If you want to paint over a surface that has been varnished clean the object and fill in any cracks or imperfections with putty.
How to paint a varnished wood front door.
Vacuum the surfaces with a brush attachment to remove the sanding dust.
How to paint stained wood.
Apply the primer by covering the door completely.
Start by sanding the surface with a random orbital sander and 150 grit paper.
5 apply paint deglosser or mineral spirits to.
Sanding down all the way to the wood is not necessary.
Sand them with 180 grit sandpaper to scuff the wood and prepare it for primer.
Soak a rag in a solvent like denatured alcohol or mineral spirit and rub the door down.
Use white spirit if the varnish and primer being used are oil based.
Let the primer dry completely.
Once the putty has dried sand the area thoroughly with 80 120 grit sandpaper then wipe down the surface with a damp cloth to remove any dust.
Use a fine grit sanding sponge to get into crevices.
When the first layer of varnish has been applied allow it to dry and then rub the door down with fine sandpaper.
Use fine sandpaper on the first layer of varnish.
Vacuum the dust left over from sanding.
Use a paintbrush to paint the edges and corners of the door along with the edges around the recessed raised panels.
Consult the directions on the can for the proper drying time and don t rush it.
Don t try to sand off all the varnish.
Pour either alkyd oil based primer or acrylic water based primer into the paint tray.