Glazing is a matter of personal preference, but cabinet finishes are trending towards cleaner looks. However, we are on the east coast and atill do a good amount of glazing. Almost all of our stains are glazed and about 60% of our painted finishes, most with a light pearlescent tone to it, and a VERY light hand. It's done to add depth of color, not an aged look, and lately, never on oak. The issue you may have is that you are dealing with oak cabinets. Oak has grain pores which will collect glaze, hence the dirty and country look. But even without glaze the doors may not have a clean, modern look. Painted oak looks like painted oak, which, by it's nature looks more rustic and country. And if the doors have dated architecture, like arches, that just magnifies the challenge. Good luck with whatevr you decide to do.

What you want is graining liquid which will create the dark aging effect. Once the graining liquid is dried, you'll need to protect it with a clear coat product. You can do an internet search for graining liquid to find suitable and compatible products. When glazing kitchen cabinets... 1) clean the surface 2) lightly sand the surface 3) Paint - but careful here. you need to determine what you are painting over top of. You need the new paint to adhere properly. The sanding in step #2 works well, but you may need to apply primer. Test it to be sure. 4) Apply graining liquid. 5) Optionally, apply a clear coat for protection. Good luck, Paul

Here are a few glazed images. And a few links from GW. ~boxer Media Pocket My kitchen Blog Woodworking Network cappaccino Glaze on Maple Bene Kitchen BS Moore renovations Elegant Kitchen cabinets Marmin stone Co. New Venetian Gold Granite http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg0111215919581.html White with cocoa glaze or ivory with cocoa glaze? http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg121002109540.html White cabinets w/ brown glaze: countertop, etc. suggestions?http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg0111215919581.html From Mpeg 08 http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg1013082523987.html Mrs. Andrews 08 http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg071624012734.html Here is a link that might be useful: Can anyone show me creamy or ivory cabinets with glaze?

Have you asked this on the kitchen forum-- you'll get tons of opinions, far more than you probably want! My thought is your kinda going in two opposite directions with that approach, the quarter sawn oak being a more formal classy arts& crafts kind of thing and the glazed birch being more informal & cottagey. Might look kind of mismatched. On the other hand eclectic can sometimes work too esp. if the pieces somehow relate in some way (ie style of doors & hardware is similar). Id make sure the glaze or paint color on the birch related pretty well to the oak too too ...