There is a cleaner which is a prep before painting. It is a liquid you mix with water; it is turquoise colored. It is sold at Home Depot. I wish I could tell you the name but it is great! If you have to paint there is this paint from England called chalk paint. Not chalk board paint but chalk paint. It is a little expensive but so easy to use. No prep work and leaves a wonderful shabby chic finish. Good luck!