Glazing Cabinets with Chris Walker

Last week I had the thrill and the joy to work with Chris Walker from C.N. Walker Designs.
We had met on the site of Extreme Makeover Home Edition: Savannah in November of 2010.  He like the rest of us volunteered time and energy to the build. He was responsible for several painting projects for the home, including but not limited to spraying the fireplace mantels I designed for the home, finishing tin ceiling tiles to be in the home's kitchen.. and he joined several of us in a midnight long session of white washing brick in the master bedroom amongst other things. You can view pictures of the home from the build here. Needless to say, thanks to the mighty power of the internet and Facebook, we've stayed in touch.

He contacted me about a month ago saying he'd have a project coming up. I was all for it!
So with a little caffeine in the system we hopped to it. The homeowners are in the middle of major rennovations. What began as, "Honey, we really need a new roof." Turned into a whole house renovation. Down came walls, up came the roofline and a second floor addition to the home as well as a complete new kitchen, flooring, interior paint colors etc etc. You name it, they are doing it. While they have enlisted the help from a contractor, the homeowners are also doing a majority of the work themselves-- and raising 3 young kiddos. Kuddos to them! I thought I was roughing it with myself and 3 dogs.... Nope, throw kids in the mix and a non functioning kitchen (no appliances yet) and wow!

Ok, enough chatter.. On to the project!

The cabinets were custom made out of Jessup GA and were coated in a lacquer finish. That right there saved us a step or two, or three. =)

The main kitchen cabinets began as white.

The kitchen island began as a latte brown color. 

Chris has the process down to a science. He uses his own concoction of glaze mix. Adding more or less color per the client approved sample. It's an oil based product that adheres to the lacquer finish and is durable. This process is not just getting glaze in the "nooks and crannies" like pieces you see at Home Goods, etc. It's fully brushed on the piece and then lightly wiped off using cheesecloth to keep the marks and the appearance of wood grain. Most sites for glazing use rags or just get in the corners of a piece. This technique and approach is way better in my opinion. The finish it uncanning.

Once the cabinet doors dried and set up for 24hrs, they were re-attached and the hardware was put back on. 

The backside of the island had corbels that will support the counter top over hang. They looked so great with the glaze capturing the details! 

 As you can see, we were working in a tad bit of chaos...

The process dragged into three days just with the amount of prep to do like taking down all the doors, glazing, allowing to dry and putting them all back up. It'll look great once the kitchen is 100% put back together. Hopefully the homeowners are happy with the outcome. 

It was great to work alongside such amazing talent and to learn something new. I also came to the realization in the process that I fully, whole heartily enjoyed working hands on like this. It's made me realize that I need to pursue something definitely hands on for my next employment endeavor. Still not sure what that will be.. but perhaps I need to dive into my own business venture?? Not sure I'm ready to make that jump yet. We shall see. 

Have you ever glazed furniture? If so, how'd it turn out? With new skills in place, I am looking to refinish my bedroom set soon.