Painting varnished doors matt

[superfrank]

Hi,

My old front doors, which are internal are oak and have a slight varnish to them, I think this was probably some kind of wax or finish, I want to paint these with a Matt Cream wood paint.

What is the best way to approach this to get a good result?

Thanks

 

[TheDec]

Working with the grain of the timber sand down and dust off, apply one coat of aluminium primer and when dry lightly sand and dust off. You can then apply your finishing coats.

Dec

 

[superfrank]

These doors are from the 50's so the chances of any seepage are not that great, do I still need to apply the primer?

I was kinda hoping I could apply something that allowed me to paint straight onto the varnished wood, I'd like to do as quick a job as possible.....

 

[TheDec]

The existing varnish is acting as a natural knotting agent, once removed bleed can often occur regardless of age. Always better to be safe rather than sorry.

Dec