--- title: Finish Options for Your Custom Cabinetry description: When choosing your custom cabinetry, there are several finish options available to you. We describe the 7 most common finishes in this article. image: https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hs-fs/file-33423395-jpg/images/custom-cabinetry-painted-300x200.jpg --- [![KBU-brighter-blue](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hubfs/KBU_May2019/logos/KBU-brighter-blue.png "KBU-brighter-blue")](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com) [![CONTACT US](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/265052/7bd3552a-d2ef-4ec1-bf75-cd56b7181b8f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/265052/7bd3552a-d2ef-4ec1-bf75-cd56b7181b8f) ![Portfolio](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Portfolio.png?width=1920&name=Portfolio.png "Portfolio") Blog # Finish Options for Your Custom Cabinetry [Ron Nanberg](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/author/ron-nanberg) | Tue, Dec 11, 2012 | [laundry room remodel](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/laundry-room-remodel), [Quality Custom Cabinets](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/quality-custom-cabinets) Deciding on a finishing option for your custom cabinetry can be challenging, but more than anything, it should be fun. With a wide variety of finishes and techniques available, there’s no reason why you can’t have cabinets that *you *love, and *no one else* has! So, let’s take a look at **seven of the most common** finish options for your kitchen cabinets… **Painted**[![custom cabinetry painted](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hs-fs/file-33423395-jpg/images/custom-cabinetry-painted-300x200.jpg?width=300&height=200&name=custom-cabinetry-painted-300x200.jpg "custom cabinetry painted")](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hs-fs/file-33423513-jpg/images/custom-cabinetry-painted.jpg) Painted cabinets are a great way to add bold color or texture to your kitchen. Cabinets that are painted will *not* show any wood grain at all. Whether you’re trying to cover up a poor grain in a DIY remodel, or make a statement with new custom cabinetry, painted is a great way to go.         **Stained**[![custom cabinety cherry stained](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hs-fs/file-33423340-jpg/images/custom-cabinetry-cherry-stained-300x200.jpg?width=300&height=200&name=custom-cabinetry-cherry-stained-300x200.jpg "custom cabinetry cherry stained")](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hs-fs/images/custom-cabinetry-cherry-stained.jpg) In our opinion, staining is the best way to show off a cabinet’s stunning wood grain. Depending upon the type of stain and the number of times it’s applied, you could end up with a light and airy result or dark and masculine appearance. If you have beautiful wood grain, why not stain?         **Crackled Finish**[![custom cabinetry crackled 198x300](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hs-fs/file-36361124-jpg/images/custom-cabinetry-crackled-198x300.jpg?width=198&height=300&name=custom-cabinetry-crackled-198x300.jpg "custom cabinetry crackled")](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hs-fs/file-33423313-jpg/images/custom-cabinetry-crackled.jpg) Cabinets with a crackled finish – especially when done in ivory or cream – can have a gorgeous farmhouse appeal. This finish is a great way to add depth and texture to painted custom cabinetry. You might even want to have fun by crackling the center, or other parts, and leaving the rest of the cabinets with a crisp, freshly painted look.                 **Paint With a Glaze**[![custom cabinetry painted with glaze](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hs-fs/file-33423497-jpg/images/custom-cabinetry-painted-with-glaze1-200x300.jpg?width=200&height=300&name=custom-cabinetry-painted-with-glaze1-200x300.jpg "custom cabinetry painted with glaze")](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hs-fs/file-33423554-jpg/images/custom-cabinetry-painted-with-glaze1.jpg) If you love paint, but want to attain the feeling of depth that stained cabinets have, and then paint with a glaze could be your ticket. After the painting process, a glaze goes back with a second color, mainly detailing the grooves of the door and any other points where the surface changes.                 **Stain With a Glaze** This fifth style is just like paint with a glaze, but uses stain instead. The effect produced with this technique is exactly what most people imagine when they think “stained cabinets.” Stain with a glaze is a look that is refined and elegant, drawing out the best texture and depth from the wood.   **[![custom cabinetry brush stroke](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hs-fs/file-33423309-jpg/images/custom-cabinetry-brush-stroke-300x200.jpg?width=300&height=200&name=custom-cabinetry-brush-stroke-300x200.jpg "custom cabinetry brush stroke")](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hs-fs/file-33423470-jpg/images/custom-cabinetry-brush-stroke.jpg)Brush Stroke** This look is similar to the glaze look in that a second color is applied on top of the paint or stain. Instead of only touching the grooves, the brush stroke effect covers the face of the entire cabinet. It’s a stunning and popular look!           **Distressing Options**[![custom cabinetry distressed](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hs-fs/file-33423449-jpg/images/custom-cabinetry-distressed-200x300.jpg?width=200&height=300&name=custom-cabinetry-distressed-200x300.jpg "custom cabinetry distressed")](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hs-fs/file-33423277-jpg/images/custom-cabinetry-distressed.jpg) No mater what kind of finish you choose for your custom cabinetry, cracks, rub-through, worn edges, splatter, worm holes, dents, and other distressing options can make your cabinets look unique *to you*. When an experienced professional applies these distressed looks, your cabinets can look rustic and finely textured.                 Have more questions about finishing options and [kitchen remodeling in the Chicago area](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/contact-us)? Send them our way, and we’ll be glad to help! ### Subscribe Here! ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Tag - [Kitchen Remodeling (284)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/kitchen-remodeling) - [Bathroom Remodeling (197)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/bathroom-remodeling) - [Home Remodeling (24)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/home-remodeling) - [Quality Custom Cabinets (24)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/quality-custom-cabinets) - [Kitchen Design (23)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/kitchen-design) - [laundry room remodel (9)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/laundry-room-remodel) - [choosing appliances (6)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/choosing-appliances) - [Kitchen Countertops (5)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/kitchen-countertops) - [Basement Remodeling (4)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/basement-remodeling) - [Kosher Kitchen Design (4)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/kosher-kitchen-design) - [Powder room design ideas (3)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/powder-room-design-ideas) - [Home Office (2)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/home-office) - [Steam Shower (2)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/steam-shower) - [Tubs (2)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/tubs) - [Granite countertop prices (1)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/granite-countertop-prices) - [Heated Flooring (1)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/heated-flooring) - [Tile Showrooms (1)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/tile-showrooms) - [Walk-In Closet (1)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/walk-in-closet) - [Wine Storage (1)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/wine-storage) - [choosing the right kitchen faucet and sink (1)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/choosing-the-right-kitchen-faucet-and-sink) - [formaldehyde in cabinets (1)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/formaldehyde-in-cabinets) - [juice bar (1)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/juice-bar) - [kids rooms design ideas (1)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/kids-rooms-design-ideas) - [metal accents (1)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/metal-accents) - [morning bar (1)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/morning-bar) [See all](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/bid/278123/Finish-Options-for-Your-Custom-Cabinetry#) - [** ](https://www.facebook.com/kitchensandbathsunlimited/) - [** ](https://twitter.com/kitchensnbaths) - [** ](http://www.houzz.com/pro/kitchens4/kitchens-baths-unlimited) ![phone-icon](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hubfs/KBU_May2019/icons/phone-icon.png "phone-icon") #### [847-729-1212](tel:8477291212) ![location-icon](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hubfs/KBU_May2019/icons/location-icon.png "location-icon") #### [1232 Waukegan Road Glenview, IL 60025](https://goo.gl/maps/AiZv8cwiKDNMbujH6) [![email-icon](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hubfs/KBU_May2019/icons/email-icon.png "email-icon")](mailto:info@KitchensBathsUnlimited.com) #### [info@KitchensBathsUnlimited.com](mailto:info@KitchensBathsUnlimited.com)   2026 All rights reserved by Kitchens & Baths Unlimited, Inc.