- 1). Sand the urethane-varnished surface with 220-grit sandpaper. Sandpaper abrades the glossy finish for easier primer adhesion.
- 2). Wipe off sandpaper dust with a moist cloth.
- 3). Prime the urethane-varnished surface with high-adhesion primer and a paintbrush or paint roller. High-adhesion primer costs a little more than general-purpose primer, but the extra few dollars per gallon pays off in the long run. Even on a sanded surface, general-purpose primer doesn't stick to varnished finishes easily. Wait for the primer to fully dry before proceeding.
- 4). Paint the surface with oil-based paint and a brush or roller. Oil-based paint takes longer to dry than latex paint. Since it's not water-based, you'll also need paint thinner to clean even tiny oil-based spills. Oil-based paint, however, is more durable and better suited for a previously varnished surface.
- 5). Apply a second coat, if necessary, after the first coat dries. Avoid using the recently painted item for at least 24 hours. The surface will be dry to the touch within a few hours, but it won't fully cure for an entire day.
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