Paint Antique Look Kitchen Cabinets

October 9, 2018
By admin
Filed Under Kitchen Cabinets
No Comments

Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets to Achieve an Antique Look

Transforming the aesthetics of your kitchen can be an exciting and fulfilling endeavor. Painting your kitchen cabinets is an effective way to rejuvenate this pivotal space, granting it a fresh and contemporary appeal. By meticulously implementing the techniques of antiquing, you can impart an alluring vintage charm to your cabinetry, evoking a timeless elegance that exudes warmth and character.

Selecting the Ideal Color Palette

The color palette you choose will significantly impact the overall ambiance of your kitchen. For an antique look, consider muted and earthy hues such as sage green, pale gray, burgundy, or navy blue. These timeless colors evoke a sense of nostalgia and create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. However, if you prefer a brighter and more vibrant look, opt for soft pastels like cream, lavender, or mint green. These hues will lend a cheerful and charming touch to your kitchen.

Choosing Paint with the Right Sheen

The sheen of the paint you select will affect the appearance and durability of your cabinets. For an antique finish, a matte or eggshell sheen is recommended. Matte sheens absorb light, resulting in a velvety, low-luster finish that imparts an aged look. Eggshell sheens offer a slightly higher level of luster while still maintaining a soft and subtle appearance.

Priming the Cabinets

Before applying paint, it is crucial to properly prime your cabinets. Primer creates a smooth and even surface, ensuring that the paint adheres well and prevents tannin bleed-through from the wood. Use a high-quality primer specifically designed for kitchen cabinets to achieve optimal results.

Applying the Paint

Begin applying the paint using a brush or roller, working in small sections. Apply multiple thin coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. This will result in a smooth and even finish. For an antique look, consider using a dry brush technique. Dip a slightly damp brush into the paint and then dab it onto the surface of the cabinet, creating a distressed and timeworn effect.

Adding Glazing for Depth and Character

To enhance the depth and character of your cabinets, consider applying a glaze. A glaze is a transparent or semi-transparent paint that adds subtle color and shading, creating the illusion of age and patina. Apply the glaze in thin layers, using a brush or sponge, and blend it gently to achieve the desired effect.

Finishing with Wax or Polyurethane

Once the glazing is complete, protect your cabinets with a clear wax or polyurethane finish. Wax will impart a soft and velvety sheen, while polyurethane will provide a more durable and protective coating. Apply the finish in thin, even coats, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next.

Distressing the Cabinets for an Authentic Antique Look

If desired, you can distress the cabinets to create an even more authentic antique look. Use sandpaper to lightly sand the edges and corners of the cabinets, removing some of the paint to reveal the underlying wood. You can also add small dents or scratches to the surface to further enhance the distressed effect.

Painting your kitchen cabinets to achieve an antique look is a rewarding project that can transform the heart of your home. By carefully selecting a color palette, paint sheen, and finishing techniques, you can create a space that exudes timeless elegance and charm. Embrace the beauty of the past while infusing your kitchen with a fresh and inviting ambiance.