I have kitchen cabinets that are covered with what looks like dark contact paper. The contact paper seems to be strong and thicker than average contact paper you might install on kitchen shelves. The cabinets themselves are strong, sturdy and made of very thick wood (some type of man manufactured wood). I would say the cabinets are original - made in the 1970's. I would like to lighten the color of the cabinets. However, I don't believe I can paint over them as the paper would probably buckle. What steps should I take? Can I strip and paint? What should I use?