Painting is an affordable way to change the look of outdated surfaces.
Small repainting projects can change the look of a household dramatically. Styles and decor change with the times as well as with the tastes of homeowners. Sometimes, repainting an area is less laborious than replacing trim or cabinetry, and can save thousands of dollars. Varnished wood can easily be painted over if the correct steps are taken to prepare the surfaces properly. Once painted with the right enamel, the freshly painted areas can make the refinished surfaces seem revived and give entire rooms a completely new look.
Instructions
1. Clean the varnished surface thoroughly with a cleaning solvent to remove any waxy build-ups. Wipe any residue from the cleaning solvent away with water and clean paper towels.
2. Lightly sand the surface with light grit sand paper. This will help break down the varnish coats to provide a better surface for primer to stick to.
3. Wipe down the varnished area with denatured alcohol, or mineral spirits if using an oil based primer. Remove any excess solvents with dry towels and wait for the surface to dry completely. Discard any saturated towels properly. Solvent-enriched cloths can produce vapors that are highly flammable.
4. Apply the appropriate primer to the prepared area with a paintbrush or roller. Oil based primer will generally stick better to previously varnished surfaces, but usually produce more odors than water based primers. Typically, the type of primer used is the same type as the top coats of paint that are going to be used. However, oil based primer can be used if either oil based or water based enamels are going to be used for the top coats. Allow the primer to fully dry. Oil based primers take longer to dry than water based primers.
5. Determine the type of finish for the top coats of enamel. Flat and eggshell finishes are used mostly on ceilings and walls and shouldn't need to be used on a previously varnished surface. Semi-gloss and glossy finishes provide a durable finish and are simple to clean. Gloss is typically used on trim and cabinetry. Apply the first coat of colored enamel with the desired finish onto the primed surface. Allow the first coat to dry. The second coat of enamel should take less paint to cover the finished surface. Apply as many coats of paint needed to fully cover the new surface.
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