DIYers : advice needed

[Muteswan]

I’m going to paint my dados and stair spindles which are at present stained and matt varnished.
Being very awkward to use sandpaper without damaging the profile, any suggestions as how to prepare for painting.
I’m sure our PS posters will have many ideas, thank you in anticipation.

 

[Cooperman]

My recommendation - use a fine sandpaper in order to key the surface, make sure that surfaces are completely clean and free from dust, apply two primer coats before going with top coat.

You absolutely have to key the wood first though, but it’s not fine and precise sanding like your perhaps envisage.

Try it on an off cut of wood first and be sure that it works.

 

[Muteswan]

My recommendation - use a fine sandpaper in order to key the surface, make sure that surfaces are completely clean and free from dust, apply two primer coats before going with top coat.

You absolutely have to key the wood first though, but it’s not fine and precise sanding like your perhaps envisage.

Try it on an off cut of wood first and be sure that it works.

Thanks for replying, this was my thinking too, but as the spindles and dado have quite a complex profile and have a very dark stain, I’m concerned that even a fine sandpaper into the various contours might be a problem. I realise this job has been done many times elsewhere and have just been reading about a product called Zinsser Cover Stain Primer which is supposed to be able to be applied without sanding, but after a de-greasing of the surface, to very good effect.
Anyone used or have any experience with this product?

 

[MajorR]

Many years ago I stripped a staircase, the spindles were dipped in caustic soda and the banisters and other timbers were treated with Nitromors. Did a job, but made a mess.

Last year I renovated some furniture and did what Cooperman has described. After washing it down and sanding I repainted it with French Chic chalk paint - it’s come up really well and saved me a fortune on new bedroom furniture. One of Er indoors better ideas, although I was cynical at the start.

In terms of the Zinsser, there are lots of reviews and Q&A’s on the Screwfix site. Depending on where you live, you could think about going down to your local specialist paint retailer, asking a few questions, getting some advice and buying a tin of what they suggest. They’d probably have more knowledge than some Muldoon in of the big retailers. Be interesting to know how you get on as I may have a similar project to do soon.

 

[Muteswan]

I’ll do some more research, as you suggest, asking around the paint and decorating centres. I’m living in Swansea, so there are quite a few locally. Thanks for your input and I’ll let you know how it all goes.

 

[Cooperman]

Many years ago I stripped a staircase, the spindles were dipped in caustic soda and the banisters and other timbers were treated with Nitromors. Did a job, but made a mess.

Last year I renovated some furniture and did what Cooperman has described. After washing it down and sanding I repainted it with French Chic chalk paint - it’s come up really well and saved me a fortune on new bedroom furniture. One of Er indoors better ideas, although I was cynical at the start.

In terms of the Zinsser, there are lots of reviews and Q&A’s on the Screwfix site. Depending on where you live, you could think about going down to your local specialist paint retailer, asking a few questions, getting some advice and buying a tin of what they suggest. They’d probably have more knowledge than some Muldoon in of the big retailers. Be interesting to know how you get on as I may have a similar project to do soon.

My Mrs also has frequent ideas about me painting furniture and things, to the point where I can hear it coming.

Her words of “what do you think about painting...” are swiftly cut off with a stern “NO!”

 

[Muteswan]

Many years ago I stripped a staircase, the spindles were dipped in caustic soda and the banisters and other timbers were treated with Nitromors. Did a job, but made a mess.

Last year I renovated some furniture and did what Cooperman has described. After washing it down and sanding I repainted it with French Chic chalk paint - it’s come up really well and saved me a fortune on new bedroom furniture. One of Er indoors better ideas, although I was cynical at the start.

In terms of the Zinsser, there are lots of reviews and Q&A’s on the Screwfix site. Depending on where you live, you could think about going down to your local specialist paint retailer, asking a few questions, getting some advice and buying a tin of what they suggest. They’d probably have more knowledge than some Muldoon in of the big retailers. Be interesting to know how you get on as I may have a similar project to do soon.

My Mrs also has frequent ideas about me painting furniture and things, to the point where I can hear it coming.

Her words of “what do you think about painting...” are swiftly cut off with a stern “NO!”

I bet you can all guess why I’m asking the questions too! Women, can’t live without them.

 

[Pentyrchjack]

Zinsser Bin is good but be careful not to overwork it because it dries really quickly and always finely sand it when dry.

It is a really good product.

 

[Pentyrchjack]

Zinsser Bin is good but be careful not to overwork it because it dries really quickly and always finely sand it when dry.

It is a really good product.

 

[Jackmanandboy]

Zinsser Bin is good but be careful not to overwork it because it dries really quickly and always finely sand it when dry.

It is a really good product.

I use Zinsser Bin, it works well.

 

[johnauto]

Etch Primer is the answer to your problem.

 

[Muteswan]

Etch Primer is the answer to your problem.

Just looked up Etch Primer and,it appears to be a metal primer, thanks for your reply but I’m looking for a wood primer.

 

[johnauto]

Etch Primer is the answer to your problem.

Just looked up Etch Primer and,it appears to be a metal primer, thanks for your reply but I’m looking for a wood primer.

I have used it on wood many times.

 

[monmouth]

I had ours done professionally and it's lasted pretty well apart from touching up here and there. I watched him do it and the sanding as Coops said was very gentle just to get a key. he then just did two coats of Johnstone or leyland trade undercoat (can't remember which) and a coat of Leyland Trade topcoat. Covered it up fine.

I did our back door which was stained and varnished and used Zinsser 123 which is my go to primer and normally very good and very easy to work with. I needed a few coats of primer, then undercoat then topcoat. I used a water based acrylic paint as a topcoat and it has lasted and stayed beautifully white, just lacking the depth of shine of oil. Oh, ps, I sanded the door even though the primer will stick to just about anything (including a galvanised outside handrail that I used it on). Zinsser products are pretty good. I've used perma white for mould and stain (123 undercoat) before now too.

It all takes a fair bit of patience to let every coat harden and cure fully.

I can also verify wives are a nightmare .

 

[Muteswan]

Thanks a lot, this all sounds like great advice. I’ll take my time and go the long way on this I think, the sanding will be a nightmare but it appears it’s the best way to go.
Thanks everyone for your help and advice. As usual PS is the place to turn when you need something.