Staining/Varnishing Hardboard?

[mattylad]

Hello, I have just recovered a couple of doors with hardboard, I have some Ronseal Diamond Hard Gloss Varnish (Light Oak).

Is there anything I need to do to the hardboard first or can I just brush it on?

Should I sand it down first with some fine sandpaper?

 

[mattylad]

It's the smooth side I am referring to ?

 

[Zampa]

Painting the smooth side of hard board should be ok but id check with the Ronseal helpline first

 

[mattylad]

Cheers but I'm wanting to stain/varnish it.

Good suggestion though, I'll see if I can contact Ronseal next week.

 

[Zampa]

Stain or varnish is more or less the same as paint but without the pigment..MDF would have been a better option for you, the coating on hardboard is shellac, like knotting...and can cause adhesion problems with some coatings