How to Glaze Cabinets Over Lacquer

Glaze is a form of refinishing compound that's meant to mimic age and antiquity. It's a translucent gel that goes over existing wood finish, partly covering it but letting some of it show through, especially in the corners. The effect should look like the piece has started to discolor with age. It's generally a country style used on plain wood cabinets, but it can work on other types of surfaces, including lacquer.

Screwdriver
Newspapers
Medium-fine sandpaper
Can of glaze (different color from the lacquer)
Paintbrush
Rags
Polyurethane spray

Instructions

- 1
  Disassemble the cabinet with a screwdriver, taking off the hardware and hinges. Set the pieces on spread-out newspapers.
- 2
  Sand each section of the cabinet by hand, just enough to dull the surface of the lacquer. Brush off the dust.
- 3
  Brush glaze thickly over each piece, using a paintbrush. Let the glaze sit on the surface for three to five minutes. Watch the liquid carefully for signs that it's drying. You should notice the surface getting less shiny.
- 4
  Wipe at the partly dried glaze before it dries completely, using a dry rag. Wipe lightly, so you're only removing the glaze that's on the flat spans and leaving some of it in the corners and details of the wood. Work it until it has the look you want.
- 5
  Let the glaze dry for 12 hours.
- 6
  Lightly spray down the entire cabinet and all the parts with polyurethane. Coat it completely. Let it dry for 24 hours. Reassemble the cabinet.

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