Painting Over Varnished Wood

[CraigFa]

Hi all,
I'm wanting to paint over the wood paneled walls in the conservatory. I will sand down the wood but want to know what paint is best.

Do I need to use primer?
What paint, emulsion or oil based
Is it best to do a coat then rub down before next coat

Thanks

 

[54aardvark]

Painting over varnished wood you'll need to take it back to timber completely to prevent the paint coming off - you'll need a couple of weeks to spare and an overdeveloped attention-span!

However, if you sand back to provide a key and give it a coat of Zinsser BIN, you can then undercoat and a couple of coats of finish.

Zinsser BIN is magic stuff, not cheap, but when you compare that to time its well worth it. Sticks absolutely rock solid to just about anything dries in 20 mins and recoatable in 45 - mind you, it does smell a bit.

I'd steer clear of emulsion, brush marks/chipping/dirt. Go for a good quality undercoat and I would suggest Eggshell for your finish - easy to apply, hard wearing and gives a lovely soft-sheen finish.

I use Leyland/Johnstones, but Dulux trade is worth a try - just make sure that it is the Trade paint and not off the shelf retail stuff. Dulux trade centres will mix up any of their colours on a trade base.

 

[54aardvark]

And yes, it is a good tip to lightly sand over with a 200 grit paper, especially if you are going for a gloss finish.