How to Antique Prefinished Wood Cabinets

Wash the surface of the cabinet doors, drawers and cabinet frames using a solution of warm water and TSP, an industrial cleanser found in home improvement stores. Mix the TSP according to the manufacturer’s instructions for painted surfaces. Wipe the cabinets dry with a washcloth.

Apply a 2-inch border of painter’s tape on the wall where the cabinet and wall come together. Use a screwdriver to remove handles from the cabinet doors and drawers and set them aside in a safe place.

Remove items from the countertops and use a drop cloth to cover the countertop and protect it from drips or spills.

Apply a thin coat of antiquing glaze to the front surface of the cabinet doors and drawers as well as the exterior areas of the cabinet frames, using a paint roller to apply the glaze evenly. Apply only one coat of the glaze, being careful not to overlap areas with the roller, which could create a sticky surface and uneven crackling later. Let the glaze dry for 2 to 4 hours, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.

Use a flat or satin finish for the top coat paint, since a gloss finish will not be activated by the glaze coating underneath. Choose a top coat color that is different from the current color of the cabinets, because the top coat will crackle and the color of the cabinets will show through the cracks. Use a paint roller to apply a thin, single coat of the top coat color, which should begin to crack within minutes of application. Let the cabinets dry overnight before reapplying hardware pieces and using the cabinets again.