[header] How to antique kitchen cabinets [title] Decide on a base color for your cabinets. [step] Antiquing is a process by which you put a dark' antique' stain over the top of cabinets that are painted or stained a few shades lighter. That means that the base color for the cabinets can be anything you like, be it painted white or stained oak. 
You can antique over your current cabinet color if you so desire, but many people like to go for a totally transformed cabinet look by adding a new base color as well. Examine your space and consider your overall décor to determine what the base color of your cabinets should be.