Our cottage has 50 year old douglas fir cabinets that are really solid. The varnished finish is pretty bad and we would like to paint them. What steps are necessary to do the job right and prevent chipping etc. We would also consider re-varnishing them if this is more practical than painting. Thanks!

jeez, 50 year old wood - be a shame to cover it up with paint... light sanding to rough up the finish, or a high density primer, then paint (I like a water based melamine type paint - easy wash, dries fast, no smell - besides the oil based ones yellow really badly with the lighter colours). for a really nice finish I use one of those small rollers that are rounded on the ends, and very small holes - takes more coats, but you get a nicer finish...

HOWEVER... since you say the cabinets are solid, you could use a chemical stripper, or just plain ol' elbow grease and a scraper to get that old varnish off, and revarnish them - more work, but again, what a shame to cover up that 50 year old wood!