Expert: Eileen Cronk - 6/19/2007

Question
Hi Eileen - We just recently bought a home that has varnished knotty pine
cabinets.  I hate the knots, and I would like to paint the cabinets a dark "merlot"
like color to conceal them.  Is it necessary to sand the cabinets first, or is there a
special primer I can get that can go directly over the varnish?

Answer
Hi Melissa
Nice to hear from you.
In all cases where we are painting, surface prep is the most important step.
If you hate the thought of sanding, use a TSP solution with medium steel wool as a scrubber.
They must have a real good going over with this.
This will deglaze the wood so the paint will stick.
Next a special primer will be required or all the knots will bleed through. Its unfortunate pine does this, but its just the way it is. And I have actually seen cases where the knots still bled through after 2 coats of primer.
The primer you need is called Kilz.
That is a brand I use but there are more ..maybe better who knows, but ask at the paint store.
Specifically tell them you are painting pine knots.
I would do 2 coats of primer with light sanding between.
And you can get the primer tinted the same color as your top coat which is a good idea.
Good Luck and good question
Regards
Eileen