Don't waste your time or money on deglossers. You don't need them. If the trim and doors are in good, sound condition, you only need to clean them (Dirtex) and sand to dull. It must be dull! Use #180 grit sandpaper. You must use a high quality, 100% acrylic paint to go over the prepared surface. Paints like Pro Classic, Impervo and Muralo are made to repaint over oil or alkyd products. Dings and nicks can be filled with spackle, sanded, spot primed and painted. Use caulk to fill gaps, let it dry and paint. Michael

Thanks for letting us know. Best wishes in your artistic pursuits

I dunno, Francy, I just wipe with a sponge and blue dawn -- but the best is plain old BAKING SODA. Sprinkle it on the counter, take a damp sponge and wipe, no problem-o. Lightens the stone right up and you cannot get more eco-friendly than baking soda. I'll try to take a picture after the pizza we are having tonight drips oil all over the counter - LOL. Will post later. Where in the Bay Area are you???? I get out there to teach once in a while.

I have never been able to afford to take any classes in art painting. So I've had to teach myself. I started out probably 20 plus years ago with some books put out by Leisure Arts. I have no idea if these books, or any like them, are still available or not. But you might check out Hobby Lobby or Michaels if you have one near you. I haven't picked up a brush in a number of years because somehow or another, life got in the way. But the desire has struck again. I've gotten really interested in Bob Ross's method, it looks like it's really fast and easy, and fun. And at this stage in my life I just want to enjoy the process, not try to make any profound statements. So you might want to Google "Bob Ross Painting" to take a look. Michaels here has a number of his books, also most of the supplies he recommends. Hobby Lobby might carry them, too. Also, check out Ebay for his books, I got a couple of the older ones quite reasonable there. It's been quite awhile since you posted your request, I hope you have been busy learning to paint. Please come back and let us know how you are doing! Good luck! Rusty