paint over varnish??

[darcydark]

Is there something I can put on my varnished T&gG ceiling before painting it or do I have to sand it down first?
Too big a job to sand down?
Thanks in anticipation
Darcy

[wildwood]

There is a special paint you can buy to prime over the varnish. I've forgotten its name but I'm sure your local paint supplier will have it.

What is probably just as important is to clean the ceiling properly before painting. I use a gargen-type sprayer with a commercial cleaner, then wipe it off with a sponge mop.

[heathfield]

Sanding in the grooves would be a pain. A good wash with a sugar soap solution should be good enough. Otherwise, there's 'liquid sander' that can be brushed on. It'll provide more of a key for the new paint. Available in most DIY stores.

[darcydark]

Thanks for replies, both very helpful, much appreciated.
Steph