The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where we cook, share meals with friends and family, do homework, read books – it’s a hub of activity! But, if your kitchen’s dark cabinetry makes you feel like there are no windows in the room (even when there are!), painting them lighter can make all the difference. Case in point: Break-Through by PPG Paints. These cream kitchen cabinets paint will give off an airy bright feeling that will brighten up any space while still maintaining its elegant cream tones that time to shine!
One of the most cost-effective things you can do to update your kitchen cabinets is, of course, paint them. While it’s not as simple as slapping on paint and calling it a day, it’s still one of the easiest ways to completely transform your house!
My client expressed to me how she felt her cabinetry looked “cheap” due to the dark and dated stain color. This was not a good feeling to have in the heart of your home! So, we decided to take on this project and paint her cream kitchen cabinets with PPG Break-Through.
These glazed cabinets really elevate the entire kitchen’s design – especially when paired with a beautiful creamy tile backsplash. The color isn’t too light, but not too dark either. It’s a perfect balance of color and cream!
My Plan For This Kitchen
The first time I walked into the room, the fact that there was no crown molding was screaming at me. Crown molding is a simple and inexpensive way to completely elevate the style of your room. There’s just something about crown molding that makes everything look more expensive and chic, right?
Luckily, the homeowner was receptive to adding crown molding to the upper kitchen cabinets.
So, after a carpenter installed it, I got to work making her cabinetry lighter and brighter.
The Color I Chose: PPG Break-Through
I went with the color Breakthrough by PPG for this project and I am so happy that I did. It’s a cream finish, but has just enough of a gray undertone to make it appear lighter when you look at it in person!
I’ve used a lot of different paints on cabinets over the years and this stuff is by far my most favorite. Not to say it isn’t without its issues, but overall, it’s the best waterborne paint I’ve ever used.
Another great option is Sherwin Williams Steamed Milk. It’s also such a gorgeous creamy color. Highly recommend it as well!
How I Was Able To Pinstripe Glaze The Cabinets
There are so many different glazes you can use to pinstripe cabinets, but I’ve found that this glaze from General Finishes worked out the best.
It’s simple and easy to use! You just put it on with a brush or roller onto your cabinet door. Then, run the tip of an exacto knife along the grooves in between each board – this will make the glaze come out in a pinstripe pattern.
It’s that easy!
I personally like my glazed lines to look not too smeared and not too harsh. There are glazing guns out there like that will deliver a nice, perfect line of glaze into the recessed areas, but I really prefer the look of a slightly wiped line. Not too harsh and not too smeared.
Want to know my secret weapon for perfectly glazed cabinets?
My secret weapon for getting this look: BABY WIPES!
Yes, baby wipes. And yes, the brand of wipes makes a difference! I’ve tried other brands before and, nope. Huggies has worked the best for me!
I use an artist brush (like the largest brush in this set) to paint the glaze into the areas I want, then use a wipe wrapped around my finger to wipe it back. It’s a perfect balance of glaze and no smeared lines.
And that, my friends, is how you get the look I did in this kitchen!
Aside from the obvious huge color change, doesn’t the addition of the crown molding make the biggest difference!? It looks more polished and complete like it should’ve been there all along.
Quite the before and after don’t you think?
My client loved how her new cream cabinets turned out and I love to see happy clients – it makes all of my hard work worth it!
In the end, she was able to achieve her goal: updating the space without having to repurchase any cabinetry or invest in a full-scale kitchen renovation.
What do you think? If glazed cabinets are right for your space, maybe consider trying a lighter color on them!
Ready To Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets In Your House?
There’s no need to hire out the task of painting your cabinets! I know without a doubt that you CAN paint your own cabinets and furniture. It’s easier than you probably think. And, I’ll show you exactly how to do it, step by step, in my DIY Cabinet Painting 101 class.
If you’ve ever thought “I sure wish I could, but…”, this is the perfect way to get you going. I’ll be there with you every step of the way!
Don’t forget to also download my free supply list to help you along!
More Posts To Read:
- The Best Ready-To-Assemble Cabinets – My Cabinet Joint Review
- Extreme DIY Kitchen Renovation (Before & After)
- My ZLINE Appliance Review: Would I purchase them again?
- 12 Best Tips For Using Fine Paints of Europe High Gloss
- Exactly How To Paint Oak Cabinets (Written By A Pro!)
Love your glazed cabinets!! What color did you use on your kitchen wall???
Hi Lisa, this was a kitchen I painted for a customer and her walls were already painted. I don’t know the color, I’m so sorry!
Hi Lisa!
Beautiful work! I’m preparing to paint my cabinets using the products and colors, as well as your recommendations of tools.
Question for you, did you use a final top coat after you completed the glaze to protect the finish, such as the polyurethane made by, General Finishes QTHS High Performance?
Again, you did a great job…absolutely beautiful!
Thank you,
Hi there, thanks for your comment!! Great question too! With this glaze and with only pinstripe glazing the cabinets, you do not have to topcoat! Now, if I was doing a full wipe glaze over the ENTIRE surface, then I would top coat with clear (Breakthrough makes a clear sealer and I recommend only using their clear over their paint FYI). But I have never sealed a job doing it exactly like the one in this post. No need to! Hope this helps!! xo kayla
Do you have a video showing how you glaze Cabinets?
Hi Christal! I will be releasing a video cabinet painting tutorial course in the very near future where I’ll be showing step by step all of my processes and I add in a bonus glazing video for those who purchase. The glazing video will likely also be for sale a la carte soon too. If you’re not signed up to my email list already, do so! I’ll send out more info as soon as I have it available!! Thanks for your comment! xo
Just looking to find the video how you glazed these cabinets. We just bought a house with very dark cabinets, and I am very excited to transform this kitchen to a light beautiful kitchen like you did in this one. Please let me know where I can find the painting/glazing tutorial video. I have downloaded your list materials needed to complete this project, not I just need the visual of how to do it 🙂
Thank you in advance for sharing your magic
Hi Ingrid! Thanks for your comment! The cabinet painting and glazing tutorial course is releasing next week! You’ll be receiving an email in the next few days about how you can get your hands on that info:)
-kayla
Are you spraying the PPG BT in a temperature controlled room? Do you add water or an extender?
My room temp ranges from 70-85 year round. I do add water to thin the Breakthrough down a bit!
My cabinets were painted over 12 years ago white. The paint has yellowed and shipped over time.We used an Porter’s Oil base pain. The painter has yellowed and chipped over time . What are your thoughts over glazing Over the existing paint with a light gray and wiping off. I know I will have to prep beforehand with sanding lightly. Thank you for any suggestions.
Hi Kayla
Do you think it is ok to paint PPG over General Finishes Milk Paint? I typically do cabinets in GF but just discovered Breakthrough and love the durability!
However after priming with BIN and Styx I am still getting bleed into the wood when applying glaze
I decided to experiment with adding a barrier coat of GF to see if it would block the bleed and it appears to have worked .
Hi Christa,
could you send me the video of step by step on glazing cabinets. Love your work, I just signed up for your emails.
I just sanded my stain cabinets and want to paint them a cream white with brown glaze. Thanks so much.
Any idea how this would work on wood paneling? I need a nice update on a budget
How can I get a copy of video to paint and glaze cabinets. About 10 years ago I restrained my honey oak to a cherry and java by general finishes. Now want to go light! Love the light colored ones with glaze.
i AM PAINTING MY OAK CABINETS A CREAMY COLOR AND DEBATING ON MAKING THE ISLAND SOMETHING DIFFERENT BUT BECAUSE THE KITCHEN IS LARGE AND HAS GRANITE I FEEL THE ISLAND COULD HANDLE IT…maybe BLACK ISLAND…your THOUGHTS?
A different colored island is always a good idea!!
What is the name of the backsplash you used?
I would love to receive a video on how you painted your cabinets and how you applied the glaze stripes.
Thank you!
Hi Daisha, you can access my cabinet painting and glazing course by clicking right here! Thanks! xo
I would like to know what color the walls are painted in the photo at the beginning of the article, thank you.
Hi Kayla.
I downloaded your Paint Supply List a few day’s ago—by the way, awesome resource— thanks for sharing!! My plan is to repaint six dinning chairs (currently glossy almond colored) and my kitchen cabinets (currently walnut toned)… I would like to use glossy black for the chairs, and satin black for the cabinets— it has been a thought for over a year now, but I didn’t think I had the knowledge or resources to achieve a professional finish—but thanks to your helpful list, I feel more confident now. However, after seeing your Before & After kitchen, I’m second guessing my color choice for the cabinets. I am aware that the current color trend is: whites and greys, but I’m trying to go for a classy and elegant feel… I did take in consideration some of the aspects that are generally kept in mind before choosing dark toned cabinets; I have an open floor plan, a large kitchen, and lots of natural light… Your thoughts?
Also, how do I get my hands on the cabinet painting and glazing tutorial course?
Thanks!
Good evening Kayla,
I’m having a difficult time, confirming new paint color for the oak cabinets.
Cabinets are beautiful and in excellent condition. However, I would like do a little updating to lighten the kitchen. The less expensive project is to paint the cabinets. The plan is to keep the current backsplash (orangey/brown, terracotta) and the countertop (mahongny/brown). Please advised/suggest a color.
Thank you.
Curious on the inside of the cabinets, did you take them off the wall or just use bisqueen & tape off the area?
Please come paint my cabinets & pin strip them. Do you live in Florida?