How to Apply Glaze to Wood Furniture

Glazing is one of the best treatments you can give to wooden furniture. It can give a number of different looks to your furniture. Be it the aim of altering the color of furniture, giving the appearance of age or imitating the appearance of more heavily-grained woods, glazing is the perfect process to attain it. At the same time, it can also be used to add character and depth to a wood surface, other than furniture. The process of glazing basically involves applying any colorant between coats of finish. In case you want to get some tips for glazing wooden furniture, just read on.

How to Apply Glaze to Wood Furniture

Items Needed

Sandpaper/ Steel Wool
Glaze (Oil-based or Water-based)
Brush/ Spray Gun
Rag
Finish

Instructions

Start the glazing work with applying a thin layer of finish on the surface of the wood that needs to be glazed.
With the help of sandpaper or steel wool, scuff the finished surface of the wood lightly. This will create scratches for the glaze to settle in.
In case you have used water-based finishes, sandpaper is the best for you. Steel wool might lead to rust stains.
Next, you need to select glaze for your furniture, choosing between water-based glazes and oil-based glazes.
Water-based glazes are best with water-based finishes, while oil-based glazes gel with solvent-based finishes. Though the latter takes longer to dry and has a pungent smell, it is easier to use.
Making use of brush, rag or spray gun, apply glaze to the wooden surface. On the areas where you want to add color to the wood, apply the glaze liberally.
Leave the glaze for sometime and after you feel that it has starting to look dull, wipe it off with a rag.
If the glaze seems to have gone too hard to wipe off add some solvent to your rag.
To give an old look to the wood surface, wipe the glaze off raised or flat surfaces only. As for crevices, under overhangs, along the edges and anyplace dust would naturally settle, allow it to remain.
You can also use specially designed graining tools for creating faux grain on your glazed furniture. Just drag or pad them on the wood surface.
In order to complete the process, seal the glaze with finish. Make sure to apply at least one layer of finish over the glaze, so that it doesn’t rub off.

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