How Do You Paint Over Stain & Varnish?
Whether you’re painting over stained and varnished cabinets, trim, doors or furniture, the process is essentially the same. The smooth surface must be sanded and the wood primed or the paint won’t stick. Done properly, paint over stain and varnish can make a dramatic difference and will be durable, washable and resistant to chipping. The same process works for both interior and exterior surfaces as long as you use the right primer and paint. Clean the surface thoroughly with a de-greasing detergent. Use dishwashing detergent or trisodium phosphate (TSP) cleaner. Scrub it thoroughly using a scrub or sanding sponge to remove wax, oil and dirt. Sand the entire varnished surface until it is dull. Use either a medium-fine sanding sponge or 120-grit sandpaper at first, then a final sanding with 150- or 180-grit sandpaper for a very smooth finish. Wipe or vacuum it to remove all the sanding dust. Dampen a clean rag with mineral spirits to pick up dust from grooves and corners. Prime the varni
