Expert: Eileen Cronk - 1/7/2007

Question
Hi, my wife and I have decided to update our kitchen and I would like to paint
our oak cabinets.  I was considering hiring someone to strip them.  Is this
necessary or can I prep them myself in a timely manner.  I have never done any
furniture stripping and am trying to save money where I can without stretching
the job out too long.  Thank you

Answer
Hi Jesse
Nice to hear from you.
It will not be necessary to strip these cabinets before painting.
Nor will you have to sand either.
Heres what I would do.
First the doors will have to be removed if you are painting. The hardware too of course.
Then get a box of TSP powder ($2.99) and a couple of boxes of medium steel wool ($2.00). Both at the hardware.
Mix the TSP powder according to directions.
Use the steel wool dipped in the solution and give all surfaces to be painted a good scrub.
Let dry and you are ready to paint.
TSP deglazes the surface and no messy time consuming sanding is necessary.
This will be a very inexpensive project.
In this case I would use a primer before painting.
So your cost should be under $60.00 plus your time which is considerably minimized using this method.
Good Luck
Eileen