Expert: Greg Scholl - 1/16/2009

Question
QUESTION: I'm considering purchasing dark brown cabinets from Ikea since they're solid wood, but am afraid they'll be too dark for my small kitchen. Would it work to sand, prime, and then paint them with the preferred eggshell color and then sand the edges to get that custom glazed look? Thank you in advance!

ANSWER: Hi Sabrina, a glaze is usually applied over a finish to simulate age, dirt, and patina, whereas what you're describing is really distressing, where you sand through a finish to the layer underneath. Both are a nice look, and often both are used to age a piece. So, yes, you could do any of the above, the key will be to try to get a finishing schedule that will give you the affect you want on a test area before committing to the whole piece. Maybe a drawer or door first. Post back if need be- regards- Greg

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

QUESTION: Greg, Thank you for replying so quickly and for the clarification. Since it sounds like applying a glaze would be less labor intensive, I'm more inclined to go that route on a test piece, as you suggest. Do you have any recommendations on what I should look for in a glaze? I imagine the variety of options will be overwhelming for a novice! Thanks again for sharing your time and expertise.

Answer
Yes, there can be a multitude of choices out there....I like using Gel stains as a glaze...these are heavy bodied stains, (the consistency of pudding), that can be applied, and then "dry brushed" or ragged off to achieve several different effects. They can also be brushed on liberally, allowed to dry and then rubbed through with ScotchBrite or steelwool. They also are in a carrier of Polyurethane, so they set up hard and can be finished over if desired or left as the final finish.....easy to work with.....it also depends on the look you're after though, and that I can't dictate to you.....you'll have to experiment a bit to arrive at a final destination that pleases you...the other issue to consider, if these cabinets are already finished, is that finishing over an existing finish can cause problems, and/or affect the longevity of your finish. Catalyzed and Conversion finishes are extremely hard and notorious for not allowing good adhesion when coated with something else. Standard lacquers and urethanes are much more forgiving....so it would be nice to know what they are finished with......good prep is also important to give the surface some "tooth" for adhesion......always a good idea. Post back if need be - I'm here- Greg

http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=5555

http://www.vandykes.com/product/sa1400101/bartley-s-gel-stain-american-oak

(scroll down for other color selections)