Each technique is hand-applied by our talented finish technicians for a look that varies in appearance from one piece to the next. As many of these enhancements can significantly alter the color or appearance of the cabinetry, we recommend that you view an actual sample. Finish enhancements are a great way to add a custom touch to your Cornerstone or Millennia cabinets.
Click on the “+” below to see information about and examples of our enhancement options.
Highlighting
Highlighting material is airbrushed directly into the detailed areas of wood paneled doors, fronts and mouldings. Because of the controlled manner of application, Highlighting creates a more refined look than Glazing. Beaded panels, corbels and other architectural accents are a natural match for Highlighting. The added level of detail in these products gives the Highlighting material plenty of area to settle into.
Available in Chocolate, Licorice, Suede, Pewter and Vanilla.
Glazing
Applied to an entire surface, then hand-wiped, Glazing is a popular technique for enhancing the grain pattern of open-grained woods such as Red Oak or Hickory. Glazing will be heavier in corners and detailed areas, and will add a soft, muted look to the finish. Glazing is well suited to our Artisan packages and standard Distressing – it will “hang up” in the distress marks and give them more depth and visibility.
Available in Chocolate, Licorice, Suede, Pewter and Vanilla. Glazing is also available for Katana.
Patina
Patina is created when glaze is brushed on and left in place, not hand-wiped, so you will see brush strokes that follow the grain of the wood. Patina tends not to settle into corners and detailed areas as much as Glazing. When combined with Artisan or Distressing techniques, it complements the techniques and enhances the aged look created by the distressing marks. Patina has a 6-week lead-time. See the Patina application process (PDF).
Available in Licorice.
Antiqued
Our Antiqued option for painted surfaces features muted brush strokes that are applied in the direction of the wood grain. Brush strokes may appear slightly curved, and may overlap where the grain direction changes. Antiqued is a softer, more subtle look than Patina, and will not have the heavy hang up of Glazing.
Available in Chocolate.
Distressing
Our standard Distressing technique features random nicks and cuts that are hand-placed on the surface to create a well-used, aged look. These marks are completely random and will vary in frequency and appearance from one piece to the next. Distressing is especially popular on Rustic woods, as it brings out the natural characteristics of the different species. Glazing – and to a lesser extent, Patina – will accentuate the presence of Distressing.
Artisan
Artisan offers six packages of hand-applied distressing techniques to give your cabinetry the look of old-world craftsmanship and reclaimed wood. Elements such as simulated cracks, saw cuts, worm holes, carved or worn edges, scarring, and chisel marks create the impression of timeworn furniture. Artisan is often enhanced with Glazing and is frequently paired with Rustic wood species.
Sand-Through
Sand-Thru is available in two different options. Sand-Thru to Wood (STTW) depicts long-term wear through the finish to natural wood due to repetitive handling or rubbing, and is available with all finishes.
Sand-Thru to Color (STTC) gives the appearance of the top coat of paint having worn through to expose a previous stain color.
Burnished
Our Burnished finish is available with Ebony stain on Maple and Rustic Maple. To achieve the look, the stain is lightly sanded in random areas, revealing a portion of the natural wood color. Burnished may be combined with Artisan and standard Distressing for a true vintage look.