paint removal

[denak1]

I have just moved into a property where all the woodwork is painted dark brown. It's paint not varnish. What is quickest easiest way to remove it. I have started to sand it down but how much do I need to remove before I can apply a primer and white paint without brown showing through. Help please this is going to be a mammoth job if I don't find an easier way. Thanks Denak1

[WILLWONKER]

If the paintwork is in sound condition apart from a little peeling here and there, all you need to do is lightly sand to give you a key ( ie ) a rough surface, now this is the important part, buy some good undercoat (white) you don't need primer, crown undercoat is good BUT NOT THE QUICK DRY,this you will find is water based and usless, it drys before you can spread it, for a good finish put three coats on, the first coat you will still see patches of brown, the second will be whiter don't be tempted to stop there give it a third coat and WOW! then buy some crown gloss ONE COAT about £18 per two and half LTs (LARGE) don't be tempted to buy cheap value paint from the big DIY stores or you will fail in producing a good job, and you will have wasted your time and money, you will also need good brushes kept clean at all times after use, a tip: a lot of the brushes they are selling today are not pure bristle they are man made synthetic/nylon go for the brushes that are recomended for varnishing much softer and will give you a smoother finish with less brush marks. you may only need one top coat, but again two will be the wow factor, you will only get a good job if you put the work into it, how i have told you

[theshedman]

Hi denak1, if you don't want to go to the trouble of stripping it all off, then I would do as willwonker says and give it light sanding. If there are any bare patches then I would prime these. Then I personally would go for the Dulux oil based undercoat, either 2 or 3 good coats will do it followed by Dulux oil based gloss or oil based eggshell finish to give the type of finish you are looking for. I always use the Dulux as I find it to be a better quality paint and thicker than most others, but each to his or her own. As willwonker says never be tempted to use cheap paints as you will not get a good finish. The same has to be said with paintbrushes. I always use the Hamilton Perfection range of brushes, they work well, give good finish and last for years.