Aging Newly Painted Cabinetry

Finishes • Cabinet Finishes

Aging Newly Painted Cabinetry

When my client purchased her new home, the custom cabinets were painted a dark black. This was in direct contrast with the other half of the kitchen and seem incongruous with the white Carrara marble and stainless steel.

Aging the custom cabinetry with a brushed-on and rubbed-off finish helped to harmonize the two sides of the kitchen and create inviting warmth.

When I received the door fronts, which I painted in my studio, they had been repainted a stark white.

You can see the stages of the finish below, which was much lighter to start but then received a second glazing.

The stages of the finish are featured below.

Fortunately, the glass front cabinet panels, came off as grids, making them much easier to paint. Just the fronts were treated — as were all pieces.

A few details of the island panels and bookcase backings, really shows the transformation from the before black.

The final effect adds character to all the cabinetry, island and chairs.

One final fix, the mirror was too dark and too much in contrast with the newly glazed and lighter cabinetry.

This was remedied with a light gaze wash over the mullions. This lightened the mirror but keeping the original aged treatment.

Now, everyone’s happy with the look!