Refinishing Glazed Kitchen Cabinets

Refinishing your glazed kitchen cabinets is a great way to restore the antique look that they originally had, while adding a fresh, clean look to the room. It is a time consuming task that requires some attention to detail, but it is not complicated and it can be accomplished by most people within a day or two.

Step 1 - Remove the Hardware

Use the screwdriver to remove the hinges and knobs. These can be cleaned up and installed back into place when the task is completed or they can be replaced to match a specific style or design. Either way, remove all of them and put them to the side out of the way.

Step 2 - Sand

Sand the entire glazed kitchen cabinet, inside and out. Be sure to remove all the current glazing, otherwise the new coat will not adhere to the surface. When doing the corners, be sure to use a small piece of sandpaper to get into the cracks.

Step 3 - Clean

Use a damp rag and clean the kitchen cabinet. If there is any grease stains left, be sure to scrub them out using a degreaser, if needed. Get all the dust particles off the surface and out of the corners, and remove any cracks or chips that have appeared with the rag. Allow the cabinet to dry before continuing onto the next step.

Step 4 - Prime

After the surface has been prepared and has had time to dry, begin applying the primer. Use a paint brush to coat the edges and around the corners and then use a small roller to complete the main surface areas. The point of a primer coat is to lay an adhesive coating to the cabinets, allowing the paint to adhere. Do not stress if the primer coat does not cover in a uniform fashion because it is not necessary as long as the entire cabinet has a primer layer.

Step 5 - Glazing

After the primer has had time to dry, apply the glaze. Begin cutting in the edges and corners with a brush and then finish the project by using a small roller. Be sure to coat the cabinet uniformly so that everything is coated evenly. Allow this to dry and then apply a second coat onto the cabinet.

Step 6 - Attach the Hardware

Allow the glazed kitchen cabinets overnight to dry completely before attaching the hardware and hanging the doors back on. Accomplish this by using a screwdriver and placing the hinges and knobs in the proper places. You can usually use the existing holes, but if they have become slightly oversized, either use a slightly bigger screw to secure them into place, or apply a small amount of wood glue into the hole before installing the screws. After the glue dries it will ensure a solid anchoring point that will eliminate the play that many older cabinets have.