Paint Removal Remedy for Cabinets

Cabinetry Cleaning

• Before attempting to remove any amount of paint from a cabinet surface, it’s important to first start with a clean cabinet. This means removing built-up dust, dirt and grease. Removing these built up elements will allow any thinners or other chemicals needed to properly adhere to the surface and work. For mildly dirty cabinets, wash down with a soap and water solution, but for built-up grime, use a specialty cleaner based with mineral spirits.

Remove with Chemicals

• Chemical paint removers present one of the easiest remedies for removing paint from a cabinet. There are several types of paint removers from a liquid to a semi-paste form. Liquid removers are best for removing one or two layers of paint, while thicker formats that are brushed on are ideal for removing heavy layers -- up to 10 layers -- of paint. Once the paint remover, liquid or paste, sits according to the manufacturer’s directions, it can be wiped or hosed away with water.

Remove by Sanding

• When done correctly, paint can also be removed by sanding. Either a hand sander or power sander will work, but it’s best to use a power sander for bigger jobs. According to Ace Hardware, coarse sandpaper provides the best results, as fine sandpaper clogs quickly, making it ineffective at removing paint.

Considerations

• When working with any type of chemical paint remover, always work in a well-ventilated area and protect your skin by wearing gloves. Because sanding removes some of the wood surface, this technique is not recommended for use on fine pieces of furniture.