Stop committing a big DIY sin when decorating your home – I see it all the time as an interior designer, how to fix it
AN interior design expert has shared the biggest mistake people make when trying to add some style to their space.
She also gave her easy DIY tips for getting a glam look for less.
“My DIYers out there, I see you do this wrong every day on TikTok so I had to stop and say something,” said Sophia (@etsalinteriors).
She explained what people were doing all wrong while attempting to upgrade their kitchen cabinets.
Sophia, the owner of Et Sal Interiors who owns a construction business with her husband, promised that she wasn’t just going to point out the most common DIY sins she sees on a daily basis.
She was also going to show how to make things right.
“Stop painting your cabinets with a paintbrush or a roller,” advised the decorating guru.
She also emphasized the importance of priming your cabinets before applying any sort of paint on them.
Her first crucial step in the cabinet painting process: sanding it correctly.
And there were no exceptions to this renovation rule.
“Even if it’s a manufactured cabinet, just giving some sort of grit through the sander helps the paint to adhere better,” she said.
Sophia also wants you to invest in this $200 item – a paint sprayer.
It might be a little pricey, but she advised that it makes a big – and decorative – difference when it comes to getting “that really perfect finish.”
This sorceress of DIY style went through her next insider steps for achieving a professional-looking cabinet.
“The first thing you’re going to run through that paint sprayer is primer.”
According to her – and anyone else in the construction industry – the gold standard of primer is inexpensive Kilz primer.
This decorator-approved all-purpose interior and exterior Kilz primer sells for $12.98 on Walmart.
In addition to adhering to anything, it will also give the most true undertones so that the paint pulls through accurately.
“You’re going to wash out your sprayer, you’re going to put in your color, and spray the heck out of the cabinets with the color.”
Sophia said it can take up to three coats to get the desired effect.
Ultimately, you won’t see any lines and the cabinets will be able to withstand the daily use of a kitchen.
She explained: “The finish is going to be near factory perfect, and that’s why it’s important to spray it.”
For those who prefer to use a paint sprayer with stain, you can still follow along, just omit the primer step.
The designer had also found some eager fans looking to copy the cabinet look.
“Thank you! I’ve been wanting to paint my cabinets. I would love some suggestions on colors for kitchens with natural light,” expressed one grateful follower who also wanted additional tips.
With over 1,500 4.7-star ratings, Sophia’s standout Kilz primer seemed to be helping other DIYers decorate their homes.
“Works great covering old red paint and used it on my new house to brighten the ceiling, looks like white paint! Can’t wait to try it next year on the outside the home,” raved one satisfied reviewer.
Another Kilz advocate explained how the primer perfectly glided over the glue that was left over from peeling wallpaper in an old 100-year-old house.
“I used two coats since the walls were completely bare and it’s looking amazing,” he exclaimed.