How to Paint heavily Varnished Hardwood Handrail?

I have a handrail that is clear varnished but looks like it has 7 coats of varnish - Very shiny. I f I wanted to paint it barley white gloss, how would I do it?


I also have kitchen door with multiple glass pain in pine with a mahogany stain that I would paint to match - same treatment?How to Paint heavily Varnished Hardwood Handrail?
on your handrail use 100 grit sandpaper, wipe clean with a tack cloth, prime with an oil based primer, one of the Zinsser products are the best like ';Cover Stain'; and use a good quality oil based paint for your finish, 2 coats. Your door do the same BUT you could use a good 100% aacrylic paint for your finish coat, Good luck Les the painter. most likely it's an oil based polyurethane on your hand rail.How to Paint heavily Varnished Hardwood Handrail?
it's a laquer probably put on from the factory... the rt way would b to sand it down but.. u can use Kilz on it lst.. if u can spray it, like take it off the spokes.. then take it outside or garage %26amp; spray it w/ KILZ then either Spray it w/ gloss white ( krylon) or paint it w/ a good brush high gloss. U may STILL need to put a high gloss poly. on it for protect from nicks.. etc.. same treatment for the door but u'll have to tape off the windows... they do make these corner tapes now.. so try that along w/ the blue tape.. again.. if u can take u'r door off %26amp; take it out.. spray it.. u can put newspaper over the panes w/ the blue tape up agains the edge.. that taping will take time but do a good job. IF u do get paint on the panes.. jst take a razor blade %26amp; gently lift the paint off
For the handrail, rough it up a little with fine sandpaper (220 would do nicely). Make sure you get all the power from sanding off. You can buy a disposable 'tack rag' to do this. Then go ahead and paint!





For the kitchen door, be sure it's really clean. Anything in or near the kitchen will acquire a fine coat of grease. Clean it really well with 409 or Fanstastik or something like that. Then sand lightly, wipe powder off, and paint as with the handrail.