How To Paint Varnished Wood

If your next DIY project involves sprucing up varnished woodwork, whether it's a door, skirting boards or other wooden furniture, why not save yourself some time. 

By painting over varnished wood with a water-based primer, you can skip the time-consuming task of sanding. Follow the steps in this how-to guide for best results when painting over varnished wood, leaving you with a professional and durable finish. 

• Begin by cleaning the wood to remove any dust and dirt so that it's ready for the first coat of primer. 

• Then, use masking tape to cover any areas you want to protect from the primer and paint.

• Open your can of water-based primer and give it a thorough stir to ensure it’s well mixed.

• Using a paintbrush, apply an even coat of primer to the clean, varnished surface.  Make sure you pay special attention to edges and corners.

• Now allow the primer to dry for at least one hour, or according to the manufacturer's instructions.

• After the first coat has dried, check the surface for any unevenness or areas where the original varnish shows through.

• Apply a second coat of primer to achieve a uniform finish.

• Wait another hour or until the surface is dry to the touch.

• Once the second coat of primer is dry, lightly sand the surface with fine or extra fine grit sandpaper.

• The goal is to smooth out any bumps and imperfections before painting.

• Wipe the surface clean of any dust before moving on to the next step.

• Apply the first thin coat of paint using a paint roller, this will give you an even finish. 

• Allow the first coat to dry completely and add a second coat if you'd prefer a deeper finish.