Painting varnished pine tongue and groove lining.

[wigglybeezer]

Revamping old kitchen extension to use as utility room, don't want to replace all the T&G on the walls because we may knock the whole thing down within 5 years. Ideally the paint job would survive a reasonable amount of wear and tear. Anyone recommend a good primer with excellent coverage and then a paint that can be wiped occasionally.

The budget is fairly tight.

Try Dulux Super Grip (it's a trade primer) as you mention painting over varnish and I'd use satinwood for a durable, wipe clean finish without the high shine, smell or long drying period of gloss. Satinwood is available in a range of colours too. My DSis painted the T&G in her kitchen with satinwood and it is wearing well.