Re: Painting Kitchen Cupboards

Sally ------------

This response assumes you are trying to lighten the color of standard kitchen cabinets that are stained and varnished.Shoud apply to painted cabinets also.

The first thing you want to do is get them very clean by washing with something that will remove the oil/grease film that accumulates on all kitchen cabinets. I would suggest using TSP, obtainable at many paint stores.

Then scuff up the surface to be painted by either sanding with #150 or #200 sandpaper or by applying a liquid deglosser, again obtainable at a paint store.

Then, with a good natural bristle brush apply an oil-based primer, followed by an oil-based enamel of a color of your choice. Your paint dealer can recommend a good brand. I would not skimp on the paint quality. And, I am not a paint dealer.