Glaze Over Painted Kitchen Cabinets

September 22, 2018
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Glaze Over Painted Kitchen Cabinets: An In-Depth Guide

Glazing over painted kitchen cabinets is a unique and sophisticated technique that elevates the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen while providing additional durability. Whether you're updating existing cabinetry or starting from scratch, glazing offers a versatile and visually stunning option.

### What is Glazing?

Glazing is the process of applying a thin, transparent layer of glaze over painted surfaces to create a smooth, glossy finish with depth and character. The glaze can be tinted or left clear to enhance the underlying paint color while adding a subtle sheen.

### Benefits of Glazing Painted Kitchen Cabinets

Glazing offers numerous benefits for painted kitchen cabinets:

Enhanced appearance: Glaze adds a rich, lustrous finish that transforms ordinary cabinets into elegant showpieces.
Increased durability: The glaze protects the underlying paint from wear and tear, making cabinets more resistant to chipping, fading, and staining.
Customizable: Glazes are available in a wide range of colors and finishes, allowing you to personalize your cabinets to match your décor.
Versatility: Glaze can be applied over both light and dark paint colors, creating a stunning contrast or complementing the existing hue.

### Types of Glazes

There are two main types of glazes used for kitchen cabinets:

Oil-based glazes: These glazes are made with a combination of oil and solvents, providing a rich, amber-like finish with good durability.
Water-based glazes: These glazes are made with water and acrylic resins, resulting in a clear or tinted finish that enhances the color and texture of the paint.

### Preparing for Glazing

Before glazing, it's crucial to properly prepare the cabinet surfaces:

Clean the cabinets thoroughly with a degreaser to remove any dirt or grease.
Sand the cabinets lightly with fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth surface for the glaze to adhere to.
Prime the cabinets with a high-quality primer that is compatible with your paint and glaze.

Glazing techniques vary depending on the desired effect:

Full glaze: Apply a thick layer of glaze evenly over the entire cabinet surface.
Partial glaze: Apply the glaze to specific areas, such as raised panels or edges, to create a more detailed look.
Color washing: Mix a small amount of paint into the glaze to create a tinted wash that adds subtle color variations.

Once the glaze has dried, you can enhance the finish:

Waxing: Applying a coat of wax helps to protect the glaze and gives it a soft, lustrous sheen.
Rubbing: Gently rubbing the glaze with a fine-grit sanding sponge creates a distressed or antique look.
Accenting: Use a damp cloth to wipe away excess glaze from specific areas, creating highlights and accents.

Glazing over painted kitchen cabinets is a rewarding technique that can transform your kitchen into a truly unique and captivating space. By combining the beauty of glaze with the durability of paint, you can create cabinets that are both stunning and functional for years to come.