Brush handle restore questions

Ok, so I'm not sure if this is the best place for this thread or not. Anyway I want to restore an old brush but am not sure of a couple things. It is a wooden everready with a very aged and failing paint job. I want to restore the handle but I am not sure of the best way of doing so, I've only replaced knots so far. The paint is not real bad except for a couple chips near the knot. Soo....

1. Should I totally sand off all of the old paint?
2. Should I just give the whole handle a real good sanding, prime, and then paint?
3. Is primer necessary?
4. What is the best paint to use? <--- Most important question!

Also any advice with the painting would be great, thanks everyone!

Everyone likes pictures!

great pic. Sent ya a PM...

EW

Hello Michael. I would sand enough to get the old paint off but try to retain the lettering. I would then use a poly urethane with several coats and it would be up to you whether you used a stain or not. Let us know what you decide. Good luck.

bj

Awesome, thanks guys. The brush is for my girlfriend actually soo... It will likely be a little fruity. I catch her using my brush all the time so thought why not get her one. I will post when I'm done.

I may pm you BJ if I have some question if you don't mind.

Thanks again!