If the paint on your kitchen or bathroom cabinets is peeling, don’t fret—there’s a good chance you can salvage them by learning how to strip paint from cabinets. It’s a DIY project that’s perfect for experienced or beginner DIYers since it doesn’t require a ton of tools or expensive supplies. If you’re willing to put in a little elbow grease, you can have cabinets with a clean surface in a day or two by following our guide.
Prepping to Strip Paint From Cabinets
The work of preparing to strip paint from cabinets is almost equally as important as the paint-stripping process itself. Follow these prep steps for a successful painting project.
Wear Protective Gear
The best way to protect your eyes, hands, and lungs while stripping paint is to wear protective gear such as gloves, a mask, and glasses or goggles. This step is especially important if you’re using a solution that is made with methylene chloride, which is a chemical that can burn your skin on direct contact.
Set Up a Work Space
Most paint-stripping solutions contain caustic chemicals that give off a strong odor, so you’ll want to set up a workstation in a well-ventilated area like a garage or outdoor area where other members of your household won’t be exposed. You will likely need a table to set the cabinet doors on and access to a sink or water hose.
Cover Flooring and Appliances
Like the need to protect floors when painting, you’ll need to take measures to prevent floor damage from stripping paint. Whether your workstation is in a separate space or not, you’ll still need to put down a layer of paper or plastic on the floors and appliances in your kitchen so that they’re not affected if paint stripper goes astray when you’re applying it to the cabinet frames. You’ll also want to move your refrigerator away from the area, if possible, to avoid damage during the project.
