MORE THAN JUST A FINISH
The first thing that is noticed in a kitchen is its cabinet finish. Whether it is paint, stain, or glaze, it can set the overall feel of the space. Each one has its benefits and particular strengths.
Paints
Painted cabinets are a popular choice in the design world because they open various color options. The tighter the wood grain the smoother the paint finish, coarse-grained types of wood such as oak will give a textured look to the finished product because the grain will be partly visible. Painted cabinets are a great way to give a contemporary feel and style to the kitchen, creating a sleek finish to the design. Remember that this can also be used as an accent feature for the kitchen.
Some of our clients have chosen to stain most of their cabinets and add a splash of color to the space by painting their kitchen island a complementary color. This option is a great way to combine traditional with a hint of contemporary. It is important to note that wood naturally expands with seasonal temperature changes, which can cause micro-movements in the door joints. Over time, it may seem like a small fracture or seam at the joint, but this is a natural characteristic of painted finishes on wood. Read more about painted versus stained cabinets here.
Stains
Staining is a great way to enhance the natural beauty of the wood while bringing some color to the design. Fans of wood grain often find staining is a great way to preserve and highlight the natural beauty of the species since it allows the grain to shine through perfectly balancing color and texture. The finished product is cabinets that showcase the simple elegance of the grain and will retain a timeless look, making it easy to resale if desired.
It is important to keep in mind that the lighter the stain, the more natural character of the wood will come through, so it is vital to like the wood as it is before proceeding to stain it. On the same note, a darker stain lends to a feeling of elegance and sophistication to the overall style of the design. No matter which shade of stain is chosen, it will leave you admiring the wood’s unique features.
Glazes
Depth, dimension, and texture are a few words that describe the effects of adding a glaze finish to cabinets. This type of finish is applied to cabinets once they have been stained or painted. It can add that extra pop or touch to the finished pieces and give depth to the kitchen’s overall look.
Glazing can be used to accent or highlight certain features on the cabinets, such as molding and special details. It is a great way to create a unique style that blends elegance with timelessness. Glazing never compromises the quality of the cabinets but seeks to enhance what is already present.
View our gallery to see more examples of cabinet finishes; maybe it will give you the inspiration you need for your own project.
