Can i paint over a varnish surface?

you can but i don't suggest it. sand it down or if you don't have the time to do that there is stuff called airplane something or just get paint thinner or paint remover and do it that way then paint. the only problem is most of the time the varnish is glossed or glossy and the paint doesn't stick well. you can take a peice of sandpaper and rough it up a bit just to get it to stick better, or primer it.Can i paint over a varnish surface?
A labor intensive, usually messy, often futile task,, I ask why?





Certainly try to remove as much of the varnish as possible, even just by sanding, then apply ';Kilz'; or some other decent primer. Then paint.





If I were doing the job, I'd attempt a test patch in an area of the piece not obvious. If it works there, it may possibly work elsewhere.





As I wonder however in asking WHY? What is the surface, what defines your need to paint over it, and what use does the surface serve now, or will later?





Rev. StevenCan i paint over a varnish surface?
You could but all the paint will peel off. You have to sand first and prepare the surface properly otherwise all your hard work will be in vain.
Having painted interiors for many years for a living, my advice is to wash the surface well with mineral spirits, fill any nail holes or other indentations with wood filler. Then lightly sand the whole surface with a fine grade sandpaper and clean off the sanding dust with a tackcloth. Then for best results prime with an oil-based primer called Zinsser. Only then put on your topcoat of a quality brand oil-base paint, with as many coats needed to cover. NEVER, ever paint a water-base paint over an oil-base paint or varnish. Following the above steps will get you the very best and longest-lasting results possible.
If you use a liquid deglosser first you can paint over varnish. After you degloss the surface you should prime it, that will give the paint something to bite on to.
You could. It would not last though. Try removing the sealant layer first(un-varnish, that is).