What do I need to paint these window sills white?

[Jenthewrenn]

Hello, I recently had new windows and to save some money I thought I could paint these interior window sills white myself instead of paying a handy person to do it. I think they are just stained wood- can anyone advise if I can just buy a satin paint or would I need to apply a primer first? They are in good repair I would just prefer them white.

I lightly sanded mine and used a self priming paint I already had

Yes. They appear to be stained wood. You need to smooth them by fine sanding. Then use a stain block. You need to be absolutely sure the brown does not “grin” through any further coats of paint. Over the stain block you can use a wood primer. Then choose an eggshell paint for interior woodwork. Look at what the manufacturer suggests regarding undercoat. You might not need one but your aim is to have a lasting colour with no stain appearing. I use Farrow and Ball because I find their coverage excellent and it’s pretty bomb proof but follow instructions.

Sand it down to remove the top sheen of varnish - you don’t need to take it all the way back to bare wood.
Buy a combined undercoat and primer and paint. When dry rub it down with fine sandpaper to smooth it. Paint on your
chosen top coat - gloss, satin or eggshell depending on how shiny you want
it. Apply at least 2 coats.

Thank you all, I have some fine sandpaper, is this ok to use to sand them down?

We have similar and just decided to paint them white - ours weren’t as shiny so just went straight in with an undercoat then gloss, they need a second coat but look loads better

@Jenthewrenn Yes - use a fine one. You just need a very smooth surface but a good primer will cover the old finish if it’s not glossy. Dont use gloss paint as a final coat. It’s dated and much more difficult to work with. Eggshell is so tough and hard wearing. Plus it doesn’t go yellow - it’s water based and stable.