Looking for some advice, currently looking to refurb a wooden mirror frame. It had been stained dark oak and i'd like to paint it a new colour. I tried to strip the varnish off, using nitromors which i left on for 15 mins and then scraped with a wallwaper scraper. Didn't really lift much of the varnish, so tried steel wool and then fine sandpaper, again without much success. As it stand, i'm not overly concerned about getting back to the original wood if I can paint directly over the varnish. Any advice on what I need to do regarding primers / undercoats etc and if anyone has used any products with success, would appreciate name(s). Thanks
Astramax, thanks for the suggestions. Reading reviews, this product seems to be suited - http://www.screwfix.com/p/zinsser-cover-stain-primer-white-1ltr/17114 I've got an old pine chest of drawers that needs refreshed, looks like the zinsser would 'cover' that too. I reckon a couple of coats then paint the desired colour should hopefully do the job.
I would have thought as long as you've provided a key, most primers would suit. Mr. HandyAndy - Really
Yeah! check out the Dulux Diamond range, Satinwood and Eggshell finishes....other paints are available!
Paint stripper doesn't work on varnish, just turns it sticky and pretty much impossible to get a good finish. Always Sand varnish being careful not to breathe in dust. Remove mirror from frame if possible for best job, if not masking tape. Furniture paint will cover it with no need to Sand. Requires wax coat after to seal the finish. Works with furniture too. No primer is needed! Good luck
Forgot to add...regarding names of products. I've used rust-oleum a few times and has worked a treat.
The op was asking about primers but you are correct Chalk Paint will be another alternative if that's the rustic look he's after, Annie Sloan plenty of vids on YouTube, Rustoleum widely available or can use just good old matt emulsion.
I think it's rustoleum that does a varnish/paint stripper. Absolutely the best one I've used and wipes the floor with nitromors - believe I heard a few years back they changed the formula and it's never been the same. Alternatively, bin sealer but I know quite a few people who now use dulux primer undercoat which is capable of covering wood staining after several coats
aluminum wood primer is a good alternative as it sticks well to varnish shellac etc and will act as hardener to the existing covering.