Skirting and staircase wooden

If it’s vanished primer won’t help you find it. It’s ideal to sand the varnish right back. You can get away with sanding it down lightly to get a good key then a good quality primer. Make sure it’s good stuff though. For gloss or sheen that’s up to you. Gloss is the more traditional option.

In order to change a varnished finish to white then you need to ensure all the shine is off the wood and then apply a sealant to stop tannins coming through. Such as Zinsser Coverstain. Then yes, a primer/undercoat (can be called both things) is required before top coat. M Top coat finish is preference. Either gloss or satin or eggshell. It’s the level of sheen a client wants is what is used not what has to be used. This is maybe why you got different answers. I change staircases like this all of the time very successfully

Primer straight away likely won't help. Really, you should have it sanded down to key it well and then apply a good primer that will bond. Once the primer dry, then apply your chosen top coats. Finish wise you have options; * gloss - more traditional finish and has that shiny finish * satin - usually about 50% sheen depending on brand and less shiny * eggshell - more modern and around 20-25% sheen level. Look at an egg and it's that type of finish. I tend to discuss with customers the finish based on what finish is going on the wall and what they're trying to achieve. Hope that helps.

Hi,If it's varnished give it a light sanding so you have a good key and then apply a good quality oil based primer.You can then apply a oil based gloss or sheen finish.A gloss finish would be easier to keep clean.Best regards Manngo Decorators

Zinsser Bin primer for varnished wood.