Painting over varnish and old paint

[stone beach]

"Remodelling" my heads compartment, existing finish is a combination of varnish on plywood bulkhead panelling (its an old boat) and a hodge podge of paint on interior grp surface.

Shape is too complicated to panel out with formica faced ply or similar so I intend to finish all in a gloss (probably white) paint to brighten it up and facilitate future cleaning.

I am trying to scrape / sand all but some remnants are likely on the varnish surfaces and the internal grp surface profile makes full removal of existing coatings impossible.

Looking for knowledge on which paint might stick to any varnish and old paint remnants. Might be a different primer for each?

 

[Tranona]

Rub down and degrease with white spirit, paint with a "bathroom" type paint such as Dulux Easycare sheen.

 

[Stemar]

Rub down and degrease with white spirit, paint with a "bathroom" type paint such as Dulux Easycare sheen.

+1
If the old surface isn't well stuck to the surface, it'll need to come right off, otherwise, I'd do what Tranona says. I certainly agree about the sheen, I find eggshell or silk finish much better than a high gloss, which can look harsh on anything more than trim.

 

[V1701]

Have a look at the Zinsser range of paints...

 

[Farmer Piles]

Definitely go for Zinsser products, fantastic range of paints that will cover and cope with anything.

 

[arc1]

I used a Zinsser primer/sealer/stain cover coat (2 over old varnish) then a bathroom paint (can't remember which brand but not expensive). Worked well.

 

[Boater Sam]

Zinsser stain cover block first then Johnsons sheen top coat. Both excellent paints.

 

[stone beach]

Thanks to all for comments

 

[Uricanejack]

Read the requirements for the new paint carefully.
Most paints can not go on top of all different old paints.

 

[Farmer Piles]

That is where the Zinsser comes into its own. We had the oil feed pipe to a Rayburn weep into the wall in one of our holiday cottages. We stripped all the plaster off, let the wall dry out and re-rendered. The oil still seeped through from the wall behind. Four thick coats of Zinsser Cover Stain topped with a couple of coats of emulsion, we have had no trouble since.
As a base coat, it will cover anything - even oily render.