How to Strip Kitchen Cabinet Doors

Kitchen remodeling is expensive and people often look for ways to trim the budget. One way to update the look of your kitchen without spending an arm and a leg is to refinish the cabinet doors. If the cabinets are in good condition, the doors can be refinished to completely change the look of the kitchen. In order to achieve flawless results, the cabinet doors must first be stripped.

Things Needed:

• Screwdriver or drill


• Paint stripper or stain remover


• Sponge brush


• Trowel


• 150-grit sandpaper


• Electric sander or sanding block


• Wood putty


• Putty knife


• Tack cloth


• Rags

1. Remove the cabinet doors using a screwdriver or drill to take them off the hinges.


2. Remove all hardware from the doors with the screwdriver or drill.


3. Apply either paint stripper or stain remover to the doors with a sponge brush. There are different brands available. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions for proper use. The paint will begin to bubble or peel. It can then be scrapped off with a trowel.


4. Wipe down the cabinet doors with old rags to remove as much paint or stain as possible.


5. Fill in any dents or scratches with wood putty. Apply using a putty knife held at a 45-degree angle to the door. Only fill in the depressed areas. Do not leave a thick layer on the surrounding wood.


6. Allow the wood putty to dry completely.


7. Sand the doors with 150-grit sandpaper and an electric sander or sanding block. Continue working until the surface is smooth and free of blemishes.


8. Wipe the cabinet doors with a tack cloth to remove the dust.


9. Wash the doors with a damp cloth and allow to dry completely before applying new paint or stain.