Can You Paint Over Varnished Wood?
Posted on January 20, 2020
Do you have varnished wood in your home? Are you looking to change up the look? We are here to help! Keep reading to find out the best way to get rid of that varnished wood and have your home looking fresh.
Many people believe you can’t paint over varnished wood. This however is false. In order to paint over it you will need to use either oil or water-based paints. However, it the process is time consuming and you will have to complete all the steps if you want it to look professional.
Check for damage or imperfections in the wood.
You will need to check to make sure the wood is in good condition. If it isn’t you will need to contact a carpenter to get the wood back to a pristine state.
Clean
Wash the surface with dish soap and water to remove anything unwanted that may be on the surface. No harsh chemicals are necessary.
Sand
Sand down the surface until the finish is as desired. Sanding will allow the gloss to be worn away to allow for a strong bond with the primer. After you are done sanding wipe off any dust with a cloth.
Prime
Use an oil-based primer. The primer will deal the wood and prevent any bleed-through. This should dry within one to two hours. The smell of oil primer can be unpleasant, but it works well.
Paint
This may take up to 3 coats of paint. Using an airless sprayer rather than doing it by hand can make the process go by much quicker. Also, keep in mind that glossy paint will make any imperfections in wood much more obvious.
If you need any help with your painting project, call us, we’d be happy to help! Click here for a free estimate.
