We are keeping our old cabinets and just had new doors, drawer boxes and fronts made. Also, we had one new cabinent made for under our bar. My husband is considering using Ellis Paint, is this a good paint? What is the best way to paint to get a completly smooth surface? We don't want any texture on the cabinets or doors. Any other helpful hints on this project would be welcome. He is looking to make this look incredibly great. Laurie

It sounds as if you will have a combination of old and new cabinets. The preperation will be different on these two surfaces. On the old cabinets you will want to sand with fine sandpaper, wipe down with paint thinner and then wash with ammonia and water. The new wood can be sanded to smooth off any rough areas. Now you are ready for the primer, which should be a pigmented shellac such as Zinsser BIN and this should be applied with a high quality natural chinese bristle brush to both the old and new cabinets. The finish paint will be an acrylic semi-gloss or gloss finish made for cabinets as not all are designed for that use. Also be sure to buy a high quality synthetic brush to apply the acrylic topcoat.

I have never heard of Ellis Paint.