How To Antique Kitchen Cabinets With White Paint

How to Antique Kitchen Cabinets with White Paint

Antique kitchen cabinets are a beautiful addition to any home, adding a touch of timeless elegance. If you're looking to give your kitchen a makeover but don't want to spend a lot of money, antiquing your existing cabinets is a great option. Here's how to do it:

Materials You'll Need:

White paint
Primer
Antique glaze
Clear polyurethane finish
Sandpaper
Paintbrushes
Rags

Step 1: Prepare Your Cabinets

Start by removing all the hardware from your cabinets. Then, clean them thoroughly with a degreaser. Once they're clean, sand them lightly with fine-grit sandpaper to remove any gloss. This will help the primer and paint adhere better.

Step 2: Apply Primer

Once your cabinets are sanded, apply a coat of primer. Primer helps to seal the wood and create a smooth surface for the paint. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Paint Your Cabinets White

Now it's time to paint your cabinets white. Use a high-quality paint that is specifically designed for cabinets. Apply two thin coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

Step 4: Apply Antique Glaze

Once your cabinets are painted white, you can start antiquing them. To do this, you'll need an antique glaze. Antique glaze is a thin, transparent paint that gives wood a worn, aged look. Apply the glaze to your cabinets using a brush or rag. Work the glaze into the nooks and crannies of the cabinets, and then wipe away any excess with a clean rag.

Step 5: Protect Your Cabinets

Once the glaze is dry, it's important to protect your cabinets with a clear polyurethane finish. This will help to seal the glaze and protect your cabinets from wear and tear. Apply two thin coats of polyurethane, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

Step 6: Reinstall Hardware

Once your cabinets are dry, you can reinstall the hardware. You're now ready to enjoy your beautiful, new antique kitchen cabinets!

Tips:

If you want to create a more dramatic antique look, you can apply the glaze more heavily to the areas of the cabinets that would naturally have more wear, such as the edges and corners.
You can also use different colors of antique glaze to create different looks. For example, a dark glaze will give your cabinets a more rustic look, while a light glaze will give them a more elegant look.
Be sure to test the glaze on a small area before applying it to your entire cabinet. This will help you to make sure that you're happy with the results.