covering stubborn varnish.

[pipsqueakz]

Its everywhere wood panelling in hallway upstairs and on ceiling. Not allowed to take down as rented house but can paint. But tried to gloss and reacted with Burgundy stain/varnish. Help!

I had horrid orange varnish on the panelling of the stairs and successfully painted it last year. Ill try to list what I did:

1. sand it down just enough to take the shine off
2. wash with sugar soap
3. Paint with magic paint called zinsser primer which has shellac in. I think this is the one: reviews.diy.com/2191-en_gb/11517594/reviews.htm
4. paint with your gloss paint

The only place it has chipped in over a year is where the cat jumps over during the night when the stair gate is closed: she grabs with her claws though!

Thanks I will see what I can find. I've tried sugar soap, sand paper, wire wool, bleach, nail varnish remover, paint scraper. I need something that causes the least mess and fumes though. Just wish I could rip it all out its hideous. I find it depressing to step out on to the landing as soon as I open my eyes and embarrassing when I answer the front door. I can't even think of a paint which will give out a more modern look. Argh! Help!!I will put up a pic at some point.

Definitely the zinsser is the way forward! It doesn't remove the varnish, just lets the paint stick and is fab. Sugar soap is just to wash off dust and any dirt before you paint.

ok will be my next mission fingers crossed and thanks I'll let u know how it goes!