Sanding down varnished wood...

[ummmm]

We currently have a varnished bannister which I'm going to be painting. How well do I have to sand it down before priming?

I'm off to buy paint shortly....

[Old_Geezer]

I suspect just enough to key the coat of paint to the surface, which is not a lot of sanding. But if you want a great job take it back to the wood and start with a primer paint.

[ScottBen]

As Old_Geezer said, but you could make life a little easier by chemically removing the varnish with something like Nitromors.

[ummmm]

It sands back very easily. I don't know how long ago it was varnished but at a guess I'd say 20 years...

[AlBags]

1. Degrease thoroughly with Sugar Soap (hand dirt an grease will have made it repellant to paint!)
2. Light rub down all over and VACUUM off.
3. Paint ... preferably Eggshell or Satinwood.

4. You do NOT want to get into stripping it. Takes an age .. and is VERY messy.

[ummmm]

I know Al....been there done that!!

I ended up buying Dulux prima/undercoat. As well as the bannister I also have the doors to do, most of which are untreated. So, I don't actually need to undercoat what I've sanded down?

[murraymints]

wear gloves if using sugar soap !

[ummmm]

Will do... :-)

[AlBags]

I would also wash doors with sugar-soap to get grease off.
Personally, I would prime, yes. Thin coat .. they will look patchy afterwards .. which is ok before two top coats (thin ones on doors brushed and feathered out with a good quality proper bristle brush)

[ummmm]

Sound...thanks. I have decent Dulux brushes...it's only the rollers I chuck in the bin :-)

I can't start painting for a few days as the plasterer is here....sugar soaping and sanding it is then. The joys :-) x