Painting a Wooden Ceiling

neil_18_

I want to paint my attic ceiling white. The wood is varnished, and there are small grooves between each panel.
Does anyone have any advice on how start the job, for example, how to deal with the varnish?

I'd also appreciate any painting methods that people have used before to paint wooden ceilings, such as what types/sizes brushes you used.

Look forward to some suggestions,

Thanks!

DublinDIYguy

Sand down, 1 coat of primer, 1 coat of undercoat, 2 coats of Dulux satin wood.
Get a 3inch brush when buying the paint and tell them its for use with the undercoat and satin.
Before applying your 2nd coat of satin give it a light sand and thin the paint with a little bit of white spirits.
If you find the undercoat thick or is dragging when ypu're using it you could thin it too.
Zinzeer make good primers suitable for a job like yours.
If there's any cracks or gaps use some caulk after the undercoat to fill them..
Best of luck

CarrickMcJoe

+1 with above, it's the way I do them.

If you want an easier solution (and less odour). Use a pole sander to sand lightly, prime with BIN 123, its waterbased and very easy to apply. Fill any gaps with caulk by running a bead along the gap and smooth with your finger,(be prepared to use plenty, anything up to 5 tubes depending on gaps). Finish with waterbased eggshell, (Dulux or Colortrend).

neil_18_

That's excellent, thank you both very much!

CarrickMcJoe

Forgot to mention, when painting do maybe 4/5 boards at a time and complete them across before moving to next lengths. You will add extra ones on as you go. Use a small plank or platform too.