I am looking to refinish my kitchen cabinets. I have been reading here for a few weeks and have learned lot and have decided that I would like to try painting and applying a glaze to give an antique look. My cabinets are 15 years old and in great shape. They are solid oak fronts with a flat panel –no raised panel. Side are a cheap vinyl covering. I have never painted cabinets before so I was looking for some help with general techniques as well as some specific glazing advice. Since reading here, my planned steps are
Clean with 50/50 ammonia/water
Lightly sand
Seal with oil based primer
Apply base coat
Apply glaze
Seal with clear coating.

I have tried this on one door to see if I could really make this work. I went to Finnaren and Haley and bought:
White oil based primer
Off white flat latex for base coat
Semi gloss latex for the tint/glaze along with a quart of glaze

The door came out pretty good. It showed me that I can definitely do this but I need some help. First the primer is white making the base coat difficult. Can I get the oil based primer tinted dark or should I be able to but dark primer? For the other paints, should I be using flat or semi gloss latex paint? Any recommendations on the final coat?

Faux technique: My door got darker than I would like. How can I lessen the effect of the glaze coat? I was thinking that using a flat paint for the base may cause more of a darkening effect from the glaze? yes/no? Anyway, I mixed about 4 parts glaze one part paint. Should I just use less paint? Can I dilute with water? Should I just simply use a brighter base to start knowing that it will darken? I applied with a brush and quickly wiped off the excess with a rag.

Painting technique: Alright this may be obvious to most but not to me! I was thinking that the best way to paint was to simply reinstall all of my cabinets (cabinets have been removed for renovation to the room, more my expertise) and then paint them in place. Can I paint the doors while mounted? My guees is no because of the hardware. Maybe I can paint the main cabs first then reinstall the doors then paint in place? Or am I supposed to be patient and paint the doors one side at a time on saw horses or some other method?

Thanks for taking the time to read my lengthy post and replying. It is much appreciated!

Glenn

 

Hi, welcome
I have used glaze before on my living room walls. Flat paint works the best to glaze over, because it gets too "slippery" with gloss.
You can dilute the glaze, just use more glaze to paint ratio.
I do belive all primers can be colored, at least I know latex can.
Good luck. I have been thinking about doing something with my cupboards, but I am getting burned out trying to refinish my bedroom set.