The Tool Barn


Clean Up

The first thing to do is to remove all of the hardware.  Take off the hinges and handles.  After you take off the handles, examine the area around where the hinge was.  This will give you a good idea what you are up against.  If there is a good-sized ring of crud around it, you are going to need plenty of elbow grease.

Now you have to clean all of that crud up and remove any wax on the surface.  We have found that TSP cleaner or mineral spirits give good results.  If you use mineral spirits, do so with plenty of ventilation.

If using mineral spirits, dip the steel wool in the mineral spirits, wring it out slightly and then being scrubbing.  Make sure that you scrub all areas.  You need to remove the wax along with the dirt.  If there is wax left on the surface, the primer and paint will not hold well to that area.  Make sure that you clean the areas of the cabinet that you are going to paint as well.  When done, wipe down the wood with a rag and set it aside to dry.

If you use TSP, employ a good scrub brush and plenty of elbow grease to get rid of the gunk.

Next, lightly sand all of the surfaces to be painted with 320-400 grit sandpaper.  You do not need to sand down to bare wood.  This will etch scratches into the finish and give the paint and primer something to hold onto.  If the sandpaper starts to get loaded with gunk, you did not clean the cabinets completely.  Using a rag, wipe down the doors and face frame to remove all dust.

Unscrew door handle

Unscrew door handle

Remove dirt and grime around handle

Remove dirt and grime around handle

Clean door with steel wool

Clean door with steel wool


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