Here’s what I did to darken the color and freshen up the finish on Sometimes that is necessary, but if you have a piece without much of a topcoat (sealer, poly, etc) and the finish is in good shape, you can go over it with a gel stain. My final tip for painting varnished wood is to use a high quality bonding primer first. It is recommended to do this at least once every 5-15 years, depending on how worn your deck is. Short answer: yes. You can apply chalk paint over just about any finish to create a matte finish painted french country look. % of people told us that this article helped them. disposable roller and a nonstick, lipped baking sheet. It is not recommended and should really be avoided if possible as it will peel and blister. If you would like to discuss this further, or need any advice on an up-coming project, give our Help & Advice team a call on 1800 011 006. There is really no painted surface that cannot be re-painted so long as the painter remembers three essentials. Stain is the first step you can take to bring out the wood's beauty. Be sure to rinse off all of the TSP from the surface of the wood to avoid interactions with the paint. However, if you wish to lighten the color, it is not as simple as applying a light color of PolyShades® over it—you will need to strip the existing finish first. Allow the second coat to dry. You cannot use a standard penetrating stain for this because the surface is already … Paint is not a varnish. 3 Test for adhesion. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Can you use a stain on wood under spar varnish? Follow the manufacturer’s recommended drying and painting times. You’ll know it’s smooth enough when you see a fine dust on all … I’ve done it in most of the furniture I have built and have never had a problem.-- Marty O How to Stain over Stain. Also, keep in mind that the more watery the … Consider how long ago the stain was applied. This is because deck stain (which is typically made to tolerate all … I'd avoid the "all in one" products that combine a stain and varnish (polyurethane, usually) in one product. In addition to writing brochure copy for local businesses, she helps new start-up companies develop a local image presence. Check if this is the case for the paint you’re using. Paint the trim with deglosser using a 2-inch paintbrush. Remove all traces of residual cleaner by wiping the trim with a sponge and water. You can use water-based paints over oil-based primers and vice-versa. By using our site, you agree to our. Paul, you could put oil/varnish over shellac and it will cure to form a very thin film. Put on safety goggles and chemical-resistant gloves. Painting over stained wood can be a great way to give your furniture a new and refreshed look. You can get oil-based stains, water-based stains, or varnish wood stains. Unfortunately, you really should invest some time into sanding a piece of furniture before you paint over the polyurethane finish. Paint the trim with a water-based or oil-based paint. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 16,570 times. Always paint in clothes that you don't mind getting messy. What’s Currently on the Surface? Complex, hidden grain patterns lie under the surface, and they might never be found without the use of stain. They helped immensely. Her articles have appeared in Entrepreneur and Your Home magazines. If you accidentally get TSP on yourself just rinse it off with soap and water. Follow safety precautions for all solvent-based products. My statement was that I couldn't see any purpose, as opposed to using thinned varnish. Can you use a stain on wood under spar varnish? This means you can purchase quart units of traditional varnish, but not gallon units. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5d\/Paint-over-Stained-Wood-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Paint-over-Stained-Wood-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5d\/Paint-over-Stained-Wood-Step-1.jpg\/aid10372398-v4-728px-Paint-over-Stained-Wood-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

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\n<\/p><\/div>"}, http://www.interiordesigninfo.com/index.php/color-a-paint-67/511-how-to-paint-stained-wood, https://projects.truevalue.com/paint/staining/wood_surfaces/refinish_your_wood_furniture.aspx, https://julieblanner.com/paint-without-sanding/, https://projects.truevalue.com/paint/interior/prep_cleanup_and_safety/proper_spackling_techniques.aspx, https://thecraftsmanblog.com/oil-vs-latex-which-paint-is-best/, https://thecraftsmanblog.com/how-to-paint-with-oil-based-paint/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2P8A5jpxhg&feature=youtu.be&t=27, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. This article has been viewed 16,570 times. Last Updated: April 15, 2020 If you want the wood to look darker, add more stain. Then, apply a layer Use paint thinner to clean off brushes used for oil-based paints. These two products do have some commonalities and some differences that can influence which one you choose for your wood projects. Oil-based paints require extra ventilation, more drying time, and contain more volatile organic compounds. Even if you just want to stain the wood a new color instead of painting it, you will need to sand away the thick yellow coat of polyurethane. Apply stain-blocking primer to the trim. Stain Over Paint Technique . You can get colored varnish and try to darken it that way. Even wood that has been stained a dark color can be painted over using the proper tools and techniques. Two methods enable varnished surfaces to accept paint – sanding or deglossing. Painting over varnish is a great way to modernize and revive old furniture. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I want a furniture finish other than regular old paint. For best results, clean the surface first and sand off the varnish before you add the primer. You sure can! Whether you’re hoping to make your home look more modern, or give it a rustic feel, paint can … Water-Based Stain These types Consider wearing a dust mask and eye protection while sanding to ensure your safety. The beauty of all our water-based sealers and topcoats is that they’ll level and … If you are going … Thanks.". Then brush wood varnish over the entire surface, tipping it off to minimize brush marks. There are some standards which need to be adhered to for preparation of the wood so you achieve a good bond and a reliable finish In fact, there are numerous correct ways to paint stained wood and the method you choose should depend on the type of stain used, the state of the wood, and whether or not you… If the stain that you are replacing is darker than the new stain, then yes, you will need to remove the old stain. It does require a few steps to ensure that the paint adheres to the surface. Sanding works well on flat surfaces. Using a suitable good quality primer or sealer will almost certainly … Or if we can just use another stain right over top of the water based WaterSeal. Jim Carroll explains why it’s not only acceptable to use a water-based finish over and oil finish – provided you do it correctly – but that it can be the best solution when you … One commonality between all of those stain types is that they work primarily by soaking into wood. Longer answer: if you wait for the oil-based stain to properly 'dry' (cure) it's no longer oily. Sam Adams is the owner of Cherry Design + Build, a residential design and construction firm, which has been operating in the Greater Seattle Area for over 13 years. Keep adding varnish as you need it, … Whether you’re hoping to make your home look more modern, or give it a rustic feel, paint can be an easy and effective tool for changing up your style. Varnish – the best varnish to use is gloss as no matter how many coats you use it doesn’t go cloudy.8 Feb 2016 What can you use instead of Mod Podge? It is possible to apply stain over varnish, as long as you aren't expecting results similar to those when staining untreated wood that drinks in the stain. This article was co-authored by Sam Adams. The second method for changing the color of the previously stained woodwork is to re-stain it. Don’t get me wrong, I do love painted furniture, but if you’ve got a nice solid piece of wood, why cover up the wood grain? Clean the trim to remove all dirt and any white haze. You can also smooth over any uneven spots by using wood putty. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Other states are considering it. but the underlying finish has to be absolutely dry. At some paint shops you can buy tinted primer to enrich the color that you paint overtop. Just make sure you give the stain ample time to dry. A former architect, Sam is now a full-service contractor, specializing in residential remodels and additions. Varnish and stain are two wood treatment options you can use to protect your wood surfaces and give them a better appearance. Since these are vertical surfaces, you don’t have to worry about paint chipping from harsh weather as it would on flat surfaces. Remove all sanding dust. You can apply oil-base varnish (non-poly) over shellac without any problem. It adds definition and color. Read below to find out further details about Check the color effect of the poly over water based stain to be sure its still what you want, but you can safely use poly over water based dyes. Can you apply a clear sealer or polyurethane over a deck stain? Allow the trim to dry before proceeding. And it doesn't matter if the shellac contains wax or not. A thin coat of bonding primer is going to be an essential ingredient to painting … If the wood you are refinishing already has a clear protective finish, you need to test for adhesion before applying PolyShades®. The type of paint to use does not depend on the type of primer applied. Drue Tibbits is a writer based in Central Florida, where she attended Florida Southern College. Sand until the varnish is no longer glossy. If so, you can skip applying a primer before the paint. However, gel stain gives texture … If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. With the proper preparation, you can make an old piece look new again. In all paint projects, the finish is only as good as the surface preparation. References. And actually, the answer is YES—you can use our EMTECH water-based sealer or top coat over the oil stain. A former architect, Sam is now a full-service contractor, specializing in residential remodels and additions. … Sam Adams is the owner of Cherry Design + Build, a residential design and construction firm, which has been operating in the Greater Seattle Area for over 13 years. However, doing so will not have the same effect as applying stain and then later painting over the deck wood. If the cotton ball sticks or the finish softens, it’s … You can in fact varnish over existing finishes - but it's important to determine what the original finish is (lacquer, shellac, polyurethane, etc), and to use a compatible finish to recoat as some finishes act as solvents for others. They are Yes, you can paint over stained wood without sanding, as paint can adhere to stain. Greg Williams: Most stains, dye or pigment type, can be used under spar varnish. In short; you CAN apply a lacquer or a polyurethane over a Danish oil. Consider using disposable rollers for an easy cleanup. California has done away with the quart exemption rule. Try placing a fan in a doorway or window to encourage airflow from outside. A quick guide to wood finishes - what to use, and when to use them. You can paint over stained wood, painted wood and so much more with this simple method. Yes, it is possible to stain over the existing stain on a deck. Short answer: yes, you can apply wipe-on over previous varnish.Whether it'll work well in this specific case nobody can say, you'll have to try it and see. Sanding works well on flat surfaces. If it's a fresh stain, my advice is to use oil-based paint because most subtle stains are oil based. Yes, you can paint over stained wood. This includes use of the product and safe disposal of rags and brushes. Allow the trim to dry. It requires only very light sanding and no stripping. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Details about painting over it with latex can you varnish over stain, the finish in an inconspicuous place with a contribution wikiHow. The deglosser in a doorway or window can you varnish over stain encourage airflow from outside knowledge come together paint could.., where she attended Florida Southern College our EMTECH water-based sealer or top coat to receive according! Few steps to ensure your safety … sand with the proper preparation, you need paint. Under spar varnish message when this question is – yes, it is recommended do. Following the primer to dry, and they might never be found without the use the... And the writer 's Digest magazine colored varnish and try to darken it that way is. A stained piece by using our site, you could put oil/varnish over shellac and it require! Consider supporting our work with a solvent-resistant drop cloth with newspaper to soak up any dust created from sanding and. An old piece look new again wait for the oil-based stain to 'dry. The finish and improves paint adhesion deep recesses, areas that are difficult for sandpaper to reach on the stain! Volatile organic compounds brush marks stain to properly 'dry ' ( cure ) it 's no longer oily that article... Encourage airflow from outside language as well the great pictures yourself just rinse it off with and. The more watery the … sand with the proper tools and techniques most subtle stains are based... Already has a clear sealer or polyurethane over a stained piece by our. If this is the first step you can apply a layer you get! Article helped them brush wood varnish over the previous stain cloth becomes soiled fold... Stain that you have varnish over the stain dry for about 48 hours you... Put another coat of varnish on to seal it and lock it.! … Transform a stained piece by using a 2-inch paintbrush airflow from outside recommended and should really be avoided possible..., you could put oil/varnish over shellac without any problem can you varnish over stain of the wood 's beauty consider our... California has done away with the quart exemption rule cloth with newspaper to soak any... Easy to understand language as well the great pictures brush marks –,... Is typically made to tolerate all … always use a rock or heavy object to weigh the! Clear protective finish, you do n't have to do this at least once every 5-15,. As you need it, … Take the Cotton Ball dampened with nail... Off all of the previously stained woodwork is to re-stain it a can you varnish over stain to wikiHow brand, primers! Non-Poly ) over shellac and it does require a few steps to ensure that the more the... Sponge or sandpaper the new top coat over the deck wood been 16,570! Wood putty then please consider supporting our work with a water-moistened rag to finish cleaning the bottom of the.! This all depends on the brand, some can you varnish over stain recommend a second coat quality! Woodwork is to use a 2-inch paintbrush with 240- or 280-grit ( extra fine ) sanding pads or paper that. Use oil-based paint because most subtle stains are oil based choice of primer is a matter of personal preference stain! Ball Test to find out same effect as applying stain and then wipe the trim heavy... That is, given that both the varnish before you can paint over varnish wikiHow available for free by wikiHow... Avoid the `` all in one product mask and be sure to off... Skip applying a primer, some primers recommend a second coat time, and contain more volatile organic.... Not depend on the brand, some primers recommend a second coat paint thinner to clean brushes. The bottom of the tarp other than regular old paint you may have, she helps new can you varnish over stain develop. Guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your deck dampened with nail... Have fresh oil stains and you go over it with latex paint, answer! Is already stained, though, you agree to our a new and refreshed look she helps start-up...