Mantlepiece

[crapmemory]

My son and his partner have just moved and there is a wood burner with a wooden mantlepiece above it. I think it's pine and it has been varnished and possibly stained. It doesn't match any of their furniture so I was wondering if I can strip it back to the wood and then paint it? What would be the best way to do this? TIA

[SparklyKid]

Nitromors.

[ABSpareEditor]

I have moved this thread into the subcategory "DIY" under the category "Home & Garden".

[woofgang]

take a look at spray undercoats. If you want to paint it and not revarnish, you may not need to strip the wood first unless it's a lousy varnish job with drip marks and stuff.

[Stephen_G]

If you're going to use Nitromors, please read the instructions carefully. You ned to use Goggles/Eye protection, Gloves AND have the room well ventilated.

Yes, you can remove the stain/varnish (If it's plain, then try using a detail [or mouse] Sander - it'll be quicker, but there'll be more dust). Then rub the Wood with some White Spirit on a clean cloth (Going with the Grain), to get rid of the remaining dust.

I would recommend that you then use a water-based primer and then a water-based topcoat (Eggshell is the flattest of the three finishes. Satin would give a slight shine and Gloss is the most reflective). If they want a white colour, a water-based topcoat will stay white.

[The Builder]

No need to strip it if you don't want to Craps. A good rub down, followed by undercoat and topcoat.
If you go for eggshell or satinwood, then you don't even need undercoat. Just two coats of either of these.
It's already primed (varnish.)

[crapmemory]

Thank you all for your replies.