Can I Paint on Varnish?

[rich]

The Varnish is well found,no flaking, Can I sand it and paint on top?

 

[Shanty]

In a word, yes. I sometimes use varnish as a primer under paint if I haven't any primer about.

Check that there are no whiteish patches in the varnish - they indicate that the varnish has parted company with the substrate, and need to be cut out and patched first. Wash the varnish down with detergent to clean & degrease it, then rub down well with a reasonably coarse paper to give the paint a good key.

 

[Black_Pearl]

Sacrilege Rich! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[rich]

Thanks Tim,,

Sean, don't worry, I'm not doing all of it,

 

[Mirelle]

Commonly done by wooden boat owners taking their boats into tropical waters for a short period; no problems if the varnish is in good nick. In fact a good idea, because the process is reversible, whereas once you paint the bare wood, that's it for ever.

 

[rich]

And I have just spent all day sanding down to bare wood /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[tcm]

yep! I would undercoat though, of course.

 

[rich]

I Wish I had asked this last night /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

 

[alienzdive]

If you want the paint to last for atleast one season, do not paint over varnish. Paint sits on top and will not bind into varnish. It will scratch and flake quickly!

DO NOT PAINT ON VARNISH!!

 

[snowleopard]

it will work under some circumstances, provided youy prepare properly - sand and clean. BUT - if you apply polyurethane over conventional or vice versa the bond will be poor.

 

[rich]

I couldn't do it. I had all the wood prepared, it looked beautiful in its raw state. it has to be Varnish.