How to Paint Old Wood Trim with Varnish on It | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House painter Mauro Henrique teaches a homeowner some techniques to paint old 1960s wood trim with a varnish on it.
#ThisOldHouse #AskTOH
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Time: 2-3 hours
Cost: $150
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools:
Drop cloth [amzn.to/2w3sUJL]
Respirator [amzn.to/3axZVNh]
HEPA vacuum [amzn.to/3dMEp9h]
Paint brush [amzn.to/2xFxjTo]
Paint bucket [amzn.to/2UOlylL]
Shopping List:
Masking tape [amzn.to/39xtltl]
Painter’s tape [amzn.to/2xHL5F2]
Tack cloth [amzn.to/2UvFb32]
Bonding primer [amzn.to/2X55jDH]
Latex paint [amzn.to/2US6SSp]
Steps:
1. Start by protecting the floors and walls with painter’s tape. Mauro likes to use a wider masking tape on the floor and then cover that with the drop cloth to ensure a clean cutting edge.
2. Tape the walls using regular painter’s tape. If you’re also painting the walls, then don’t worry about taping since the spillover can be covered up with the new paint.
3. Lightly sand all the wood trim using a 220 grit sandpaper. This should help break up the varnish and give the primer a solid base to adhere to.
4. Vacuum up as much of the dust from sanding as possible. Then, wipe down each surface with a tack cloth to ensure no dust was left behind.
5. Prime all the surfaces using the bonding primer and a paint brush. Start by cutting the edges of the trim and then paint the flat surfaces.
6. Allow the primer to dry. Then, repeat this process with the latex paint.
7. Apply 2-3 coats, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next one.
Resources:
Mauro explained that in rooms with wood trim that has a finish applied to it, it’s helpful to lightly sand the surface using 220 grit sandpaper to give the paint more to adhere to. For this project, he used a ProSand Contour Sanding Sponge [amzn.to/33YBi9Q], which is manufactured by Norton Abrasives (www.nortonabra...
To ensure a solid base for the paint, Mauro primed the trim with Stix Waterborne Bonding Primer [amzn.to/2X55jDH], which is manufactured by INSL-X (www.insl-x.com/). Mauro decided to do two coats of primer in this case, since he thought it was more important to ensure a strong, even base for the paint.
The homeowner had already purchased paint for the room, so Mauro finished the room using the same paint. She had selected Sherwin Williams paint in Extra White with a semi-gloss finish (www.sherwin-wi.... This one doesn’t need to be mixed as it’s available right off the shelf.
The other materials Mauro used to paint the trim, including the drop cloths, brushes, painter’s tape, and buckets, can all be found at home centers and paint supply stores.
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Keywords:
This Old House, Ask This Old House, DIY, Home Improvement, DIY Ideas, Renovation, Renovation Ideas, How To Fix, How To Install, How To Build
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How to Paint Old Wood Trim with Varnish on It | Ask This Old House
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[@observer4497]

Just came by to double check the proper process for painting my varnish covered window sills and trim in my 4 season sunroom/dining room… Sanding is complete and on to primer and paint. Thank you for the information and inspiration..🙌

[@mollie3244]

Oh his accent is lovely, I could listen to him talk all day.

[@samueljaiden9457]

I know Im pretty off topic but do anyone know of a good place to stream new tv shows online?

[@matthewdakota2251]

@Samuel Jaiden try flixzone. Just google for it =)

[@quintonayaan4440]

@Samuel Jaiden I use Flixzone. Just google for it =)

[@bgriffin511]

@@samueljaiden9457 you are off topic.

[@themalacast]

eh that makes one of us

[@peterzbasniksr]

When you see that particular color it is often a 3 lb. Amber shellac coating from the sixties.

[@ed8519]

See in that case, if you used shellac primer and top coat would it save you having to bother with sanding?

[@killer25318]

Wow I liked the varnish

[@robertbertke4999]

Seriously, who paints in a new red sweater???

[@PamelasEngel]

Pam does 😂 Btw it’s not me lol

[@terilachonce280]

Lmao

[@chelseag3365]

Wow good timing, I literally just started painting my trim last weekend! (the same type shown here) I happened to use the same steps the woman explained (except we made sure the trim was really clean, but we didn't sand) and it turned out great. We may follow these steps for the other rooms and see if it makes a difference. Maybe it has to do with the brand of paints?

[@figrollin]

That may have a role, but, i imagine tgat door of theirs looked great for the first few weeks too. The problem wirh nof sanding is that the paint never really bonds with the wood - it superficially bonds to the varnish layer. So, its much more liable to chipping over time. I also learned this the rubbish way... I hope the same doesn't happen to you but i highly recommend you sand the trim. You don't need to remove all the varnish, but you wanna make it feel a little rougher than the preexisting varnish. They used 220 grit in this video.

[@chelseag3365]

@@figrollin Oh I see, I will keep an eye on the trim in the room we already did, but we will definitely do it this way in the other rooms! Thanks for the explanation! :)

[@lilylily9012]

If you don't use bonding primer, you may get yellow bleeding coming thru the paint..

[@SomeUserNameBlahBlah]

@@lilylily9012 I seen other videos where they apply something between sanding and priming, but I don't recall the product. They stated it was specifically for preventing stain from bleeding through over time. So bonding primer can prevent this step?

[@daveg4963]

I kinda like the varnish though but this is some excellent knowledge.

[@glenbutler9611]

We are renovating my childhood home built in the 60's to use as an AIRBNB. Instead of painting the trim that awful dull, boring white color, we are sanding, staining, and varnishing them. This preserves the character, charm, and beauty of the wood trim. We instead invested in new doors and knobs which gives the rooms a total classy makeover!

[@bgriffin511]

then why are you watching a video on how to paint over stain and varnish?

[@Benelli-ex7oq]

I love this show I been whatching this a long long time thanks

[@MohammedKhlifaAlherk]

I agree with you.. yes .. nice show❤

[@michaelcharach]

This show and motor week I am 47 years old, been watching since early 1980s.

[@malo_2139]

This Old House por Vida! Great show!!

[@TheGibby13]

0:22 the screws on that switch face plate being all different directions kills me

[@bondpit8750]

OCD like me, lol. Attention to detail is important. As they say, the devil is in the details.

[@kevinreveles2130]

Should you sand after the primer? If so, what grit?

[@joanbennett5796]

Will the white paint (once painted completely) turn a yellowish over time?

[@jimczekaj6897]

I appreciate this video however I have a question. They're using a 220 grit sandpaper and and are "lightly" (their words) sanding because they need to "break the sheen a little bit" (their words). Is the expectation that there will be no shine to the finish after the sanding? I've tried what they're recommending on some folding doors and after I vacuum off the dust and hit it with a tack cloth, the surface still has some shine to it. I have folding closet doors in 3 rooms that have to be done in a week or so and I only want to do this once. Thanks in advance.

[@MixingGBP]

On a microscopic level, if you used 220 grit paper on it, or somewhere close, odds are you’ve put enough tooth on the existing surface for the primer to take hold of.

[@Sirmaximus62]

I guess caulking the seams wasn't a thing here???

[@johnkutz3207]

If she's going to mask the trim when she paints the walls, she should wait a few days for the trim paint to cure or it will come right off.

[@dericanslum1696]

...not with the right paint/tape and application methods it won't...

[@MaxRenke]

love Mauro!

[@Brandon-no3vc]

Why not fill nail holes b4 you prime it

[@gfraser80]

The holes show much easier after primer. Certainly could fill first.

[@cheesy6516]

Agreed. All you need is painters putty and takes very little time.

[@Brandon-no3vc]

@@cheesy6516 sounds cheesy

[@BreanaRCrackelBailey]

What kind of paint do you use for those old wood boards? Can you use just a primer? Want to keep it white!

[@jameskrys5286]

I'm painting my trim and I have to caulk all the gaps in the wood and between the trim and the walls, otherwise it looks like crap. I guess a 60's house has tighter trim but not one that is 20 years old.

[@malo_2139]

3:52 up down up down! Show me paint the window frame!

[@jcsfive5670]

Great info on the sanding and primer.. but let me tell you the beat way to paint trim.. you spray it lol

[@ScoopWinthorpe]

I was thinking of doing the same 😭😭

[@bondpit8750]

@@ScoopWinthorpe Spraying is great on new construction but the overspray can’t be easily controlled in an occupied home. Use a paint additive like Flood Floetrol to enhance your results and eliminate brush marks.

[@lordofshadowz--1316]

Would a palm sander work or sanding by hand is best for window frame baseboards and door jambs and hollow core doors ?

[@shrinermonkey1]

So many things wrong with this. No caulking or nail hole filling? Also in my experience you need to use a stain blocking oil based primer over varnished or stain wood because the tannins will bleed through to your top coat without it.

[@martinhanley9524]

Do you eve use stix by unsolicited or do you think bin or kilz is better as a primer ? Thanks

[@souljahdu]

Watch the full clip.

[@Guardducks]

I would have followed all the steps maro talked about except i should have used paint and primer instead.

[@lonespartan31289]

a two in one paint and primer is not as strong as a bonding primer which will adhere to almost anything. So bonding primer is better for this application and than regular paint on top

[@japan-e9j]

Awesome.

[@overcomingobstacles8675]

Where did you get that brown paper tape? That you used on the floors to do the trim? Can’t find it anywhere

[@jameskrys5286]

Lowe's, Home Depot.

[@PamelasEngel]

I found a similar one (might be the same brand) online from tesa. It’s called tesa Easy Cover PREMIUM Paper. I’m about to purchase some so hopefully it works well. I found it on Etsy and Walmart. It has good reviews. Btw I did not find anything like this on lowes or homedepot they only had the plastic sheets with tape. Amazon has a different brand but the reviews were mixed.

[@BIGCATDWVENOM]

Love the videos thank you

[@jinyingyan4533]

Why is my white turning yellow?

[@PamelasEngel]

It’s probably from Tannins seeping from the wood underneath. You need a better primer and maybe more coats of primer underneath your paint. Normally I prime at least twice and wait a few days to see if the tannins bleed thru and if they do just do another coat. You can prime again over your paint and paint again and that should stop it.

[@pciarfella]

Why sand? Use a deglosser and then a good primer.

[@pciarfella]

And ... an earlier video with Kevin does just that for painting kitchen cabinets. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYutoJl4d9WNobM

[@rawbacon]

*White*

[@Bluedog5581]

If your going to wear an N95 respirator you may as well wear it correctly. Un molded nose tabs, straps aren’t on right, literally have your nose hanging out.

[@isabelleruiz2064]

Can I use paint & primer in one ?

[@transcendencetherapeuticto5208]

On my experience don’t buy paint and primer! Doesn’t do the job! Invest in kilz primer and Behr paint for maximum coverage!

[@Platinum1812]

Hmm, no caulk?

[@GeorgeNadaYT]

How do I re-stain my entry door? The sun has dulled the stain and made it 2 shades lighter. It has 2 layers of varnish on it.

[@keithupton86ku]

Going to need to sand it a decent amount.

[@jackwardley3626]

just give a 220 sand to 320 sand clean with methylated spirit then give it three coats of the stain oil based is best if your not in a rush but use a pure bristle brush when using oil.

[@dericanslum1696]

...gel stain + Helmsman...

[@davehysom2636]

I keep hearing and reading about "cutting in" paint. I've no idea what this means. Google is no help. What does it mean?????

[@mysterypersontwentytwo3262]

Painting along the edges of the surface you’re painting so that there is a crisp and complete line where it meets another surface. Essentially painting where a roller can’t get the job done (corners, around / inside window sills, around trim, etc)

[@MrJimmy39]

What’s the paper he used in the floor? CNt find it.

[@PamelasEngel]

I was searching and think it’s this: tesa Easy Cover PREMIUM Paper. I’m about to order some. It looks the same and has good reviews.

[@jd415]

0:05 listen carefully, you may need headphones to hear it. They totally removed his voice and then recorded him talking somewhere else.

[@Starworshipper]

They do that a lot, and never edit it in very well. Gotta add some fake background noise for that authentic sound 👌

[@MohammedKhlifaAlherk]

Really I like this show... 💚✍ May Allah bless you and make you happy for the rest of your life.. every one who saw my comment❤

[@ChristopherDowning]

And what about the original door and architrave? All needs to be scraped back and sanded. Then start again with specialist varnish primer.....not standard primer or it will chip and peel like before. Ditto all the other primer.....use a specialist varnish primer like Zinsser 123. Don't cut in like that....made me cringe. An amateurs should use a 2 -3" angled brush with stiffer bristles made for cutting in.

[@avalon449]

Lots of trouble with that floor tape........

[@Guardducks]

True, but you don't want paint trapped beneath the base boards, looks really tacky. You can always use a str8 edge a wide drywall knife and clean it after each pass , now that is a lot of trouble.

[@bondpit8750]

Frog tape is better for the first pass close to the base.

[@keithupton86ku]

Gitarzan 66 All awards are made up, doesn't matter what they're called or who gets/gives them. Your opinions of Mauro's skills are not very educated. Again, where is your video? I'll wait. In the meantime, I'll watch those 'crappy tutorials' (which make Mauro infinitely more money than you).

[@jerrygesualdo5584]

You don’t need to sand , just apply oil base stain blocker, to much work

[@TheTerminator1919]

Yo that music got LOUD when the cutting begins

[@akoznasovajusername]

Why don't they paint the windows with an oil-based paint? Is it forbidden in U.S.? I think that's the best quality paint for wood and metal, and the primer is never needed.

[@jeremykj69]

It's still legal a lot of people use it for furniture but they normally don't do it indoors because homeowners whine of the smell in their house

[@akoznasovajusername]

Ok. Thanks for replying ;-)

[@WayneMiller-zx4cv]

As a carpenter I hate to see people paint wonderful wood trim.

[@kellymhanson]

I do too, but is the trim here that nice? 1960's home

[@Shadow_wo1f05]

Oh thank god she’s painting the wall because that room will drive anyone crazy because it’s white

[@Gitarzan66]

Lots of people like white walls. Especially in a dark house.

[@jackwardley3626]

can't understand the U.S. decys doing the woodwork first making it harder for themselves

[@adriaan7627]

I’m not at all satisfied about the painting instructions. Why not instruct how to cut correctly. That will be useful for other paint jobs. It doesn’t matter that the walls will be repainted afterwards. Just learn her and us the right painting technique. Sorry but this is not up to quality for á this old house video. Thumbs down for this one.

[@josephberrie9550]

learn her ?? you mean teach her

[@adriaan7627]

@@josephberrie9550 I stand corrected

[@victorflores7973]

Skips all that process with easy off. To remove old varnish

[@j.lacourse2865]

Taping is a waste of time and the costumers money 5n1 and a wet rag are much quicker. These videos hurt to watch

[@dessertman1181]

That lady looks very uncomfortable she can’t paint

[@siedliko]

Why would you paint such a nice wood ? No it looks like asylum :D

[@jdstocco84]

The varnish wood trim was very common in American fifty to sixty years ago. Its common to have white trim and molding, and colorful walls now.

[@weekendwarrior3420]

Makes me sick watching people covering beautiful wood with paint. Just paint that wall in a greenish hue and it'll look great. The painted trim still looks 60, but now also cheap. Somebody paid extra for stain-grade trim 60 years ago, now you've hidden that investment.

[@iandouglas4992]

How to, Don't

[@kaybee9909]

I was expecting More Information from a EXPERT

[@HarlemGreatest]

Horrible dressed guy. What’s up with the blue tee shirt

[@k3mikal]

Your mum has no complaints

[@deviouslaw]

If a contractor shows up extremely well dressed and stylish that's probably not the best sign

[@debpolacek1865]

Why so critical?

[@sterlingodeaghaidh5086]

I wouldn't have painted the trim, yet again, I prefer stained trim over painted any day.

[@sterlingodeaghaidh5086]

@Joe Kinchicken I am not one for modern styling tho. I would have replaced that trim before painted it what is in my opinion, a sterile color like white.

[@sterlingodeaghaidh5086]

@Joe Kinchicken Ya, I'm just one for dark contrasts but that's just me.

[@SuperChalkster]

DIY malarky.... no pro decorators thats for sure

[@zoghunter82318]

SMH once again this old house giving very bad advice...

[@TheChangito19]

He knows alot on HOW to paint, but pretty bad at it!! 🤷‍♂️just my opinion. Yes im a "pro" painter 😒

[@jasonnester9514]

Who sands before painting oh hell no Slap the paint on and move on with your life