How can I remove a flaking fake wood finish from my kitchen cupboards?

Lulu Kirby
by Lulu Kirby
The cupboards in my mobile home are peeling badly. I'd like to paint them, but don't know how to remove the papery, flaking faux wood that's on them now so the paint will stick.
  5 answers
  • Danielle Danielle on Mar 04, 2015
    Peel what comes off easily manually then try spritzing with acetone, letting it sit for a few minutes then peeling back more. The acetone lets the glue release.
  • Country Design Home Country Design Home on Mar 05, 2015
    Since it's glued on, you could try a blow dryer, which will help soften the glue and allow you to scrape away the faux wood. However, that is probably not going to give you a completely smooth surface so you may have to take the doors down and sand them with a power sander to remove all of the bits.
  • Susan Bradbury Susan Bradbury on Mar 05, 2015
    I used a wet washcloth and hot iron- let the steam loosen the glue - and use a flat putty knife to lift easily.
  • Brenda Vincent Brenda Vincent on Mar 06, 2015
    If it's just the edges lifting, I would try to glue the edges back down with mod podge, let it dry, and then clean, prime and paint. If you have chunks missing, you'll have to use some kind of filler (ppssibly drywall compound), and sand until smooth before priming and painting.
  • Brenda Vincent Brenda Vincent on Mar 06, 2015
    If it's just the edges lifting, I would glue it back down with Mod Podge and seal it, clean, prime and paint. If it's already missing bits, you'll have to use a filler (possibly drywall compound) so that the surface is smooth, before you prime and paint.