How to Glaze Kitchen Cabinets

Glazing kitchen cabinets can highlight the design of the doors and slightly alter the existing finish. When glazing, one of two possible techniques can be used. With dry glazing, you should start with unfinished cabinets. However, the other technique, wet glazing, is used after the cabinets have already been stained and finished. For many homeowners, this is ideal, because it significantly reduces the work involved in altering the finish.

Although you can glaze any kitchen cabinet, cabinet doors with some detail are best. The most common type of glazing, pinstripe glazing, highlights the details of the wood. For these reason, ornate, traditional designs are often best.

Step 1: Detach the doors of the kitchen cabinets and remove the hinges and other hardware.

Step 2: Clean the kitchen cabinet doors with TSP diluted with warm water. Pay particular attention to any grooves or details in the doors. Allow the doors to dry completely before continuing.

Step 3: Lay the doors on a flat surface facing up. Sawhorses are ideal for this project.

Step 4: Apply a thin, narrow line of glazing in the valleys of the details of the kitchen cabinet doors. Start by highlighting only a few details, rather than applying glazing to the entire door. Pay particular attention to any corners, making sure they are saturated with the glaze.

Step 5: Use a clean rag to wipe over the glazing. Remove any glazing on the top surfaces, allowing the glazing to remain in the valleys of the door.

Step 6: Continue applying glazing and wiping it away until you have achieved the look that you want. Let the glazing dry before continuing.

Step 7: Use a can of spray polyurethane finish to seal the glazing. Apply two coats, one vertically and one horizontally over the surface of the door.

TIP: Start spraying the polyurethane off of the side of the cabinet door, then with a sweeping motion cover the door with polyurethane. This will allow you to avoid the splotches associated with beginning the spray.