is there a way to paint over varnished wood

[mayaknew]

Without having to completely sand it all down??

Yeah chalk paint - I've used annie sloan it's very popular atm, just search on here for advice. You do have to varnish or wax it which is a bit of a bind.

Chalk paint?

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint? That goes over pretty much anything without prepping but it depends whether you want a chalk finish or not.

X post!

Yes, if you just want to use ordinary paint you can get a shellac based primer to coat it first (I found really good recommendations by googling your question when I was looking) I can't remember the name but I got it from B&Q it's about £18 a tin.

International Paints used to do a fantastic primer that you applied with a brush and wiped off an hour later. No sanding needed and perfectly good finish for any paint.

I'm not sure if they continue to do it, but if they do, it is great.

You could just key it by giving it a light sand (I would use medium grade followed by fine grade sandpaper), then prime, undercoat and you're away

I have painted over varnished wood without sanding it down first. I used a primer called Zinsser 123 which worked very well.

Excellent thank you all