The Time-Saving Technique HGTV's Jenn Todryk Swears By When Updating Cabinets
Cabinets play a huge role in our kitchen designs, but they also cost a ton to change. If you want to update your cabinets without completely replacing them, you can DIY them by adding panels or you can paint them. Of course, painting can be a time-consuming project and, if not done right, can leave your cabinets looking messy and uneven. Jenn Todryk of HGTV's "No Demo Reno" recommends a different method of quickly and easily painting cabinets: spray-painting.
During an episode of "No Demo Reno," Todryk created a gorgeous renovated kitchen with blue cabinets, all of which were painted using a sprayer. "The beauty of spray-painting is that it's not just a smooth finish but it's also super fast," she said (via YouTube). "Which means it's only been a matter of hours and the cabinets are dry and ready for the countertops." By doing this, Todryk and her team were able to make the outdated wood cabinets look brand new without any demolition.
Things to consider before spray-painting your cabinets
Spray-painting your cabinets will not only cost less than replacing them, but it is also an easy way to make a big change in your kitchen design. However, just because spray-painting is easier than other methods of painting, that doesn't mean you don't need to prepare. In fact, if you don't take the time to properly prepare your kitchen cabinets before painting, you can end up with a big mess on your hands. You will need a paint sprayer to do this project — you don't want to use spray paint out of an aerosol can as most contain VOCs, and the fumes can be dangerous when used indoors and inhaled.
If you want to avoid spray paint mistakes, make sure you go slowly. Yes, spray-painting is a faster method than using a brush, but spraying the cabinets too quickly can leave empty spots and uneven paint. You also want to make sure you are using the same pattern each and every time you spray.
Before you start spray-painting, you also want to consider the cabinets you currently have. If you have older cabinets, they need to be in decent shape — spray paint will not fix cabinets that don't close properly or are falling apart. If you have textured cabinets, like oak, you may want to avoid using spray paint, as well, since the result will be coarse and bumpy.
How to spray paint your cabinets
On "No Demo Reno," Jenn Todryk had a professional use a sprayer to paint the homeowners' cabinets a gorgeous green-blue color. And, while the painter only seemed to take out the drawers to spray paint, if you are doing it yourself, you may want to consider removing the cabinets first. This will prevent any paint from getting onto your walls and lead to less mess. If you do remove them, make sure you label them so you know where to put them back once they dry.
Thoroughly clean the cabinets and remove any handles or knobs that you don't want to be painted. Also, place tape over the hinges and cover your appliances. If you see any damage to your cabinets, fix them by sanding them down or using a compound to cover holes. Prime the cabinets, and then you are ready to start spray-painting!
Spray the cabinets from about 10 inches away and let them dry overnight before adding a second coat. You may want to use a paintbrush to touch up the edges. Once finished, you can put the cabinets back in their spots and add the hardware of your choice.