Expert: Eileen Cronk - 5/1/2008

Question
QUESTION:  Eileen, I have oak cabinets.  I would like to make them two-toned:  antique black as the base cabinet color and the doors the existing oak.  What do I use for the black base and how do I apply it?  Back in the 70's when "antique" kits were hot, I did that to several flea market finds. Would this be similar?  Thanks for any help you can give me.  Lyn O.

ANSWER: Hi Lyn
Nice to hear from you
I am thinking the stuff we used in the 70's was a colored glaze.
This allowed the wood grain to still be seen.
This is the look you want right?
Now my mind is really going here Lyn...I also remember a technique we used where we painted a base color..lets say baby blue for instance.
Then over that we applied a navy blue transparent glaze.
Thus making what we called antique blue.
Black is the only color this did not work with but we used grey as the base coat and used a transparent black glaze over that.
And actually all these materials are still available at paint shops.
Probably not the Depot but who knows.
High end paint stores for sure.
And Lyn get back to me as I'm interested in this and want you to get the correct info if this is not it.
Regards
Eileen

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks, Eileen. I will add some more info:  I am trying to replicate the look of a console TV credenza which was purchased from a furniture store. The cabinet part is a  distressed black (not shiny) and the doors are oak. I wanted this 2 tone in the kitchen as I am getting wood floors in there and don't want so much "wood look" with the cabinets.   One of the overhead cabinets will be removed permanently so I can use that to experiment. Will the grey base with a black glaze look black or gun metal grey?   Once I'm done would I sand it in places to get that distressed look? Some of the furniture I've looked up says the finish is antique black, but no details.  I really appreciate your input. Thanks! Lyn

Answer
Hi Again Lyn
Glad you have a cabinet to experiment with.
If you use the grey as a base, I think you will get a sort of gun metal grey except in the grain.
Hopefully with the oak grain, the black will be highlighted in the grain. And you can also control the amount of black thats in the glaze and make it darker.
Now this distressing is a different thing entirely.
With the methods I mentioned in my first letter, there was no distressing after the glaze.
If you plan on sanding back areas whatever is under the black will show after the sanding.
So if you just painted black and sanded, you would have wood showing.
Keep in mind also that the finishes you looked up and possibly the TV stand you have are likley done with lacquers and toners which cannot be replicated in the home.
If you can get the look you like and its too shiny, you can use a clear matte glaze to tone it down.
But it looks like you are going to have to do some experimenting.
I would just get those tiny cans of glaze and paint to start.
They are all water based and easy to use.
Keep me posted
Regards
Eileen