How to Glaze Antique Vinyl Cabinets

Remove the doors by unscrewing the hinges and take the drawers out. Remove door knobs or pulls, and save all the hardware in a bucket. Set up a work bench somewhere warm and dry (boards laid across sawhorses work well) so you can work on the doors and drawers.

Scrub the vinyl cabinets with detergent and warm water to remove grease and grime. Stain or glaze won't adhere well if the surface is not perfectly clean. Once dry, sand all surfaces with 180-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge.

Choose a color that complements both the vinyl cabinets and your decor. Keep in mind that glaze or gel stain is transparent and will allow the underlying color of the vinyl to show through, so test colors, especially if your cabinets are not white or off-white.

Apply the glazing medium (oil-based glaze or gel stain) with a clean rag or natural bristle brush. Practice your technique on the inside of a cabinet door, so any mistakes won't be very apparent in the finished job. Allow the medium to set up for three to 10 minutes or as indicated by the label directions, and wipe off the excess with a clean, dry rag. Allowing the color to settle in corners and grooves accentuates the antique, well-worn effect. Allow it to dry for eight to 10 hours.

Apply a second coat if you want deeper color. The second coat does not have to be the same color---it can be a shade darker or lighter to give more depth to the effect.

Seal the glazed cabinets with at least two coats of satin or semi-gloss oil-based varnish or polyurethane. Allow them to dry for at least a day before re-installing the doors and replacing the hardware.