How to Paint Interior Wood Stains and Varnished Surfaces

Painting over interior wood stains and varnished surfaces can be challenging, as standard decorative paints don’t adhere well to varnished finishes. In this guide, we’ll show you the best way to paint over stained wood and cover varnished surfaces using Zinsser products that prime and seal in one.

Required Steps

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Step 1 - Surface Preparation

All surfaces must be clean, dry and free from anything that will interfere with the adhesion of the materials to be applied. Remove loose and failing material by scraping or by the use of a hot air stripper to a sound edge. Feather sound edges with a fine grade abrasive paper.

Prior to painting, the moisture content should not exceed 12%. Remove all dust. Remove all visible signs of organic growth and treat the areas with Zinsser Mould Killer in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Allow to dry.

For any areas with remaining sound paint clean down with Zinsser Universal Cleaner & Degreaser to remove any contaminants. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all residues. Allow to dry. Degrease thoroughly with methylated spirit, changing cloths regularly. Ensure all silicone polish/wax is removed.

Fill any cracks and small surface defects with a suitable filler in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Allow to dry. Rub down with a fine grade abrasive paper. Remove all dust.

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Step 2 - Priming

Prime all areas to be decorated with one full coat of B-I-N® or B-I-N® AQUA in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and drying times.

Zinsser B-I-N® provides unbeatable adhesion to glossy surfaces, without the hassle of scuff sanding. Its powerful shellac formula blocks even the most stubborn stains while sealing porous surfaces for a smooth, durable finish. B-I-N® also excels at blocking wood stains, bleeding knots and sap streaks, ensuring excellent enamel holdout for a flawless topcoat.

Our groundbreaking, water-based primer-sealer B-I-N® AQUA also effectively primes, seals, blocks stains and locks in problem odours, while expertly sealing knots and sap streaks. With the added bonus of easy soap and water clean-up and only trace VOCs (<0.1%).

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Step 3 - Decoration

Decorate with two full coats of PermaWhite in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Allow a minimum drying time of two hours between coats.

Zinsser PermaWhite is an interior paint used to coat walls, ceilings, and woodwork. It is mould-resistant, ultra-durable and offers superior adhesion, making it ideal for use in a kitchen, bathroom, and areas with poor ventilation.

Note: It is recommended to stripe coat edges to promote adhesion.

FAQs

Ensure that the surface is clean, dry and free from anything that will interfere with the paint adhesion, feathering sound edges with a fine grade abrasive paper. Make sure to fill any cracks and small surface defects with a suitable filler and allow to dry.

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Contact

Computershare Governance Services
The Pavilions
Bridgwater Road
Bristol
BS13 8FD
Company number: 04503854

Tor Coatings Ltd
21 White Rose Way
Follingsby Park
Gateshead
Tyne & Wear
NE10 8YX