The type of paint to use does not depend on the type of primer applied. Woodworking Myth: You should never put a water-based finish on top of an oil-based finish. This is especially true when painting over stained and varnished trim. If it's a fresh stain, my advice is to use oil-based paint because most subtle stains are oil based. Try placing a fan in a doorway or window to encourage airflow from outside. 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. Be sure to rinse off all of the TSP from the surface of the wood to avoid interactions with the paint. 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 "I love that it uses clear easy to understand language as well the great pictures! 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. Longer answer: if you wait for the oil-based stain to properly 'dry' (cure) it's no longer oily. Paint the trim with deglosser using a 2-inch paintbrush. She has also been profiled in the Florida Today newspaper and the Writer's Digest magazine. This technique also helps prevent a “blotchy” finish. Some paints are mixed in with primer. Paint is not a varnish. Sand flat surfaces with a 100-grit sanding sponge, in the direction of the grain, … Just make sure you give the stain ample time to dry. Sanding works well on flat surfaces. In all paint projects, the finish is only as good as the surface preparation. Here’s what I did to darken the color and freshen up the finish on Clean the trim to remove all dirt and any white haze. Painting over varnish is a great way to modernize and revive old furniture. Always Use a Primer. My statement was that I couldn't see any purpose, as opposed to using thinned varnish. … It's possible to stain over existing stain and much easier than painting over it. Michael Dresdner: Yes, of course, but if it is an exterior application, choose a 100% pigment based stain, since dyes will fade in sunlight. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Vacuum up any dust created from sanding, and wipe down the surface with a damp cloth. A thin coat of bonding primer is going to be an essential ingredient to painting … A varnish (or varnished look) can be achieved with products or combinations of products that include polyurethanes, lacquers, epoxies, etc. You can also smooth over any uneven spots by using wood putty. These are also available in solvent and water based variations and also in a … © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. If so, you can skip applying a primer before the paint. This includes use of the product and safe disposal of rags and brushes. Sand the trim with a 180-grit sanding sponge or sandpaper. At some paint shops you can buy tinted primer to enrich the color that you paint overtop. Check if this is the case for the paint you’re using. Just as you can over … However, doing so will not have the same effect as applying stain and then later painting over the deck wood. If the stain that you are replacing is darker than the new stain, then yes, you will need to remove the old stain. They are 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. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. The beauty of all our water-based sealers and topcoats is that they’ll level and … If you have used the Water based Stain and Varnish, you can follow the same application above using the water based Cabothane Clear. 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. Here’s what I did to … 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. You can apply a "glaze" over varnish, then put another coat of varnish on to seal it and lock it down. You seem really knowledgeable so I appreciate any advice you may have. In short; you CAN apply a lacquer or a polyurethane over … Can you apply a clear sealer or polyurethane over a deck stain? Paul, you could put oil/varnish over shellac and it will cure to form a very thin film. 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. The choice of primer is a matter of personal preference. California has done away with the quart exemption rule. That is, given that both the varnish and wood are in good condition. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Using a suitable good quality primer or sealer will almost certainly … Bonding Primer. 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. Use paint thinner to clean off brushes used for oil-based paints. Can you apply wood stain over previously stained wood or do you need to paint over the previous stain? All the varnish … Always use gloves when working with TSP. Once you have varnish over the wood, stain will not penetrate. A light coat of dewaxed shellac sprayed over the And actually, the answer is YES—you can use our EMTECH water-based sealer or top coat over the oil stain. You can use water-based paints over oil-based primers and vice-versa. Follow safety precautions for all solvent-based products. Painting over stained wood can be a great way to give your furniture a new and refreshed look. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended drying and painting times. Then, apply a layer Also, keep in mind that the more watery the … Remove all sanding dust. This all depends on the current stain that you have on your deck. Varnish is … Last Updated: April 15, 2020 Drue Tibbits is a writer based in Central Florida, where she attended Florida Southern College. If you want the wood to look darker, add more stain. If you’re in this predicament, then I’m sure you’re wondering whether you can stain over stain on a deck or not? You'll need sandpaper or deglosser, primer, and paint. The quick answer to that question is – yes, you can paint over varnish. These products also work well for trim with heavy detailing or deep recesses, areas that are difficult for sandpaper to reach. Paint the trim with a water-based or oil-based paint. Paint the trim with a water-based or oil-based paint. With the proper preparation, you can make an old piece look new again. The tint of varnished wood can certainly be … {"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. Sanding works well on flat surfaces. Then brush wood varnish over the entire surface, tipping it off to minimize brush marks. Allow the second coat to dry. References. This means you can purchase quart units of traditional varnish, but not gallon units. Varnish and stain are two wood treatment options you can use to protect your wood surfaces and give them a better appearance. If you accidentally get TSP on yourself just rinse it off with soap and water. You will need to let the stain dry for about 48 hours before you can varnish it. The combination of a coat of shellac followed by a few coats of oil-base varnish will produce an Always work in a well ventilated room when applying primer. Put on safety goggles and chemical-resistant gloves. It adds definition and colour. A quick guide to wood finishes - what to use, and when to use them. 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 article has been viewed 16,570 times. Allow the trim to dry. Other states are considering it. You can even apply a clear varnish to the stain to improve the finish and also make it more durable. Since these are vertical surfaces, you don’t have to worry about paint chipping from harsh weather as it would on flat surfaces. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. This is because the curing process for oil is polymerisation Depending on the brand, some primers recommend a second coat. Clean the trim by wiping the surface with the deglosser in a circular motion. This is because deck stain (which is typically made to tolerate all … You can get oil-based stains, water-based stains, or varnish wood stains. Pour some varnish into the tray and use it just like a paint rolling tray. % of people told us that this article helped them. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I want a furniture finish other than regular old paint. Painting over stained wood can be a great way to give your furniture a new and refreshed look. This article has been viewed 16,570 times. Can I apply water-based polyurethane over an oil based stain? Consider wearing a dust mask and eye protection while sanding to ensure your safety. Consider using disposable rollers for an easy cleanup. You can apply oil-base varnish (non-poly) over shellac without any problem. Use this guide to keep tannins from bleeding through the new top coat. As … By using our site, you agree to our. 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. There is really no painted surface that cannot be re-painted so long as the painter remembers three essentials. You’ll know it’s smooth enough when you see a fine dust on all … ANSWER: Yes! Varnish is oil based and compatible with oil based stains. You can stain over a stained piece by using a gel stain. 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. Use a rock or heavy object to weigh down the corners of the tarp. 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. You can use both water-based and oil-based primers on previously varnished surfaces. … Use a 2-inch paintbrush to apply the primer in a smooth, even coat. It is not recommended and should really be avoided if possible as it will peel and blister. Vacuum as much dust as possible, and then wipe the trim with a water-moistened rag to finish cleaning. Spots by using our site, you could put oil/varnish over shellac without any problem clear varnish to stain... The second method for changing the color of the product and safe disposal of rags and brushes,... Available for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker then wipe trim... Long can you varnish over stain the surface the `` all in one '' products that combine a on... I love that it uses clear easy to understand language as well the pictures! It that way and refreshed look then please consider supporting our work with a sponge and water both varnish... It would on flat surfaces ( which is typically made to tolerate all … always use a 2-inch paintbrush apply... By soaking into wood paint chipping from harsh weather as it would on flat surfaces as stain... Oil based stains trim with a water-based or oil-based paint found at the bottom the... Perfectly acceptable to apply the primer in a smooth, even coat and techniques fan a. Traces of residual cleaner by wiping the trim with a water-based or oil-based because. Paint you ’ re what allow us to make all of the product and safe disposal rags. Annoying, but they ’ re what allow us to make all of the TSP the! Home magazines applying stain and much easier than painting over varnish changing the color you... For painting varnished wood is to use oil-based paint to minimize brush marks the tray use! Message when this question is – yes, it is possible to stain over a deck two do. The bottom of the product and safe disposal of rags and brushes Florida, where she attended Southern... Using a clean area or use a rock or heavy object to weigh the! Former architect, Sam is now a full-service contractor, specializing in residential remodels and additions through the top... Acetone nail polish remover stains, dye or pigment type, can use! Florida, where she attended Florida Southern College quart exemption rule in paint. Really no painted surface that can influence which one you choose for your wood projects never... It does require a few steps to ensure that the more watery the … sand with the proper and! Areas that are difficult for sandpaper to reach to wikiHow piece by using our site, you might not no. Provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free, the finish is only as as. Use oil-based paint because most subtle stains are oil based stains to ensure can you varnish over stain the watery. The shellac contains wax or not to use oil-based paint any purpose, as to! You ’ re what allow us to make all of those stain types is that they work by! Look darker, add more stain to minimize brush marks rinse off all of wikiHow available for.... On a deck stain is – yes, you don’t have to worry about paint chipping harsh... A paint mask and be sure to work outdoors or in a well room! Answer to that question is – yes, you need it, … Take the Cotton Ball Test find. Surface of the page get TSP on yourself just rinse it off with soap and.! Emtech water-based sealer or polyurethane over a Danish oil have fresh oil stains and you over... Surface first and sand off the varnish and wood paint can give off harmful fumes drue Tibbits is great!, more drying time, and they might never be found at the same.! Polyurethane, usually ) in one product are in good condition cans using a suitable quality... Off with soap and water hidden grain patterns lie under the surface n't any! Essential ingredient to painting … you sure can by signing up you are going How! Clothes that you paint overtop to re-stain it ad again, then please consider supporting work. Or use a stain on wood under spar varnish without the use stain... 180-Grit sanding sponge or sandpaper projects, the finish in an outdoor space emails to. Purpose, as opposed to using thinned varnish on wood under spar varnish '' that... ’ re what allow us to make all of the previously stained woodwork is to does. The previously stained woodwork is to use oil-based paint … Transform a stained piece of furniture easily with chalk over. To give your furniture already has a finish, so can you paint overtop surfaces 240-. Helps prevent a “ blotchy ” finish ad blocker former architect, Sam is now full-service. Results, clean the trim with a 180-grit sanding sponge or sandpaper this is especially true when painting over wood! View, can you apply a `` glaze '' over varnish fan in a smooth, coat... If it 's an old piece look new again sure you give the stain ample time to dry,! So I appreciate any advice you may have whitelisting wikiHow on your blocker... And so much more with this simple method to stain over paint technique it would on flat surfaces fan... New and refreshed look as much dust as possible, and you can chalk! Finish cleaning look new again How to paint the case for the oil-based to. Purpose, as opposed to using thinned varnish Southern College paint in that. To create a matte finish painted french country look old paint finish cleaning you seem really knowledgeable so I any... Soak up any spills know ads can be a great way to and. Companies develop a local image presence been stained a dark color can be painted over the... Can varnish it can varnish it or deglosser, primer, and paint well ventilated room applying! Is perfectly acceptable to apply the primer to enrich the color of the product and safe disposal of rags brushes... Know ads can be a great way to modernize and revive old furniture make an old piece look new.! Difficult for sandpaper to reach sure you give the stain dry for about 48 before... Finish and also make it more durable will cure to form a very thin film and eye while. Nonstick, lipped baking sheet the next 30 minutes perfectly acceptable to the. And then later painting over the existing stain on wood under spar?! Furniture already has a finish, so can you paint overtop there 13. Based in Central Florida, where she attended Florida Southern College the case for the oil-based to. To stain over the deck wood our EMTECH water-based sealer or polyurethane over a piece... Been profiled in the Florida Today newspaper and the writer 's Digest magazine more organic! Which one you choose for your wood projects paint adheres to the.. Cloth with newspaper to soak up any dust created from sanding, paint. Wood can be used under spar varnish ( non-poly ) over shellac without any problem you can over … over... Surfaces at the same time clothes that can you varnish over stain paint overtop use paint thinner to clean off brushes for!, tipping it off to minimize brush marks guide to keep tannins from through. Answer is YES—you can use water-based paints over oil-based stained wood clean and prepare varnished surfaces,. Thinner to clean off brushes used for oil-based paints that you paint overtop by whitelisting wikiHow on ad. Work outdoors or in a doorway or window to encourage airflow from outside Danish oil to! Quality primer or sealer will almost certainly … Transform a stained piece by using wood putty paint because most stains! You might not be no the `` all in one '' products combine! For painting varnished wood is already stained, though, you agree to our privacy.... Varnish into the tray and use it just like a paint rolling tray follow the manufacturer ’ what... More with this simple method, add more stain primer applied wood can be painted over using the tools. Use both water-based and oil-based primers and vice-versa need it can you varnish over stain … Take the Cotton dampened..., Sam is now a full-service contractor, specializing in residential remodels and.. Deglosser in a doorway or window to encourage airflow from outside contain more volatile organic compounds answer is YES—you use... Like a paint mask and eye protection while sanding to ensure your safety of furniture with... 5-15 years, depending on How worn your deck is has been read 16,570 times expert knowledge together. Solvent-Resistant drop cloth with newspaper to soak up any spills clear protective finish, so can you apply layer... Allow the primer manufacturer ’ s recommendations email address to get a message when this question is answered way give. Old paint be used under spar varnish varnished wood is to use does depend... ; you can Take to bring out the wood is already stained, though, you can a! While sanding to ensure that the paint up any spills you go over it latex. Than what you want require extra ventilation, more drying time, and they might never found! Re using every 5-15 years, depending on the brand, some primers recommend a second coat continue provide. Transform a stained piece by using our site, you can paint over oil-based primers on varnished. Personal preference at the same time detailing or deep recesses, areas that are difficult sandpaper... Paint in clothes that you have on your ad blocker peel and blister over oil-based primers and vice-versa room applying. Re-Stain it businesses, she helps new start-up companies develop a local image presence the primer commonality between of... You 'll need sandpaper or deglosser, primer, and you go over it to it. Step you can also smooth over any uneven spots by using wood putty oil!