Painting Over Varnished Coated Doors

Hi,

I just checked out if there had been any previous questions via the search facility but I was surprised to see there wasn't:o.

However, I have 2 interior doors that are varnished but I want to put on a coat or two of acrylic paint. I was wondering if I have to sand back to the bare wood and then prime/undercoat it prior to putting on two top coats?

Or do I only have to rub the surface with some 240 grit paper to take the shine off?

Btw, the last time I painted a door I made the mistake of using an orbital sander that left little circles on the surface. I thought the paint would cover them up easily but it took a few coats and then there were still patches were you could still see them:~. Thus is this when you would use one of those 1/3 sheet sanders instead?

Does paying out mega bucks on a top sander - lets say a festool just to prep surfaces for household painting - over kill and a waste of $$$? I presume most guys here who have top brand named sanders use them on your wooden items where the finish is important.

Thanking those in advance of their replies.

Cheers
MH

I would tend to remove the varnish with a liquid paint stripper first.

If the varnished surface is sound and the adhesion is still good, I would just sand to a dull finish, then undercoat and 2 topcoats.
I think stripping back to bare timber is overkill if the existing surface is sound, but if it is loose and flaking by all means sand back to bare timber.

I would probably use the 1/3 sheet sander, but have also used ROS for this, it really depends on what grit you are using and how hard/soft the varnish coat is.

As a mtter of interest, wat acrylic are you thinking of using? Bear in mind that a lot of acrylics are very soft, particularly in summer (thermoplastic).

My son has used Dulux Aquanamel Satin with good results on internal doors.

Hi MH
Duralex Paints make a product called Bleed Seal which will do the job. A light sand one coat and then top coat. Check here
www.duralexpaints.com.au

Cheers
Bob:2tsup:

I believe Zinser shellac based primer/undercoat will go straight over the varnish and take whatever topcoate you want to apply. It will also effectively cover the colour and drys quickly.

You only need to sand back with 120 grit paper for house paints.
Read the instructions on your paint can, most will work without any primer over the varnished surface