My bathroom is varnished pine boards, how can I paint over them?

Use ( ESP) Easy Surface Prep. then undercoat and Satin Top coat, if you don't want to sand down.....

i'm saying sander or a deglosser before priming and painting. and with that med to dark pine, stain blocking primer tinted to match your top coat. do get good quality paint and painting equipment. i cheep out on a smaller project...my ghoul had a few whiskers.

the best advice is to take your time, do it right the first time!

I would first clean it with TSP, that will help get rid of old cleaning products, dirt and grime. Often you will not need to sand it down, unless it’s a rough surface. A good, stain blocking primer, like kilz is advised, many times if you skip that step, the dark marks of the wood will bleed thru. Personally I don’t care to use oil paint, but sometimes the finish of oil based paint can’t be beat! Which ever you choose, pick a good brush!!! I mean a good one! Use a light hand with it to avoid as many brush strokes as possible. If you use a roller, use one with the least amount of nap to avoid the rough look finish.

proper preparation is the key to successful paint job -- you'll need to use a good 'deglossing' product - I like 'Jasco' -- no odor, non toxic and you don't have to rinse - I like to sand with 600 grit afterwards, be sure ALL 'dust' is gone - vacuum , tack cloth, and check for any 'spots' you may have missed with a flash light --- don't rush the job --- but this wood is so gorgeous! I'd love to have it!

Why would you want to ruin the beautiful wood, how about using some wonderful large posters (framed) or some art work from Good Will, to add the color you want...

NO NO NO !!!!!! Please don't ruin that gorgeous wood with crummy paint, it will just look like gorgeous wood covered by paint !! Perhaps try to change fixtures? Add some pictures?

If I didn't like the paneling I would remove it, then paint!

Barbara