Repainting kitchen cabinets

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I was trained as a union painter some years ago. Though I have not worked in "the trades" for some years, I have used the training and experience I got many times.

Remove doors and drawers, and all hardware. Wash all cabinet surfaces to be painted well with TSP (Tri-sodium Phosphate) and rinse well. Let dry. This cleans the surface of dirt and grease.

I only use latex or acrylic-based products over previously finished surfaces since you never know what you're dealing with. These products can be used over either latex or oil surfaces, when properly prepared.

I lightly smooth scratches and other irregularities with very fine grit sand paper, then wipe on a "liquid sanding" solution to help soften and dull the exisiting surface. 0000 steel wool works really nice for this, as it helps dull the surface too. Follow product directions. Ventilation is often reqired.

I really like using Zinzer's "Kilz" products as primers - work well to seal out oil, smoke, burns, odors. They come in a lacquer or water-clean-up, and can be tinted to your finish color. (Ventilation is critical with the lacquer products!!)

Lightly sand with very fine grit sand paper. Wipe clean with tack cloth to remove dust.

Once your surface is prepared, then you can paint with the hard finish latex/acrylic paint you want. I prefer semi- or high- gloss, just because of the hard, scrubbable finish.

Using the new mini foam rollers is the way to go! Very smooth finish, wonderful to use!