Ask This Old House Season 7 Episode 15 Preparing, Painting and Accessorizing Kitchen Cabinets

In season 7 episode 15 of Ask This Old House, titled "Preparing, Painting and Accessorizing Kitchen Cabinets," the expert team tackles a project to transform outdated kitchen cabinets. The episode opens with host Kevin O’Connor and carpenter Nathan Gilbert standing in front of the kitchen cabinets that need an upgrade. The cabinets are in good shape structurally, but the doors are worn and stained, making the kitchen look outdated. The homeowners are looking to give their kitchen a fresh, new look by painting the cabinets and adding new hardware.

Nathan explains that the first step in this process is to remove the cabinet doors and hardware, followed by a thorough cleaning of the doors and cabinets. He then demonstrates how to sand the doors and frames to create a good surface for the primer and paint to adhere. He also advises viewers on selecting the right primer and paint for their specific type of cabinets and demonstrates how to properly apply them to get a smooth, professional-looking finish.

After the primer and paint are dry, Nathan teaches viewers how to install new hardware, such as knobs and hinges, which will give the cabinets a fresh look. He emphasizes the importance of having the correct tools for the job, such as a drill and a template for drilling the holes for the new hardware.

Host Kevin O’Connor then steps in to add the finishing touches to the cabinets. He highlights how accents, such as trim and molding, can help further customize the look of the cabinets. He also demonstrates how to properly measure and install a new shelf in one of the cabinets, which will add more storage space for the homeowners.

In addition to the cabinet makeover, the episode also features a segment that showcases a new product that can help homeowners save energy and money. Kevin learns about a hybrid water heater that can be up to 96% efficient, which means that it can save homeowners up to $300 per year on their energy bills.

Overall, this episode of Ask This Old House offers a wealth of knowledge and practical tips for homeowners looking to upgrade their kitchen cabinets and improve the efficiency of their home. From preparing the cabinets for painting to selecting the right hardware and adding accents, the expert team walks viewers through each step of the process with clear and concise instructions. By the end of the episode, viewers will have gained the knowledge and tools they need to tackle their own kitchen cabinet makeover project.