How to Strip Old Layers of Paint From Kitchen Cabinets

Stripping paint from kitchen cabinets used to be a difficult process, but chemical paint strippers have become more useful in recent years. Paint stripper gels ensure that paint removal on vertical surfaces does not require multiple coats to be effective. For environmentally conscious homeowners, some paint strippers are manufactured with low VOCs and with materials less likely to negatively impact the water table. No matter what type of stripper is used, paint should be discarded in accordance with local waste disposal laws.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Screwdriver
• Gloves
• Safety glasses
• Paintbrush
• Chemical paint stripper gel
• Paint scraper
• Steel wool
• Turpentine
• Medium fine grit sandpaper

1. Remove all hardware, doors and drawers from the kitchen cabinets using a screwdriver. Label each door and piece of hardware with its proper location for easy installation after all of the paint has been removed.

2. Apply a thick layer of chemical paint stripper using a paintbrush to an area no more than 4 square feet. Wear safety glasses and gloves and work in a well-ventilated area. Wait at least 10 minutes or the length of time recommended by the manufacturer before proceeding.

3. Remove the old paint using a paint scraper with rounded edges. If the paint is not easily removed, wait an additional 5 minutes and then try again. Do not allow the paint stripper to dry on the cabinets.

4. Continue applying paint stripper and removing the softened finish with a paint scraper until most of the paint has been removed. Remove the paint from doors and drawers using the same method.

5. Remove any remaining paint from the cabinets, doors, and drawers using steel wool.

6. Clean the cabinets by following the manufacturer's recommendations. Some strippers require turpentine to remove any lasting residue from the wood, while others require only water. Allow the cabinets to dry completely before proceeding.

7. Sand the wood using medium fine grit sandpaper. Additional sanding may be required depending on the type of finish to be applied.

8. Attach the hardware, doors and drawers after the new kitchen cabinet finish has been applied and has fully dried.

Tips & Warnings

• When using paint strippers, always work with the grain of the wood. Use sandpaper to smooth the corners of your paint scraper if you cannot find a tool with rounded edges.
• Make sure that there is no lead paint on the cabinets. If it is possible that lead paint is in your home, have a sample tested. Lead paint should only be removed by a professional.

References

• Lowes.com: Refinishing Wood Furniture