How to Turn Paneled Kitchen Cabinets into Glass Door Cabinetry

By: Jessica Ackerman

Glass door cabinets provide a convenient and attractive way to display china, knickknacks, decorative tea sets, antiques, and a number of other collectibles, and they add design and value to kitchen cabinetry.

For those who do not have these types of cabinets, replacing cabinetry is a costly undertaking, but most paneled kitchen cabinets can be turned into impressive glass door cabinetry in just a few simple steps. The options for remodeling paneled kitchen cabinets are only limited by your willingness to do the job, and best of all, you can transform your paneled cabinetry for much less than the cost of professional kitchen cabinet refacing. Necessary Supplies To turn paneled kitchen cabinets into glass door cabinetry you will need a putty knife, a rubber mallet, glazing points, glazing putty, fine-grit sandpaper, and a pieces of glass cut to the appropriate sizes. The sections of glass should be the same size as the wood panels removed from the doors. You will also need a pair of gloves to protect your hands from any sharp edges.

You do not have to settle for ordinary clear varieties. Visit your local glass supply and repair shop, and you will find many different types and styles of panels that can be used to turn paneled kitchen cabinets into beautiful glass door cabinetry. From fancy etched glass to smoked or fluted varieties, the options are many. You can turn ordinary paneled wood cabinets into extraordinary pieces that will make your kitchen appear far more impressive than it already is.

Procedure

Begin by removing cabinet doors and panels. The easiest way to remove a wood panel is by placing the end of a wood chisel beneath the wood edging that holds it in place and carefully tapping it out with a rubber mallet.

The next step involves getting rid of the rough edges left behind by the panel edging. Sand it smooth with fine-grit sandpaper, and wipe away any traces of sawdust or debris.

With the cabinet door on a flat surface, carefully lay the glass in place, and secure it with glazing points approximately every five inches. The glazing points can be installed with a putty knife.

Lastly, apply glazing putty to the area where the glass meets the cabinet doorframe and smooth it with the putty knife. Applying the putty will give the glass extra security while preventing it from rattling when the cabinet door is opened and closed.

Transforming paneled kitchen cabinets into glass door cabinetry really is very easy, and the look you will achieve is well worth the cost and the effort. This is an easy way to remodel cabinetry and add considerable appeal to the kitchen without spending a great deal of money. Your wood kitchen cabinets will be completely transformed, and the glass will change the entire look of the room.