Help!

[Lore]

We have a ot of stained and varnished wookwork throughout the hall, stairs and landing area and although there's a ot of natural light pouring through the windows the hall is still very dark and grim. - we've lived here for just over a year now and have had many discussions re:painting it white (aaarrrggghh)
So, now's the time to take the plunge.

Is there any quick fire way to paint it without having to strip the whole lot back?

Would sanding over the woodwork to provide a key be enough?

Thanks :)

[Clanad]

Before you do that, at least consider installing this:

http://www.solatube.com/homeowner/homeowner_bu ying_tips.php?flag=true&sponsor=solatube&image =images/solatube.gif

We've installed two of them and it is truly amazing how much light is added. Obviously you have to have access to a roof through the ceiling, but it's a moderately simple job to do it yourself or one can hire it done.
Best of luck!

[carrust]

Is the woodwork 'grained' to reproduce the wood effect? Or is it varnished wood?

[Lore]

That certainly looks interesting clanad, thank you :)

carrust, It's varnished wood throughout. skirting, balustrade, staircase, spindles, doors & dado rail. :o/

[carrust]

If it's an old house then it will probably be grained & varnished. The main problem with painting old varnished wood is that it doesn't adhere very well. It'll be ok for a while until the paint hardens, then as soon as you hit it with a hoover or childs toy it chips off. The only way to remedy this is to strip the varnish off, back down to bare wood.

[Lore]

Waaaaaaaaaaaaah!

That's what I didn't want to hear :(

Thanks for your advice, I better get stripping then.