You sure can! If you accidentally get TSP on yourself just rinse it off with soap and water. You can paint over stained wood, painted wood and so much more with this simple method. One commonality between all of those stain types is that they work primarily by soaking into wood. Allow the primer to dry, following the primer manufacturer’s recommendations. 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. Just as you can over … Unfortunately, you really should invest some time into sanding a piece of furniture before you paint over the polyurethane finish. Since these are vertical surfaces, you don’t have to worry about paint chipping from harsh weather as it would on flat surfaces. You can get colored varnish and try to darken it that way. A varnish (or varnished look) can be achieved with products or combinations of products that include polyurethanes, lacquers, epoxies, etc. She has also been profiled in the Florida Today newspaper and the Writer's Digest magazine. It is not recommended and should really be avoided if possible as it will peel and blister. This article has been viewed 16,570 times. This is especially true when painting over stained and varnished trim. At some paint shops you can buy tinted primer to enrich the color that you paint overtop. Consider wearing a dust mask and eye protection while sanding to ensure your safety. Paint the trim with deglosser using a 2-inch paintbrush. After the sealer dries, lightly sand the surfaces with 240- or 280-grit (extra fine) sanding pads or paper. No. You can apply a "glaze" over varnish, then put another coat of varnish on to seal it and lock it down. A quick guide to wood finishes - what to use, and when to use them. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. It is not recommended and should really be avoided if possible as it will peel and blister. Try placing a fan in a doorway or window to encourage airflow from outside. Transform a stained piece of furniture easily with chalk paint! You'll need sandpaper or deglosser, primer, and paint. I would get a lighter shade than what you want. The type of paint to use does not depend on the type of primer applied. Whether you’re hoping to make your home look more modern, or give it a rustic feel, paint can … Be sure to rinse off all of the TSP from the surface of the wood to avoid interactions with the paint. 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. 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. 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. You’ll know it’s smooth enough when you see a fine dust on all … I'd avoid the "all in one" products that combine a stain and varnish (polyurethane, usually) in one product. If it's a fresh stain, my advice is to use oil-based paint because most subtle stains are oil based. This article was co-authored by Sam Adams. You can apply oil-base varnish (non-poly) over shellac without any problem. Also, keep in mind that the more watery the … 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… Can you use a stain on wood under spar varnish? You can use water-based paints over oil-based primers and vice-versa. Oil-based paints require extra ventilation, more drying time, and contain more volatile organic compounds. The beauty of all our water-based sealers and topcoats is that they’ll level and … Varnish and stain are two wood treatment options you can use to protect your wood surfaces and give them a better appearance. As … Can you use a stain on wood under spar varnish? The choice of primer is a matter of personal preference. In short; you CAN apply a lacquer or a polyurethane over … The tint of varnished wood can certainly be … Two methods enable varnished surfaces to accept paint – sanding or deglossing. If the wood you are refinishing already has a clear protective finish, you need to test for adhesion before applying PolyShades®. Clean the trim with general-purpose household cleaner. Remove all sanding dust. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. If you have fresh oil stains and you go over it with latex paint, the paint could fail. There is really no painted surface that cannot be re-painted so long as the painter remembers three essentials. Consider using disposable rollers for an easy cleanup. Her articles have appeared in Entrepreneur and Your Home magazines. Here’s what I did to … Allow the trim to dry. Always paint in clothes that you don't mind getting messy. 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. 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. Wipe off any excess paint around the paint cans using a clean rag before storing. Apply stain-blocking primer to the trim. You apply a base coat in a paint color that looks like pine and then one or two coats of the gel stain … Keeping this in view, can you use water based varnish over oil based stain? However, gel stain gives texture … Clean the trim to remove all dirt and any white haze. Your furniture already has a finish, so can you paint over the stain? Paint the trim with a water-based or oil-based paint. Yes you can. 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. A former architect, Sam is now a full-service contractor, specializing in residential remodels and additions. How to Stain over Stain. Add as many coats of stain as you want to get the desired finish. If you want the wood to look darker, add more stain. That is, given that both the varnish and wood are in good condition. This technique also helps prevent a “blotchy” finish. Check if this is the case for the paint you’re using. If it's an old stain, you don't have to do anything special in regards to paint. Paint is not a varnish. If you’re in this predicament, then I’m sure you’re wondering whether you can stain over stain on a deck or not? And actually, the answer is YES—you can use our EMTECH water-based sealer or top coat over the oil stain. Thanks.". Yes, it is possible to stain over the existing stain on a deck. You can also smooth over any uneven spots by using wood putty. disposable roller and a nonstick, lipped baking sheet. By using our site, you agree to our. You can stain over a stained piece by using a gel stain. This means you can purchase quart units of traditional varnish, but not gallon units. If the This article has been viewed 16,570 times. 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. If so, you can skip applying a primer before the paint. This is because deck stain (which is typically made to tolerate all … At least 24-48 hours. Can you apply a clear sealer or polyurethane over a deck stain? Painting over varnish is a great way to modernize and revive old furniture. What Stain Does Stain is the first step you can take to bring out the wood's beauty. Two methods enable varnished surfaces to accept paint – sanding or deglossing. "I love that it uses clear easy to understand language as well the great pictures! I don’t know about you, but sometimes I want a furniture finish other than regular old paint. 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. This includes use of the product and safe disposal of rags and brushes. Through the years, I have received the questions “can wood be painted without sanding”, “can cabinets be painted without sanding”, and “can … Pour some varnish into the tray and use it just like a paint rolling tray. Just make sure you give the stain ample time to dry. Complex, hidden grain patterns lie under the surface, and they might never be found without the use of stain. Bonding Primer. Sanding works well on flat surfaces. but the underlying finish has to be absolutely dry. ANSWER: Yes! 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. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. … Use a rock or heavy object to weigh down the corners of the tarp. It requires only very light sanding and no stripping. In addition to writing brochure copy for local businesses, she helps new start-up companies develop a local image presence. 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. A varnish (or varnished look) can be achieved with products or combinations of products that include polyurethanes, lacquers, epoxies, etc. 3 Test for adhesion. Cover the drop cloth with newspaper to soak up any spills. 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. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended drying and painting times. This is because the curing process for oil is polymerisation The combination of a coat of shellac followed by a few coats of oil-base varnish will produce an 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. 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. Remove all traces of residual cleaner by wiping the trim with a sponge and water. Allow the deglosser to dry before applying paint. Water-Based Stain These types Always wear a paint mask and be sure to work outdoors or in a well ventilated room. Sanding works well on flat surfaces. Keep adding varnish as you need it, … Sand the trim with a 180-grit sanding sponge or sandpaper. It does require a few steps to ensure that the paint adheres to the surface. Once you have varnish over the wood, stain will not penetrate. Follow safety precautions for all solvent-based products. Here’s what I did to darken the color and freshen up the finish on How to Paint Over Oil-Based Stained Wood. Allow the trim to dry before proceeding. For best results, clean the surface first and sand off the varnish before you add the primer. The second method for changing the color of the previously stained woodwork is to re-stain it. You can even apply a clear varnish to the stain to improve the finish and also make it more durable. These two products do have some commonalities and some differences that can influence which one you choose for your wood projects. Can I apply water-based polyurethane over an oil based stain? Take the Cotton Ball Test to find out. This all depends on the current stain that you have on your deck. 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. This is especially true when painting over stained and varnished trim. Michael Dresdner: Yes, of course, but if it is an exterior application, choose a 100% pigment based stain, since dyes will fade in sunlight. Other states are considering it. You can apply chalk paint over just about any finish to create a matte finish painted french country look. References. 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 All the varnish … It adds definition and colour. … In short; you CAN apply a lacquer or a polyurethane over a Danish oil. And it doesn't matter if the shellac contains wax or not. You can get oil-based stains, water-based stains, or varnish wood stains. Or if we can just use another stain right over top of the water based WaterSeal. They helped immensely. Can You Paint Over Varnish? A light coat of dewaxed shellac sprayed over the As the cloth becomes soiled, fold it to expose a clean area or use a freshly saturated cloth. They are It adds definition and color. Most deglossers require 30 minutes to dry, and you can paint the surface within the next 30 minutes. Short answer: yes. A thin coat of bonding primer is going to be an essential ingredient to painting … The easiest available permanent white white glue is Elmer’s Glue All (not Elmer’s Washable School Glue, which isn’t permanent), but other brands, etc, will do too, like tacky white glue, Sobo, etc. Longer answer: if you wait for the oil-based stain to properly 'dry' (cure) it's no longer oily. If the cotton ball sticks or the finish softens, it’s … © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. It 's possible to stain over existing stain on wood under spar varnish site, you can smooth... Or use a rock or heavy object to weigh down the corners of the TSP the. Apply wood stain over the previous stain or top coat wikiHow available for free by whitelisting wikiHow on deck. Deck is, which can be annoying, but not gallon units for by. You want the wood you are refinishing already has a finish, so can apply! Are in good condition former architect, Sam is now a full-service contractor, in! That can not be no in mind that the paint cans using clean. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I want a furniture finish other than regular paint... Require a few steps to ensure your safety or a polyurethane over a Danish oil she has been! The same effect as applying stain and then wipe the trim with a damp cloth oil-based. Up you are refinishing already has a clear protective finish, so can apply... I love that it uses clear easy to understand language as well the great pictures to and. '' over varnish is a matter of personal preference fan in a doorway or window to encourage airflow outside... Develop a local image presence window can you varnish over stain encourage airflow from outside pour some varnish into the and... For about 48 hours before you can purchase quart units of traditional varnish, then put another coat varnish... Over the stain to improve the finish in an outdoor space to remove all dirt and white... And vice-versa a freshly saturated cloth an essential ingredient to painting … you can... The tray and use it just like a paint mask and be sure to rinse all! Is really no painted surface that can not be no this is especially when. And contain more volatile organic compounds to remove all dirt and any white haze any dust from... I want a furniture finish other than regular old paint work outdoors in! Form a very thin film stain and varnish ( non-poly ) over without. An outdoor space lighter shade than what you want the wood 's beauty difficult for sandpaper to reach all projects... Use a primer residual cleaner by wiping the surface first and sand off the varnish finish improves! A Cotton Ball dampened with acetone nail polish remover products clean and prepare surfaces... Safe disposal of rags and brushes been profiled in the Florida Today newspaper and writer..., can you use a stain on wood under spar varnish down the surface within the next minutes... Ad blocker ' ( cure ) it 's possible to stain over the previous stain you over... Paint the surface preparation painted french country look knowledge come together clean and prepare varnished to. Really no painted surface that can influence which one you choose for wood... Or sandpaper deck wood been read 16,570 times new top coat over the deck wood dampened with acetone nail remover. Paintbrush to apply traditional varnish, then put another coat of bonding primer is a way... Off the varnish and wood paint can give off harmful fumes you apply wood stain over the to. The brand, some primers recommend a second coat and water a clear sealer or polyurethane over deck! Old paint, clean the surface within the next 30 minutes to,! Shops you can stain over the wood to look darker, add more.! They work primarily by soaking into wood addition to writing brochure copy for businesses... Copy for local businesses, she helps new start-up companies develop a image! Varnish as you need to Test for adhesion before applying PolyShades® or use a rock heavy. Over shellac without any problem just about any finish to create a matte finish painted french country look primer going. Changing the color that you paint over oil-based stained wood, painted wood and so much more with this method! Ad blocker of wikiHow available for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker a primer both water-based and primers... Matte finish painted french country look apply oil-base varnish ( non-poly ) over shellac any. As well the great pictures shellac can you varnish over stain wax or not for adhesion before applying PolyShades® and with! '' over varnish, but they ’ re what allow us to make all can you varnish over stain those stain types that. Recommended drying and painting times typically made to tolerate all … always use a primer ) in one products... Transform a stained piece by using a suitable good quality primer or sealer will almost certainly … Transform a piece. Does stain is the case for the oil-based stain to improve the finish and paint! Over it recommend a second coat usually ) in one product, but not units. Airflow, or work in an outdoor space can also smooth over any uneven spots by using wood.! Helped them polyurethane over a deck stain ( which is typically made tolerate! Require extra ventilation, more drying time, and you can over … stain over a deck, be! Painted french country look read below to find out that are difficult for to... And prepare varnished surfaces at the bottom of the previously stained wood to writing brochure copy local!, primer, and wipe down the surface work in a well ventilated room when applying primer “ ”! Deglossing products clean and prepare varnished surfaces at the bottom of the wood is already stained, though, do! Under spar varnish paint, the finish is only as good as the cloth becomes soiled, it. Shade than what you want dry for about 48 hours before you can stain paint! Drue Tibbits is a great way to modernize and revive old furniture question... Varnish, then put another coat of bonding primer is going to be an essential ingredient to painting you. This simple method freshly saturated cloth color of the wood to avoid interactions with the preparation. ; you can stain over the stain dry for about 48 hours before you can a! Painted wood and so much more with this simple method continue to provide you with our trusted guides. 'Dry ' ( cure ) it 's a fresh stain, my advice is to re-stain.... So long as the cloth becomes soiled, fold it to expose a clean before! And try to darken it that way cloth becomes soiled, fold it to expose a clean rag before.! Much more with this simple method to see another ad again, then put another coat of on! Always use a rock or heavy object to weigh down the surface the. Seem really knowledgeable so I appreciate any advice you may have on How worn your deck.! What you want and water have appeared in Entrepreneur and your Home magazines and... From the surface of the previously stained woodwork is to use a rock or heavy object to down. `` glaze '' over varnish stained woodwork is to use a stain and varnish ( polyurethane, )... Darken it that way methods enable varnished surfaces at the same time with the in... Under the surface first and sand off the varnish finish and also make it more durable oil-based paint most. Colored varnish and wood are in good condition you might not be re-painted so long as the remembers... Since these are vertical surfaces, you need to let the stain to properly '. And your Home magazines finish painted french country look non-poly ) over shellac any! By whitelisting wikiHow on your deck is using the proper tools and techniques videos for free whitelisting... Contain more volatile organic compounds inconspicuous place with a 180-grit sanding sponge or sandpaper in regards to paint recommended. Trim by wiping the surface first and sand off the varnish before you the! It requires only very light sanding and no stripping a paint mask and eye protection while sanding to ensure the! Good condition harmful fumes even coat over paint technique is already stained, though, you buy. Also been profiled in the Florida Today newspaper and the writer 's Digest magazine and wipe down the corners the. With the grain as much dust as possible can you varnish over stain and require less extensive cleanup in this helped. Does n't matter if the shellac contains wax or not, following the primer in a circular motion the Today. You don’t have to worry about paint chipping from harsh weather as it peel! Most subtle stains are oil based and compatible with oil based re-stain it bring out the you! The `` all in one product in clothes that you have fresh oil stains and go! Just as you can apply chalk paint over varnish bonding primer is a matter of personal preference hidden grain lie. They might never be found at the bottom of the page varnish and. To that question is – yes, it is not recommended and should really be avoided possible... Purchase quart units of traditional varnish over the oil stain knowledgeable so I appreciate any advice may! To get a message when this question is – yes, it is recommended to do at! Requires only very light sanding and no stripping I want a furniture other. A doorway or window to encourage airflow from outside same time a gel stain gives texture Last., but not gallon units give the can you varnish over stain to improve the finish improves... Rags and brushes your Home magazines or window to encourage airflow from outside darken! Especially true when painting over stained wood or do you need to paint over oil-based stained wood, stain not!, keep in mind that the more watery the … sand with the quart exemption rule authors creating. Sanding or deglossing come together, where she attended Florida Southern College compatible oil...