How to Paint Old Kitchen Cabinets That Are Paper Covered

Painting

• 1

  Open the can of paint. Paint a small test area of the paper-covered cabinet to make sure the paper will hold after paint is applied. Allow the test paint to dry on the surface, if it holds you're ready to proceed to the next step. If not, you must remove the paper before painting (see Section 2).

• 2

  Wipe down the cabinets with a damp sponge to remove old glue, dust and debris from the paper, or the cabinet's surface. Allow it to dry thoroughly.

• 3

  Open each cabinet, and remove each screw securing the handles and knobs to the cabinet faces. Then remove each handle and knob and place it aside.

• 4

  Feel the cabinet faces for imperfections or grooves.

• 5

  Apply spackle over the imperfections. Allow the spackle to dry, then sand it smooth with 220 grit sandpaper.

• 6

  Wipe away any dust with a damp cloth, and allow the surface to dry.

• 7

  Tape off any surfaces that you want to protect from paint. Tape or drape a drop cloth or old sheet over the countertop and sink to protect them.

• 8

  Stir the primer paint and apply it to the surface of the cabinets with a paintbrush. Then allow up to 24 hours for the primer to dry.

• 9

  Stir the can of paint and apply it on top of the primer with a paintbrush. Allow 24 hours for the paint to dry before reinstalling the knobs and handles.

Remove the Paper

• 10

  Heat up the cabinet paper with a hair dryer. Make sure the dryer is on the highest setting. Start at the corner of the cabinet and peel the paper away while heating it.

• 11

  Spray warm water on any stubborn paper, then peel it up.

• 12

  Scrape away stubborn pieces of paper with a razor blade. Be sure not to score the cabinet face.

• 13

  Scrub the adhesive from the cabinet face with a stiff brush and water.

• 14

  Pour vegetable oil on stubborn spots of adhesive, then scrub it away with a stiff brush.

• 15

  Wipe the cabinet surface with soapy water and allow it to dry before painting.