How to Add Brown Glaze to Cabinets

A brown glaze can add a bit of elegance to your cabinets. It can also bring a bit of warmth to a room, in terms of color. A glaze, sometimes also called a color wash, is a simple, thin layer of paint applied over an existing color. You can glaze cabinets using the same color of paint that's currently on the cabinets, or you can use another color. Generally, a white or a basic off-white is used. Select a base coat close in color to the brown you want for the glaze if you want to minimize contrast. A base coat is preferred here, unless you are secure about the finish you are painting over.

Satin finish paint
2-inch paintbrush
4-inch paintbrush
Roller, tray and sleeve
Drop cloths
Painter's tape
Glazing liquid (water-based)
Brown tint of your choice
Container for mixing
Stir stick

Instructions

- 1
  Tape over areas you don't want painted, or cover them with drop cloth.
- 2
  Apply your base coat of satin finish paint. Roll it first, then get the spots on the edges or other areas where the roller won't reach with the brush, while brushing over rolled areas. This technique saves time.
- 3
  Mix the brown tint and glazing liquid in the container. Start with a little brown paint. Add more if you need it. You want a color that is not quite opaque, so the glaze won't fully cover the undercoat. Stir well.
- 4
  Apply the glaze with a 4-inch brush. Use random, angled strokes for variety. Cross-hatches and "X" figures work well. Start at the top of one corner. Work across, then down.
- 5
  Allow the glaze to dry.
- 6
  Repeat the glazing procedure if you want a deeper color.

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