How to Paint a Kitchen After Years of Greasy Build-Up

Removing Greasy Buildup

• 1). Mix household detergent and warm water in a large bucket. Follow the directions on the cleaning solution for the ratios of detergent to water.
  
  
• 2). Dip a sponge mop into the solution and wring it out until it is damp but not dripping wet.
  
  
• 3). Run the mop down the wall from top to bottom. Press firmly to dislodge the grease and grime. Work on a 2-foot-wide section of wall at a time. Clean the entire wall from top to bottom.
  
  
• 4). Wring out the mop into the sink or an empty bucket. The water that wrings out will be dingy and dirty.
  
  
• 5). Wash the same area again with the wrung-out sponge mop. Pick up any remaining grime and any water residue.
  
  
• 6). Dry the area with a clean towel.
  
  
• 7). Repeat this process across the entire kitchen to remove all of the grease buildup from the room.
  
  

Painting the Ktchen

• 1). Sand the walls with medium-grit sandpaper. Sanding will create texture on the wall and will allow the primer to sink in and grab the walls. Work the sandpaper across the walls in a circular motion. Wipe away sanding dust with a damp rag.
  
  
• 2). Pour primer into a paint pan. Choose a stain-blocking primer that will prevent oil and residue left on the walls from seeping through the paint and creating stains. Roll the primer onto the walls in a thin, even layer. Let the primer dry for four hours.
  
  
• 3). Paint the walls with interior latex paint. Choose a semi-gloss paint. Paints with higher sheen will allow you to wipe them clean with a damp rag. Regular cleaning will keep oil and grease from building up on the walls. Paint the edges of the room with a trim brush, cutting in about 3 inches from the ceiling and baseboards. Paint the large portion of the wall with a 1/4-inch nap roller. Apply two to three coats of paint. Let each coat dry before applying the next.