Decisions, decisions. There are countless ones to make when you reface cabinets. Many involve the style of your doors and drawer fronts, along with the colors. However, there are additional choices to consider when it comes to the finishing touches. This involves techniques such as glazing and antiquing.
If you’re not familiar with these options though, it can be difficult to know whether they’re a fit for your vision. To help you make the right choice, here’s some insight into each and the ways they can enhance your cabinets and your home overall.
Glazing When You Reface Cabinets
A glazed finish is achieved by applying a semi-transparent second color over cabinets that are already refinished or painted. The glaze is then wiped off the surface, but remains in the profiles, moldings, edges and corners of the wood, highlighting these architectural accents. The goal of this technique is to add dimension and richness to cabinets.
There are a few considerations to keep in mind if you’re interested in glazed cabinets. For instance, make sure you choose a color that complements the cabinets and your kitchen as a whole. Everything from countertops and the tile backsplash to floors and appliance finishes must be taken into account.
Another consideration is the design style of your home. This technique, also known as pin-striping, generally achieves a more rustic look. So if you have a modern home and ultra-sleek kitchen, it’s probably not the right fit. However, if your kitchen is more traditional in terms of decor, then glazing can be a great option to add another dimension to your newly refaced cabinets and the space overall.
Antiquing When You Reface Cabinets
Another finishing option to consider when you reface your cabinets is antiquing. This approach is similar to glazing, but takes it a step further by using a process to create a more antique look. It includes selective sanding in areas to expose the underlying wood, giving the impression of natural wear. The edges and corners are also softened with an antiquing glaze.
Similar to classic glazing, antiqued cabinets best fit into homes and kitchens that have a more traditional or rustic look and feel. Also, if you are interested in this process, keep in mind the more contrast between your base color and the antique glaze, the more vintage the final effect will be. In addition, if your cabinets are dark to begin with, antiquing will be difficult since the glaze won’t stand out nearly as much. It’s a process that works better on cabinets with a light or mid-tone base color.
Other Considerations When You Reface Your Cabinets
Beyond choosing between these different finishing techniques, you can also select from several topcoat finishes. Options include matte, gloss, semi-gloss or satin. Before making a final choice, consider how different topcoats will appear in your kitchen’s lighting.
In addition, if you’re opting for stained cabinets instead of painted ones, you’ll need to decide on the opacity of the stain. In other words, how much of the wood grain and texture do you want to show through?
It’s certainly a lot to think about. However, these finishing techniques are just another way to personalize your cabinets and give them a look that’s all your own. Whether you’re interested in a quaint, cottage-style aesthetic, or a rich, dramatic one, you’ll be able to make a statement with these finishing styles.
If you’re overwhelmed by all these choices, simply connect with the team at N-Hance®. We offer design consultations, during which we can show you photos of our work, explain the steps of each finishing process, and provide cost estimates. We’ll also discuss which options will work best with the door style and wood species you’re choosing.
If you’d like to reface cabinets in your kitchen and breathe new life into the space, call your local N-Hance at (855) 642-6230 today for a FREE estimate.