting stained.

Follow Glaze steps:

glaze1 How to glaze cabinets correctly (Easy to follow tips)

  • Before you start glazing, you have to read and follow each step carefully. You first want to prepare the bought glaze. Maybe you have purchased a transparent glaze. Read instructions on how to custom mix it to get your desired color.
  • Then you might want to test the product. You can do this testing on a piece of a poster or scrap board. First, apply the base color and then use the glaze to see whether you get the desired color or not.
  • After you have tested that, you can move onto the next step. The step is applying the glaze. Start small. Begin with a section that is further from the front view of the cabinet. Work remotely and in circular motions. But make sure to apply a little coat of the glaze. If you apply a lot, the glaze will drip. You can also apply the glaze with a cloth or a rug. Using a sponge is not a bad idea, as well. Then, rub in the mixture.
  • The next step is to wipe the excess off. Start by using a circular motion to wipe. The strokes should be quick and done with a clean cloth. You don’t want to spread the excess on the surface more. While you’re wiping, you will see how the product has worked in the paint.

Tip on how to glaze cabinets: start by working in smaller sections. The glaze varnish dries quickly. That is why it is essential to use a quote by the team. Remember that the longer you leave the varnish to set, the darker the results will be. Apply smaller amounts, and then gradually, you will see the color change. 

If you are not happy with the outcome, you can always reverse the results. Use paint thinner and softly rub it on the set varnish. Again, use a clean cloth or rag to wipe. When you are finally happy with the look, it is time to start glazing the other sections. This might take some time.

Finishing

apply-grazing How to glaze cabinets correctly (Easy to follow tips)

You don’t have to seal the varnished cabinet. But, you can add a final coating to lock the glazing. It will help the cabinet to live longer and prevent it from looking old. But make sure to apply it when the cabinet is completely dry. Let the final varnish sit for two days and then start using the cabinet’s hardware. Reinstall the screws and the hinges gradually.

Once again, you can use a cloth to remove any paint errors you’ve made during the process. Use paint thinner if necessary.

FAQ

Choosing the right color for the desired glaze

Vada-Drive-by-The-Burke-Company How to glaze cabinets correctly (Easy to follow tips)Image source: The Burke Company

You want to pick a light color. Perhaps two shades lighter than the glaze you want to apply. There are no rules when it comes to the paint and glaze color combination. You can pick anything. White is the most popular and widespread color. The glaze on this color will show the most. It will make the cabinets look antique and old.

How to glaze cabinets with different paint?

Kitchen-by-Duffy-Design-Group How to glaze cabinets correctly (Easy to follow tips)Image source: Duffy Design Group

Make sure you choose the right pain formula when coloring your cabinets. If the paint is oil-based, it will become yellow over time. That is why it is best if you use a water-based one. If you don’t mind the yellowing of the cabinet, then choose the oil one.

To Glaze Or Not?

Red-Gray-Kitchen-by-Claire-Queeney-Hsu How to glaze cabinets correctly (Easy to follow tips)Image source: Claire Queeney Hsu

You want to pick a color that can be blended with the other kitchen appliances and furniture. If you don’t, the risk will be enormous. The chances of the whole kitchen to be ruined are huge.

Think about the floors, appliances, and the underlying cabinet color.

If you are looking to give your cabinets a modern look, don’t add a glaze. However, if you’re going for the more traditional look, glazing your cabinets is a great option. 

Glazing is an integral part of the furniture. It can ruin or improve the whole look of the room.

If you know how to glaze cabinets, you won’t have to spend a lot of money to have the kitchen of your dreams.

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