Whether you’re painting over stained and varnished cabinets, trim, doors or furniture, the process is essentially the same. The smooth surface must be sanded and the wood primed or the paint won’t stick. Done properly, paint over stain and varnish can make a dramatic difference and will be durable, washable and resistant to chipping. The same process works for both interior and exterior surfaces as long as you use the right primer and paint.
Step One
Clean the surface thoroughly with a de-greasing detergent. Use dishwashing detergent or trisodium phosphate (TSP) cleaner. Scrub it thoroughly using a scrub or sanding sponge to remove wax, oil and dirt.
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