Antiquing and Glazing Cabinets

Glaze and Stain

• Glaze is a translucent paint material commonly used to add darker areas to cabinets. Stain is applied the same was as glaze; however, glaze can be custom tinted in hundreds of colors when mixed with latex paint. The common ratio for mixing glaze and paint is 50 percent glaze and 50 percent latex paint. The glaze allows the paint to stay wet longer, resulting in additional time to work with it on the cabinet surface. Both glaze and stain are roughly painted over the cabinets. Use a dam rag to mottle or manipulate the materials. Do so by dabbing with the rag or wiping off the glaze or stain, so it only falls into crevices of the cabinets.

Chains, Hammers and Nails

• Aged furniture commonly has dings, holes and other imperfections. Create this look by using an old chain and hitting the furniture. Use a hammer and nail to create fake worm holes. A screwdriver can be used to dig out areas of the cabinets so the wood looks chipped and worn.

Crackle

• The look of peeling, cracked paint is achieved with a liquid crackle material. Most crackle formulas are simply a type of glue. The cabinet is first finished with latex paint, stain or a clear varnish. Roll on the crackle medium and allow the material to become tacky, but do not let it dry. Using a damp sea sponge, pat latex paint onto the crackle glue. Only touch the area one time, ensuring you are covering the entire surface. If you retouch the area with paint, it will not crackle. In several minutes the cracks in the wet paint begin to appear, and the underneath coloration of the cabinet is seen. Allow the paint to dry. Sand with medium grit sandpaper to remove additional paint and give an even more aged appearance.

Varnish and Seal

• Because cabinets are used in high traffic areas such as kitchens and bathroom, it is important to seal your aging techniques well. Roll or brush on a clear water-based polyurethane over the surface of the cabinetry. It is important to use a low-gloss finish. A high-gloss look will give the impression your cabinets are new, and not 100 years old.