How to Paint over Varnish

Co-authored by Sam Adams

Last Updated: April 30, 2021 Approved

You can easily get rid of the varnish and give a wooden item or surface an instant upgrade. Wash your item, fill in any uneven spots with wood putty, and sand the surface. Apply 1-2 coats of primer, let it dry, then apply 2-3 coats of water-based paint. With some preparation and paint, you can transform your wooden furniture and surfaces like furniture, staircases, and flooring.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Cleaning and Sanding the Wood

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1
Wipe down the area you want to paint with a household cleaner. Spray any basic household cleaner over top of your surface, and wipe it in circular motions using a clean rag. If there is any stubborn dirt or residue, spray a bit of cleaner over the spot, and use a scouring pad to scrub it away.^{[1]
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- Cleaning the surface gets rid of anything that may stop the paint from sticking.
- To ensure it’s safe to use your particular cleaner on your surface, read over the instructions.
2
Fill in any cracks or imperfections with a wood putty and a scraper. Wood putty is a creamy paste that easily covers any uneven spots in wooden surfaces. To use it, scoop up a quarter-size amount with a putty knife, and spread it with consistent pressure over the crack or divot. Then, use a scraper that’s larger than the imperfection to spread the putty evenly across the surface. Do this for any and all imperfection you see.^{[2]
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- Evening out your surface with wood putty ensures the paint applies evenly and smoothly.
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Wait about 30-90 minutes for the putty to dry completely. Read the instructions on your particular type of putty to determine drying time. You can touch the surface of the putty to determine whether or not it is dry.
- If you sand the wooden surface before the putty is completely dry, your surface may be uneven.
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Sand the area thoroughly with fine-grit sandpaper to even the surface. Fine-grit sandpaper ranges from 120- to 220-grit.^{[3]
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Research source} Use a sander for an effortless sanding option, or sand the surface by hand if there are intricate spots or details. Continue sanding in small, circular motions until the surface of your table is smooth and level. Doing this etches the surface, making it easier for the paint to stick.^{[4]
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- Cover your mouth and nose with a facemask to avoid breathing in the dust and debris as you do this.
- For an extra-smooth finish, sand the surface with medium-grit (60- to 80-grit) sandpaper after you finish with the fine-grit sandpaper. This is helpful if your wooden surface is very damaged or uneven.
Once you finish sanding your surface, wet a clean rag under your faucet, and run it over your surface to wipe away any dust or debris. This way, none of the particles get trapped under the paint. If there is dust trapped under the paint, your item may look uneven.^{[5]
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Part 2

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Applying the Primer and Paint

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Use a paint roller if covering large, flat areas. When applying paint to wooden surfaces and items, the easiest method is using a small or medium-sized paint roller. This works well because you can apply the paint quickly and thoroughly without overworking the paint.^{[6]
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- To use the paint roller, dip the roller into the paint and move your hand back and forth to saturate the roller.
If you are painting over a dresser with fine corners or the edge of a table, for instance, it may be easier to apply the paint with a smaller brush. Use a 1–2 in (2.5–5.1 cm) brush instead of or in addition to a paint roller.^{[7]
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Stir up a white, water-based primer with a paint stick, and pour some into a paint tray. Dip your roller or brush into the primer and apply a solid, even coat of paint in wide strokes. Ensure your surface is completely covered. This helps the top coat of paint stick to your surface or item, and it also seals the undersurface.^{[8]
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Wait about 30-60 minutes for the primer to dry. Before you add more paint to the surface, ensure the primer is completely dry. Drying time may vary based on your particular type or brand of primer. Touch the surface of the object with your fingertip to make sure it isn't tacky before moving on.^{[9]
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- Apply a second coat of primer after the first dries if you are covering very dark stain or varnish.^{[10]
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Cover the surface with an even coat of water-based paint. Once the primer is dry, you’re ready to paint the wooden surface. Use water-based paint for a quick-drying, slightly shiny option. Pour some paint into a paint tray, and dip in a fresh roller or clean paintbrush. Apply the paint to your item in wide, solid strokes. Cover the entirety of the surface, and double-check to make sure you don’t miss a spot.^{[11]
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- Oil-based paints are not recommended when painting over varnish. The paint may not absorb into the wood properly.^{[12]
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Let each coat of paint dry for around 30-60 minutes. On average, it takes about 1 hour for a coat of water-based paint to dry. It may dry faster, based on your surface, application, and paint type.^{[13]
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- If you don’t wait for the paint to dry, it may dry unevenly and look odd.
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Apply another 1-2 coats to cover the surface based on the desired look. Adding more coats of paint ensures the color is evenly applied and none of the stain or primer shows through. Wait for each coat to dry for best results.^{[14]
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- If you like the way your wooden surface looks after 1 coat of paint, you don’t have to apply additional layers.
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Add a coat of water-based varnish for a shiny, durable finish. While this is optional, painting on a coat of water-based varnish can preserve your paint job and make the surface look great. Ensure the paint is completely dry, then apply a solid, even coat of varnish using a roller or paintbrush.^{[15]
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- The varnish will dry in about 1-2 hours, and you can use the wooden object or surface.

Expert Q&A

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Question

Can you paint on top of varnish?

Sam Adams
Professional Contractor
Sam Adams is the owner of Cherry Design + Build, a residential design and construction firm, which has been operating in the Greater Seattle Area for over 13 years. A former architect, Sam is now a full-service contractor, specializing in residential remodels and additions.

Sam Adams

Professional Contractor

Expert Answer

You need to sand it first! Whenever you paint over something that has a clear oil-based finish on it, you have to rough it up so the paint will stick. If it’s a big flat surface, you can use standard 220 grit for the whole thing. If it’s small or has a lot of curves and edges, you’ll want to use a finer grit.

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Things You’ll Need

Household cleaner
Wooden surface
Scouring pad
Wood putty
Scraper
Facemask
Fine-grit sandpaper
Electric sander
Clean rag
Paint roller or paintbrush
Water-based primer
Water-based paint
Paint mixing stick
Water-based varnish (optional)

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Tips

If there’s any spot you don’t want to paint, apply painters tape to keep it covered. After the paint is dry, remove the tape.^{[16]
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If you are repainting a dresser or chest, you can remove the hardware before you paint it if you’d like to preserve the finish.^{[17]
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Warnings

Wear a mask if you are not in a well-ventilated space. The fumes of paints and varnishes can make you dizzy, nauseous, or give you a headache, so it’s best to cover your face and nose. If you are in a well-ventilated area, like a room with a large open window, then you don’t have to worry about the facemask.^{[18]
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