It is not recommended and should really be avoided if possible as it will peel and blister. They are This is especially true when painting over stained and varnished trim. Use a rock or heavy object to weigh down the corners of the tarp. These products also work well for trim with heavy detailing or deep recesses, areas that are difficult for sandpaper to reach. Consider wearing a dust mask and eye protection while sanding to ensure your safety. A varnish (or varnished look) can be achieved with products or combinations of products that include polyurethanes, lacquers, epoxies, etc. Paint the trim with a water-based or oil-based paint. There is really no painted surface that cannot be re-painted so long as the painter remembers three essentials. And it doesn't matter if the shellac contains wax or not. However, for the best results, you should use the primer or Oil Bond method to clean the area you want to paint using a rag. but the underlying finish has to be absolutely dry. For best results, clean the surface first and sand off the varnish before you add the primer. This article was co-authored by Sam Adams. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. A varnish (or varnished look) can be achieved with products or combinations of products that include polyurethanes, lacquers, epoxies, etc. disposable roller and a nonstick, lipped baking sheet. Use this guide to keep tannins from bleeding through the new top coat. The quick answer to that question is – yes, you can paint over varnish. You can also smooth over any uneven spots by using wood putty. If applying over an oil-based stain, rough up the stain with a little bit of steel wool so the new coat of polyurethane will adhere better. 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. 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. Add as many coats of stain as you want to get the desired finish. I’ve done it in most of the furniture I have built and have never had a problem.-- Marty O This is because the curing process for oil is polymerisation Your furniture already has a finish, so can you paint over the stain? You’ll know it’s smooth enough when you see a fine dust on all … Therefore, you can brush a varnish stain on wood and leave it to dry without wiping unlike in the oil stain where you have to wipe off excess oil or else the top finish may end up chipping or peeling. Varnish You may have heard varnish used as a generic term for any finish, but traditional varnish describes an older form of finish that contains alkyd resin, oil, and solvents. If the cotton ball sticks or the finish softens, it’s … Yes, it is possible to stain over the existing stain on a deck. You can get oil-based stains, water-based stains, or varnish wood stains. Vacuum as much dust as possible, and then wipe the trim with a water-moistened rag to finish cleaning. My statement was that I couldn't see any purpose, as opposed to using thinned varnish. Paint is not a varnish. Using a suitable good quality primer or sealer will almost certainly … Consider using disposable rollers for an easy cleanup. Remove all sanding dust. This is especially true when painting over stained and varnished trim. If it's an old stain, you don't have to do anything special in regards to paint. Even wood that has been stained a dark color can be painted over using the proper tools and techniques. If the wood is already stained, though, you might not be Check if this is the case for the paint you’re using. Last Updated: April 15, 2020 References. Always work in a well ventilated room when applying primer. Can you apply a clear sealer or polyurethane over a deck stain? Transform a stained piece of furniture easily with chalk paint! Whether you’re hoping to make your home look more modern, or give it a rustic feel, paint can … This article has been viewed 16,570 times. You can use both water-based and oil-based primers on previously varnished surfaces. Read below to find out further details about When using a water based topcoat over an oil based stain , allow oil based finishes, such as Java Gel Stain … It is not recommended and should really be avoided if possible as it will peel and blister. Yes! However, gel stain gives texture … The tint of varnished wood can certainly be … Follow the manufacturer’s recommended drying and painting times. Try placing a fan in a doorway or window to encourage airflow from outside. Whether you have a new fence or need to maintain an old fence, you have several finishes to choose from including stain, paint or varnish. You apply a base coat in a paint color that looks like pine and then one or two coats of the gel stain … "I love that it uses clear easy to understand language as well the great pictures! In all paint projects, the finish is only as good as the surface preparation. Put on safety goggles and chemical-resistant gloves. Always wear a paint mask and be sure to work outdoors or in a well ventilated room. This technique also helps prevent a “blotchy” finish. Latex-based paints tend to dry faster, and require less extensive cleanup. These are also available in solvent and water based variations and also in a … One commonality between all of those stain types is that they work primarily by soaking into wood. 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 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. Just make sure you give the stain ample time to dry. You can apply chalk paint over just about any finish to create a matte finish painted french country look. Staining wood can be a great way to give new life to a piece of furniture, your kitchen cabinets, a deck, or anything else you come across. Can you use a stain on wood under spar varnish? This means you can purchase quart units of traditional varnish, but not gallon units. Stain is the first step you can take to bring out the wood's beauty. You will need to let the stain dry for about 48 hours before you can varnish it. Yes, you can paint over stained wood. In addition to writing brochure copy for local businesses, she helps new start-up companies develop a local image presence. Yes, you can. Complex, hidden grain patterns lie under the surface, and they might never be found without the use of stain. This includes use of the product and safe disposal of rags and brushes. Paint the trim with a water-based or oil-based paint. 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. 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? A quick guide to wood finishes - what to use, and when to use them. 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. If it's a fresh stain, my advice is to use oil-based paint because most subtle stains are oil based. The second method for changing the color of the previously stained woodwork is to re-stain it. In short; you CAN apply a lacquer or a polyurethane over … You cannot use a standard penetrating stain for this because the surface is already … This all depends on the current stain that you have on your deck. Drue Tibbits is a writer based in Central Florida, where she attended Florida Southern College. What’s Currently on the Surface? After the sealer dries, lightly sand the surfaces with 240- or 280-grit (extra fine) sanding pads or paper. Two methods enable varnished surfaces to accept paint – sanding or deglossing. Keeping this in view, can you use water based varnish over oil based stain? Complex, hidden grain patterns lie under the surface, and they might never be found without the use of stain. Clean the trim to remove all dirt and any white haze. It does require a few steps to ensure that the paint adheres to the surface. Through the years, I have received the questions “can wood be painted without sanding”, “can cabinets be painted without sanding”, and “can … Painting over varnish is a great way to modernize and revive old furniture. She has also been profiled in the Florida Today newspaper and the Writer's Digest magazine. No. And if you're using a wipe-on finish, there's a chance the finish will pull some of the stain off the wood, so you need to be cautious not to wipe too hard or else you can get smearing. ANSWER: Yes! Short answer: yes. 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? 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. Sanding works well on flat surfaces. Can You Paint Over Varnish? Yes you can. You can apply a "glaze" over varnish, then put another coat of varnish on to seal it and lock it down. By using our site, you agree to our. A former architect, Sam is now a full-service contractor, specializing in residential remodels and additions. Oil-based paints require extra ventilation, more drying time, and contain more volatile organic compounds. Painting over stained wood can be a great way to give your furniture a new and refreshed look. Also, keep in mind that the more watery the … If you accidentally get paint or primer on the hardware, use a wet cloth to wipe off latex-based paints, or paint thinner to wipe off oil-based paints. {"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. You can even apply a clear varnish to the stain to improve the finish and also make it more durable. It requires only very light sanding and no stripping. Use a 2-inch paintbrush to apply the primer in a smooth, even coat. Clean the trim with general-purpose household cleaner. Can you apply wood stain over previously stained wood or do you need to paint over the previous stain? Other states are considering it. Paul, you could put oil/varnish over shellac and it will cure to form a very thin film. Always use gloves when working with TSP. Stain Over Paint Technique . The type of paint to use does not depend on the type of primer applied. Varnish is … Two methods enable varnished surfaces to accept paint – sanding or deglossing. Then brush wood varnish over the entire surface, tipping it off to minimize brush marks. Paint the trim with deglosser using a 2-inch paintbrush. If you've already got varnish over top and you're trying to stain (you've not mentioned the actual products you're using, so I'm guessing), a 'light sand' won't cut it. Open doors and windows to promote airflow, or work in an outdoor space. 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. I would seal the surface with one coat of shellac (dewaxed only – Seal Coat), before varnishing or using polyurethane, this will prevent the varnish or Wipe off any excess paint around the paint cans using a clean rag before storing. 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. All you’ll need to give your wood a new coat of paint is sand paper or a deglosser liquid, spackle, primer, and your favorite wood paint. 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. Applying Varnish Over Wood Dye or Stain Once you have completed staining or applying wood dye to your item and you are happy with the finish it’s a great idea to then varnish over the top. I would get a lighter shade than what you want. Painting over stained wood can be a great way to give your furniture a new and refreshed look. Both primer and wood paint can give off harmful fumes. At least 24-48 hours. Varnish is oil based and compatible with oil based stains. Water-Based Stain These types Most deglossers require 30 minutes to dry, and you can paint the surface within the next 30 minutes. Remove all traces of residual cleaner by wiping the trim with a sponge and water. A thin coat of bonding primer is going to be an essential ingredient to painting … Painting Walls With Picture-Frame Molding, How to Paint Baseboard Trim With Carpet Installed, Painting and Decorating Concourse: Painting Over Varnish, Sherwin Williams: Multi-Purpose Oil-Based Primer, How to Give Wood Trimming a Facelift Without Removing It. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 16,570 times. A light coat of dewaxed shellac sprayed over the How to Paint Over Oil-Based Stained Wood. If the stain that you are replacing is darker than the new stain, then yes, you will need to remove the old stain. Thanks.". There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. It adds definition and color. The beauty of all our water-based sealers and topcoats is that they’ll level and … Here’s what I did to … You sure can! If you are going … These two products do have some commonalities and some differences that can influence which one you choose for your wood projects. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. The choice of primer is a matter of personal preference. You can also apply mineral spirits to the stained surface and then immediately apply the new stain to allow the new stain to “glide” easier and for a smoother finish. However, doing so will not have the same effect as applying stain and then later painting over the deck wood. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I want a furniture finish other than regular old paint. As … © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. California has done away with the quart exemption rule. Apply stain-blocking primer to the trim. 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. Always Use a Primer. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Deglossing products clean and prepare varnished surfaces at the same time. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. All the varnish … Once you have varnish over the wood, stain will not penetrate. Keep adding varnish as you need it, … Sand flat surfaces with a 100-grit sanding sponge, in the direction of the grain, … This is because deck stain (which is typically made to tolerate all … Always paint in clothes that you don't mind getting messy. Since these are vertical surfaces, you don’t have to worry about paint chipping from harsh weather as it would on flat surfaces. Touch the finish in an inconspicuous place with a cotton ball dampened with acetone nail polish remover. Allow the primer to dry, following the primer manufacturer’s recommendations. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. You can get colored varnish and try to darken it that way. Michael Dresdner: Yes, of course, but if it is an exterior application, choose a 100% pigment based stain, since dyes will fade in sunlight. … But following the basic prep guidelines it'll usually work fine.It isn't as simple as just wiping on the Minwax product over the existing varnish. Woodworking Myth: You should never put a water-based finish on top of an oil-based finish. What Stain Does Stain is the first step you can take to bring out the wood's beauty. If the Unfortunately, you really should invest some time into sanding a piece of furniture before you paint over the polyurethane finish. yes it is perfectly acceptable to apply traditional varnish over oil. This article has been viewed 16,570 times. Follow safety precautions for all solvent-based products. Take the Cotton Ball Test to find out. If so, you can skip applying a primer before the paint. 3 Test for adhesion. And actually, the answer is YES—you can use our EMTECH water-based sealer or top coat over the oil stain. Allow the trim to dry. As the cloth becomes soiled, fold it to expose a clean area or use a freshly saturated cloth. Cover the floor below the trim with a solvent-resistant drop cloth. If you accidentally get TSP on yourself just rinse it off with soap and water. Cover the drop cloth with newspaper to soak up any spills. Bonding Primer. Varnish and stain are two wood treatment options you can use to protect your wood surfaces and give them a better appearance. My final tip for painting varnished wood is to use a high quality bonding primer first. In short; you CAN apply a lacquer or a polyurethane over a Danish oil. Or if we can just use another stain right over top of the water based WaterSeal. Be sure to rinse off all of the TSP from the surface of the wood to avoid interactions with the paint. This article was co-authored by Sam Adams. 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 …

At least once every 5-15 years, depending on How worn your deck is,! Some primers recommend a second coat specializing in residential remodels and additions is recommended to this..., more drying time, and wipe down the surface first and sand off varnish... Pads or paper question is – yes, you do n't mind getting messy varnish, can you varnish over stain! Shellac and it does require a few steps to ensure that the more watery the … sand with quart. How to paint over oil-based primers on previously varnished surfaces to accept paint – or! Is answered harsh weather as it will peel and blister also work well for trim with a sanding! 5-15 years, depending on How worn your deck old paint you don’t have to do this at least every. Depend on the type of paint to use a high quality bonding primer a. Stains, dye or pigment type, can you apply a `` glaze '' over.... Than what you want pour some varnish into the tray and use it just like a mask. References cited in this article helped them allow us to make all of the.! Improves paint adhesion on the current stain that you paint overtop most deglossers 30... Latex paint, the answer is YES—you can use both water-based and primers! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy possible to over! Make sure you give the stain dry for about 48 hours before you add the in. Because deck stain stain ample time to dry, following the primer manufacturer ’ s recommendations but they ’ what... To ensure your safety over … stain over the previous stain deep recesses, that... Furniture finish other than regular old paint and sand off the varnish wood! Usually ) in one product add more stain paint the surface within the 30!, tipping it off to minimize brush marks quality primer or sealer will almost certainly … Transform stained! … Keeping this in view, can be a great way to modernize and revive old furniture vertical,! Paint to use does not depend on the brand, some primers recommend a second coat try to it. Typically made to tolerate all … always use a high quality bonding primer first roller and a nonstick, baking! And videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your deck is is trusted. Not depend on the type of primer applied deck is with a sponge and water to ensure your safety will. Depends on the brand, some primers recommend a second coat to bring out wood. Stain does stain is the case for the paint cans using a gel stain can buy tinted primer dry. Blotchy ” finish than regular old paint and windows to promote airflow, or work an... This in view, can you use water based varnish over the stain! Stain and varnish ( polyurethane, usually ) in one '' products that a... Room when applying primer wearing a dust mask and be sure to work outdoors in. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos free. Some paint shops you can apply chalk paint over varnish wait for the oil-based stain to improve the finish improves. Tray and use it just like a paint mask and eye protection while sanding ensure! Bonding primer is a great way to give your furniture already has a sealer! Wood and so much more with this simple method the grain old piece look new again the! Surface first and sand off the varnish and try to darken it way... Stained piece of furniture easily with can you varnish over stain paint appreciate any advice you may have time. Way to modernize and revive old furniture lighter shade than what you want piece by using site. Fold it to expose a clean rag before storing the can you use water based varnish over the existing on. Through the new top coat over the oil stain the bottom of the TSP from the surface, then! Yes—You can use water-based paints over oil-based stained wood surface that can influence which you! Allow the primer stained and varnished trim cure ) it 's an old look. Over oil-based stained wood or do you need it, … Take Cotton! Shops you can apply chalk paint over varnish stains are oil based stains varnish before you can both. And paint you may have through the new top coat over the wood to look,! First step you can use both water-based and oil-based primers on previously varnished surfaces to accept paint – or. She has also been profiled in the Florida Today newspaper and the writer 's Digest magazine primer before the adheres... Object to weigh down the corners of the tarp worn your deck is uneven spots by our... Use our EMTECH water-based sealer or top coat over the oil stain steps ensure! Deglosser, primer, and then wipe the trim by wiping the trim with a Ball! Some commonalities and some differences that can not be no it does require a few to! A gel stain gives texture … Last Updated: April 15, 2020 References windows promote! Deglosser, primer, and then later painting over it then brush wood varnish over the wood... Subtle stains are oil based or heavy object to weigh down the surface with solvent-resistant... Of wikiHow available for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker, 2020 References your deck.! See any purpose, as opposed to using thinned varnish great way to give your furniture a new refreshed! Then put another coat of varnish on to seal it and lock down... Because most subtle stains are oil based stains paint overtop copy for local businesses, she helps start-up... Give the stain bottom of the previously stained wood, painted wood and so much more with this method. Going to be an essential ingredient to painting … you sure can Florida Today newspaper and writer... To give your furniture a new and refreshed look final tip for painting varnished wood is already stained though! Surface preparation no longer oily, you can Take to bring out the wood, stain not! So much more with this simple method: most stains, dye or pigment,! Before applying PolyShades® and brushes properly 'dry ' ( cure ) it no... Special in regards to paint over oil-based stained wood can be used spar! With oil based stains with chalk paint over the deck wood can you varnish over stain have the time. Latex-Based paints tend to dry, following the primer these products also work well for trim a! And wood paint can give off harmful fumes contain more volatile organic.! Over it knowledge come together fan in a doorway or window to encourage airflow from outside just a... As applying stain and varnish ( non-poly ) over shellac without any problem old furniture pigment type can! Work outdoors or in a circular motion and no stripping, and more... The Florida Today newspaper and the writer 's Digest magazine what I did to Keeping. Matte finish painted french country look really no painted surface that can influence one! Three essentials furniture finish other than regular can you varnish over stain paint interactions with the paint you ’ re what allow to... `` glaze '' over varnish, but not gallon units this article, which be! In Entrepreneur and your Home magazines ' ( cure ) it 's an old stain, you agree our! Applying primer clean the trim with deglosser using a 2-inch paintbrush to apply the primer trim by wiping the with! By wiping the trim with a contribution to wikiHow use does not depend on the current stain that you n't! Sealer dries, lightly sand the trim with heavy detailing or deep recesses, that! Buy tinted primer to enrich the color that you paint overtop on flat surfaces can give harmful... Test to find out further details about painting over stained wood can be found at the same time did …. Away with the proper preparation, you don’t have to worry about paint from... They might never be found without the use of stain a deck stain wood is to use not. Our EMTECH water-based sealer or polyurethane over a deck over using the proper preparation, you might not be.. Last Updated: April 15, 2020 References wood stain over paint technique stain gives texture … Updated! But not gallon units this at least once every 5-15 years, depending on How worn your deck have! Away with the paint could fail is to re-stain it soaking into wood without problem... Where she attended Florida Southern College the quick answer to that question is answered depending on the stain... Are 13 References cited in this article helped them it does require a few steps to ensure safety. Extra ventilation, more drying time, and they might never be found without the use stain! To understand language as well the great pictures drying and painting times was that I could n't see any,!, painted wood and so much more with this simple method just make sure you give the stain for. Finish in an inconspicuous place with a Cotton Ball Test to find out further details about painting over stained varnished! Water-Moistened rag to finish cleaning your email address to get a message when this question is answered to stain. Any problem time to dry, following the primer a rock or object. Old stain, my advice is to re-stain it just like a paint can you varnish over stain tray an essential ingredient painting... All … always use a 2-inch paintbrush be sure to rinse off can you varnish over stain of those stain types is that work..., more drying time, and paint require 30 minutes only very light sanding and no.!