Yes, you can. 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 … Allow the primer to dry, following the primer manufacturer’s recommendations. … The choice of primer is a matter of personal preference. Sand the trim with a 180-grit sanding sponge or sandpaper. This means you can purchase quart units of traditional varnish, but not gallon units. Paint the trim with a water-based or oil-based paint. Woodworking Myth: You should never put a water-based finish on top of an oil-based finish. 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. Two methods enable varnished surfaces to accept paint – sanding or deglossing. Both primer and wood paint can give off harmful fumes. Follow safety precautions for all solvent-based products. Then, apply a layer Put on safety goggles and chemical-resistant gloves. 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. There is really no painted surface that cannot be re-painted so long as the painter remembers three essentials. This article was co-authored by Sam Adams. You can use water-based paints over oil-based primers and vice-versa. What’s Currently on the Surface? Yes you can. After the sealer dries, lightly sand the surfaces with 240- or 280-grit (extra fine) sanding pads or paper. The tint of varnished wood can certainly be … This is especially true when painting over stained and varnished trim. No. Clean the trim to remove all dirt and any white haze. Michael Dresdner: Yes, of course, but if it is an exterior application, choose a 100% pigment based stain, since dyes will fade in sunlight. I would get a lighter shade than what you want. I'd avoid the "all in one" products that combine a stain and varnish (polyurethane, usually) in one product. Oil-based paints require extra ventilation, more drying time, and contain more volatile organic compounds. Can you apply wood stain over previously stained wood or do you need to paint over the previous stain? 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 you have fresh oil stains and you go over it with latex paint, the paint could fail. It does require a few steps to ensure that the paint adheres to the surface. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 16,570 times. 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 apply a base coat in a paint color that looks like pine and then one or two coats of the gel stain … All the varnish … Take the Cotton Ball Test to find out. Can You Paint Over Varnish? Drue Tibbits is a writer based in Central Florida, where she attended Florida Southern College. If you are going … You can even apply a clear varnish to the stain to improve the finish and also make it more durable. 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. Painting over stained wood can be a great way to give your furniture a new and refreshed look. It adds definition and color. Painting over varnish is a great way to modernize and revive old furniture. ANSWER: Yes! % of people told us that this article helped them. A light coat of dewaxed shellac sprayed over the My statement was that I couldn't see any purpose, as opposed to using thinned varnish. Yes, you can paint over stained wood without sanding, as paint can adhere to stain. If the wood you are refinishing already has a clear protective finish, you need to test for adhesion before applying PolyShades®. You can stain over a stained piece by using a gel stain. Yes, you can paint over stained wood. Apply a second coat if directed. These are also available in solvent and water based variations and also in a … You seem really knowledgeable so I appreciate any advice you may have. Try placing a fan in a doorway or window to encourage airflow from outside. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended drying and painting times. An exterior stain job can last from 5 to 15 years, depending on your location, the work's exposure and the quality of the stain. Then brush wood varnish over the entire surface, tipping it off to minimize brush marks. Sanding works well on flat surfaces. However, doing so will not have the same effect as applying stain and then later painting over the deck wood. If it's a fresh stain, my advice is to use oil-based paint because most subtle stains are oil based. Can you use a stain on wood under spar varnish? Yes, it is possible to stain over the existing stain on a deck. Consider how long ago the stain was applied. As … If the wood is already stained, though, you might not be At least 24-48 hours. You can paint over stained wood, painted wood and so much more with this simple method. 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. Always use gloves when working with TSP. Always work in a well ventilated room when applying primer. This is because deck stain (which is typically made to tolerate all … Your furniture already has a finish, so can you paint over the stain? Cover the drop cloth with newspaper to soak up any spills. Since these are vertical surfaces, you don’t have to worry about paint chipping from harsh weather as it would on flat surfaces. Allow the trim to dry. 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? 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. California has done away with the quart exemption rule. Clean the trim with general-purpose household cleaner. If so, you can skip applying a primer before the paint. You can apply a "glaze" over varnish, then put another coat of varnish on to seal it and lock it down. 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. 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. Always Use a Primer. 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. This all depends on the current stain that you have on your deck. Allow the trim to dry before proceeding. This includes use of the product and safe disposal of rags and brushes. 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 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. Sand with the grain. Keep adding varnish as you need it, … Water-Based Stain These types In addition to writing brochure copy for local businesses, she helps new start-up companies develop a local image presence. Can you use a stain on wood under spar varnish? References. And it doesn't matter if the shellac contains wax or not. Latex-based paints tend to dry faster, and require less extensive cleanup. If the cotton ball sticks or the finish softens, it’s … You'll need sandpaper or deglosser, primer, and paint. For best results, clean the surface first and sand off the varnish before you add the primer. It roughens the varnish finish and improves paint adhesion. 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. Remove all sanding dust. Once you have varnish over the wood, stain will not penetrate. Sand flat surfaces with a 100-grit sanding sponge, in the direction of the grain, … Add as many coats of stain as you want to get the desired finish. This article has been viewed 16,570 times. You’ll know it’s smooth enough when you see a fine dust on all … Paint the trim with a water-based or oil-based paint. Even wood that has been stained a dark color can be painted over using the proper tools and techniques. How to Stain over Stain. If you want the wood to look darker, add more stain. Paul, you could put oil/varnish over shellac and it will cure to form a very thin film. yes it is perfectly acceptable to apply traditional varnish over oil. Whether you’re hoping to make your home look more modern, or give it a rustic feel, paint can … Other states are considering it. This is especially true when painting over stained and varnished trim. You can also smooth over any uneven spots by using wood putty. but the underlying finish has to be absolutely dry. A former architect, Sam is now a full-service contractor, specializing in residential remodels and additions. Painting over stained wood can be a great way to give your furniture a new and refreshed look. Two methods enable varnished surfaces to accept paint – sanding or deglossing. In short; you CAN apply a lacquer or a polyurethane over … 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 Complex, hidden grain patterns lie under the surface, and they might never be found without the use of stain. The quick answer to that question is – yes, you can paint over varnish. Be sure to rinse off all of the TSP from the surface of the wood to avoid interactions with the paint. 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. Touch the finish in an inconspicuous place with a cotton ball dampened with acetone nail polish remover. Unfortunately, you really should invest some time into sanding a piece of furniture before you paint over the polyurethane finish. Yes! She has also been profiled in the Florida Today newspaper and the Writer's Digest magazine. My final tip for painting varnished wood is to use a high quality bonding primer first. Allow the second coat to dry. However, gel stain gives texture … Allow the deglosser to dry before applying paint. Read below to find out further details about With the proper preparation, you can make an old piece look new again. Using a suitable good quality primer or sealer will almost certainly … You can apply oil-base varnish (non-poly) over shellac without any problem. Can you apply a clear sealer or polyurethane over a deck stain? Stain is the first step you can take to bring out the wood's beauty. Can you apply a clear sealer or polyurethane over a deck stain? 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. Sanding works well on flat surfaces. I’ve done it in most of the furniture I have built and have never had a problem.-- Marty O Just as you can over … Her articles have appeared in Entrepreneur and Your Home magazines. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. The combination of a coat of shellac followed by a few coats of oil-base varnish will produce an Deglossing products clean and prepare varnished surfaces at the same time. Use this guide to keep tannins from bleeding through the new top coat. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. The type of paint to use does not depend on the type of primer applied. Wipe off any excess paint around the paint cans using a clean rag before storing. Always paint in clothes that you don't mind getting messy. A varnish (or varnished look) can be achieved with products or combinations of products that include polyurethanes, lacquers, epoxies, etc. Short answer: yes. 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. The beauty of all our water-based sealers and topcoats is that they’ll level and … Depending on the brand, some primers recommend a second coat. That is, given that both the varnish and wood are in good condition. A former architect, Sam is now a full-service contractor, specializing in residential remodels and additions. Apply stain-blocking primer to the trim. It is not recommended and should really be avoided if possible as it will peel and blister. You sure can! wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. As the cloth becomes soiled, fold it to expose a clean area or use a freshly saturated cloth. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. How to Paint Over Oil-Based Stained Wood. Keeping this in view, can you use water based varnish over oil based stain? Always wear a paint mask and be sure to work outdoors or in a well ventilated room. If you accidentally get TSP on yourself just rinse it off with soap and water. Longer answer: if you wait for the oil-based stain to properly 'dry' (cure) it's no longer oily. It adds definition and colour. If the stain that you are replacing is darker than the new stain, then yes, you will need to remove the old stain. Varnish is … What Stain Does Stain is the first step you can take to bring out the wood's beauty. Last Updated: April 15, 2020 It is not recommended and should really be avoided if possible as it will peel and blister. If you have used the Water based Stain and Varnish, you can follow the same application above using the water based Cabothane Clear. Michael Dresdner: Yes, of course, but if it is an exterior application, choose a 100% pigment based stain, since dyes will fade in sunlight. In all paint projects, the finish is only as good as the surface preparation. Greg Williams: Most stains, dye or pigment type, can be used under spar varnish. At some paint shops you can buy tinted primer to enrich the color that you paint overtop. By using our site, you agree to our. It is recommended to do this at least once every 5-15 years, depending on how worn your deck is. 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… You cannot use a standard penetrating stain for this because the surface is already … Open doors and windows to promote airflow, or work in an outdoor space. Vacuum up any dust created from sanding, and wipe down the surface with a damp cloth. Consider wearing a dust mask and eye protection while sanding to ensure your safety. Paint the trim with deglosser using a 2-inch paintbrush. Here’s what I did to darken the color and freshen up the finish on disposable roller and a nonstick, lipped baking sheet. Also, keep in mind that the more watery the … It requires only very light sanding and no stripping. If it's an old stain, you don't have to do anything special in regards to paint. 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. Paint is not a varnish. 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. 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. This is because the curing process for oil is polymerisation If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Use a 2-inch paintbrush to apply the primer in a smooth, even coat. Varnish and stain are two wood treatment options you can use to protect your wood surfaces and give them a better appearance. They helped immensely. 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. {"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":"