How to Glaze Existing Cabinets

Take off the cabinet hinges and other hardware. Lay the doors out on a tarp, face up. If the cabinet body is connected to the wall, put masking tape around it to protect the wall.

Buff the cabinet surface with sandpaper, just enough to dull any shine that's on it. Don't attempt to take off any paint or finish that's currently on the cabinet, but just de-gloss it.

Open and mix your glaze. Spread it onto each section of the cabinet with a paintbrush, starting at the top and working down if it's a vertical section. Spread the glaze on thick, making sure to get it fully inside all the contours of the surface.

Let the glaze set up for about 3 minutes, or until you see the surface of the glaze starting to dry and become less shiny.

Fold a few dry cloths into to a flat pad, and use it to wipe away the glaze from the flat spans of the cabinet. Wipe lightly, so the glaze is flattened everywhere and taken up from the surface on the flat spans, but remains gathered in the crevices and inner corners. It should give the effect of the old finish coming partially out through the glaze.

Let the glaze dry for 8 hours. Brush polyurethane over the all the parts of the cabinet, in a smooth, even coat. Use a second coat if desired, for a higher shine over the glaze.