What varnish to use on a painted table

puddy

I want to paint a table. It has previously been varnished so Im going to give it a quick sand, then put a primer on, then paint it, but want to varnish it to protect it, I keep finding varnishes (wickes, b and q etc) and their varnish states 'for use on bare wood'?

In addition, I have another thing I wish to paint but its melamine or laminated (sort of argos thing), do I prime that too?

With something that is originally wood, do I sand and then just undercoat before the top coat?

thanks

laxeylady

It is possible to varnish painted surfaces but you have to make sure the varnish is compatible or you will get a cracked finish (this can be done deliberately for a fancy crazed look). If you paint the table with emulsion (a water based paint) then you need to varnish with a water based varnish, likewise if you use an oil finish (gloss) you need an oil based varnish. I usually tell what's what by seeing what they tell you to wash the brushes in. Hot soapy water = water based finish, spirits or turps = oil based finish. Regarding the laminated item - you need to prime with something like ESP, or use one of the specially formulated paints - I think crown or dulux do one called cupboard paint?

Alternatively, I have waxed a painted table before with good results, it looks aged but is still water resistant. If you buff it, it will look like it has a satin finish. Really nice.