Painting 70's wood panelling in bathroom - advice needed

[OttersPocket]

The time has come to tackle the 1970's dark 'sauna' panelling in my bathroom, it's hideous and I can't believe I've put up with it for so long! Due to being a bit strapped for cash, I'm going to paint it rather than remove it all (and I don't fancy seeing what's behind it).

It's real wood with a dark varnish. My plan is to rough sand the wood, then paint it with a primer. There are some water marks on the wood around the sink and the bath so I thought that a primer like Zinsser 1-2-3 Plus might do the trick - apparently it's a primer, water stain blocker etc. After priming, I will paint but I'm not sure what to use. Would a satinwood paint be best for a bathroom? I think gloss might be too glossy and matt might be difficult to clean. Would a Dulux satinwood work? Does this sound like a good plan?

Any advice would be appreciated. I'd rather get this right first time around!

I sometimes use just Zinsser. I like the colour and finish. We've used it on the panelling on our bathroom ceiling.

I'm about to start doing a huge bit of my house! I feel your pain

Our Den has wooden panelling. I used primer and Satinwood. It was easy peasy! The only thing I'd question is if you need something else as a topcoat due to the moisture?

Thanks folkd. I'd like a bit of colour primal rather than just white so I think I need to paint on top of the Zinsser.

I wondered that too like but I really don't want to have to paint another layer! I was hoping that the primer would block the moisture but perhaps that's wishful thinking....

myname, hand hold here

You can get Zinsser tinted. Not sure how, but maybe a proper paint shop would do it.

I've done the same as you in the past. I just gave it two coats of satinwood paint and it was still looking good eight years later.