What is the right way to glaze kitchen cabinets.

Question

I have just painted the cabinets, buttermilk color. I want to glaze the crevices only. Will the poly-shades product work? It has polyurethane in it?

KMS Woodworks · Answer

I Will tag @WallsTreat Studio/ Kass Wilson she is one of our finish experts here. I would avoid the poly shades personally...I have done some work with it but preffer to use normal oil based stains on bare wood then top coat with a clear poly.

Glazes are similar to the poly in that they have a bit of transparent nature...but mixing oil and water based can lead to trouble.

WallsTreat Studio/ Kass Wilson · Answer

Linda, What product did you use to paint your cabinets. . . is it acrylic or alkyd? Just like KMS said, water based products will not stick on top of oil based products. But you CAN put oil over water.

Linda van Reenen · Answer

100% acrylic latex - semi gloss

Linda van Reenen · Answer

Kass,can you explain to me what glaze will work on the acrylic. will brown be the right color on buttermilk color? Do I have to seal the glaze. If I only glaze the crevice lines, do I have to seal the entire door? thanks !!

WallsTreat Studio/ Kass Wilson · Answer

When you purchase glaze (Ben Moore and ShWms both have it), it is clear because it is meant to be sheer. The reason we use glaze rather than straight paint or stain is because it creates more 'open time'. That means that it will not dry as quickly which gives you more time to apply it in the crevices and then wipe it clean. This allows your lines to be crisp rather than the 'messy/ smearing' look. It can be tinted to the exact color of brown that you want. OR, you can mix it 50/50 with straight latex paint in the color of your choice.

WallsTreat Studio/ Kass Wilson · Answer

Linda, I forgot to address your question about top coats/ sealers. Durability is your issue here and it begins with the prep and primer that was used. Of all the surfaces that I work on, kitchen cabinets take the hardest beating because of use, moisture, chemicals and need to be cleaned often (second only to any surface in a little boy's bathroom!) As a result, I always include 2-3 coats of a sealer.

Linda van Reenen · Answer

Kass, thank you so much for all the info and your time, I appreciate it so much. So glad I discovered you! I have never painted before, so you can imagine what a big deal it is for me. So far I'm proud of myself. I don't know what sealer to use and what kind of paint brush and how to apply. Is there perhaps a tutorial I can watch or maybe you can just describe how to do it. It sounds like a huge job!! I thought the glazing will be a piece of cake, but it sounds like even a bigger job than the actual painting :)

Paint-N-Plus · Answer

Hey Linda,Sounds like Kass has got you taken care of.As far as you sealer, Sealer comes in differant sheens.You can get a high gloss or a low gloss. I would use a polyurethane (oil base) product. You can get a good brush at any paint store or your local home depot. I would go w/ a 3 inch brush.As far as how to do it.It is very easy to seal.What i find i have to keep an eye on is runs in corners.Just glance back over these and you shoulb be fine.I would recommend at least 2 coats w/ a light sanding between coats

WallsTreat Studio/ Kass Wilson · Answer

Linda, Go to a store that specializes in paint and coating products (Ben Moore or Sherwin Wms). They will make recommendations for your top coats. Most of what I use is a satin sheen. The higher the sheen, the more you will see any brush marks or imperfections. I also stay away from oil base products for 2 reasons. One is the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and you want to protect that precious little one. The other is that oil base products will change color. It yellows over time. This is not as apparent on dark colors. But on lighter colors you can definitely see it. I see many kitchens that you can tell 'where the sun never shines'! LOL 
 I think I speak for a majority of professionals by recommending Purdy brushes. A 2 inch brush is my favorite for cabinets. Start by applying your clear coat into the corners and crevices. Then use a small high density foam roller with rounded edges for the larger surfaces. This will avoid brush marks. Do not press too hard. . . just keep the roller well loaded and it will do the work for you. If there are some small spots that are missed, don't worry. It is best to do multiple thin coats rather than one heavy coat. You can catch those open spots on your next layer.
Good luck . . . send us some pictures!

WallsTreat Studio/ Kass Wilson · Answer

One more tip . . . never shake a topcoat or sealer because that will produce bubbles. Instead, just gently stir it (like you do for a perfect batch of brownies!!!!) Don't be in a hurry when you are rolling. Just let the product glide on the surface.
All of these tips are in my book. . . you just got the Cliff notes!!! LOL

KMS Woodworks · Answer

Brownies....did someone mention brownies....with snow on the ground baking might be in order today.

Linda van Reenen · Answer

Thanks Kass. I will send some pics......if they came out good :)

WallsTreat Studio/ Kass Wilson · Answer

Linda, you will be glad you took the time to ask the questions and do it right. Kitchen cabinets are a labor of love.

WallsTreat Studio/ Kass Wilson · Answer

Yes, KMS. . . BROWNIES!!!! Domestics are not my strong suit but I AM the Queen of Brownies.

Linda van Reenen · Answer

Kass, I'm the queen of domestics, wish we could trade. I feel like I can't paint to save my life!!!

Linda van Reenen · Answer

Kass, how long does it take for the top coat to dry?

WallsTreat Studio/ Kass Wilson · Answer

Every product is different and it also depends upon your temp, humidity and air circulation in the space. In general, water based products will dry faster than oil. Check with the paint professional in your area. They can give you a better idea about how long you should wait before doing a second coat. 
Keep in mind that just because they are dry to the touch does not mean they are cured. I leave the doors open for about a day and then add the felt bumpers on the inside of the doors and drawers. Don't use the plastic ones. . . they are meant for glass, stone and tile because they will react with most paint products.

WallsTreat Studio/ Kass Wilson · Answer

Linda, I will trade you pics of your finished project in exchange for my fudge brownie pie recipe!!! LOL
OK, KMS. . . do you have something you want to trade??? !!!

Linda van Reenen · Answer

Deal!!! 
I already hung the doors back up. Do I have to take them off again to do the glazing and top coat?

Patrica Mullins · Answer

I live in a mobile home. Is there some way I can paint them? They are made out of a cheap press board material.

Linda van Reenen · Answer

Hi Patricia, are you referring to your kitchen cabinets?

What is the right way to glaze kitchen cabinets.

Suggested Project Book

30 Adorable DIY Ideas For July 4th

Other

More

What is the right way to glaze kitchen cabinets.

Suggested Project Book

Related Discussions