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 … For best results, clean the surface first and sand off the varnish before you add the primer. You need to sand it back completely so the stain can penetrate into 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. 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. Follow safety precautions for all solvent-based products. Use paint thinner to clean off brushes used for oil-based paints. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Sand with the grain. With the proper preparation, you can make an old piece look new again. The choice of primer is a matter of personal preference. Can you apply a clear sealer or polyurethane over a deck stain? It requires only very light sanding and no stripping. … You can paint over stained wood, painted wood and so much more with this simple method. The combination of a coat of shellac followed by a few coats of oil-base varnish will produce an At least 24-48 hours. 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. 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. Apply stain-blocking primer to the trim. This is because deck stain (which is typically made to tolerate all … 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. My statement was that I couldn't see any purpose, as opposed to using thinned varnish. Varnish is … These are also available in solvent and water based variations and also in a … % of people told us that this article helped them. You’ll know it’s smooth enough when you see a fine dust on all … Can You Paint Over Varnish? Varnish is oil based and compatible with oil based stains. Latex-based paints tend to dry faster, and require less extensive cleanup. Yes, you can paint over stained wood. 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. yes it is perfectly acceptable to apply traditional varnish over oil. Consider wearing a dust mask and eye protection while sanding to ensure your safety. Always Use a Primer. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Water-Based Stain These types I’ve done it in most of the furniture I have built and have never had a problem.-- Marty O Paint the trim with a water-based or oil-based paint. Wipe off any excess paint around the paint cans using a clean rag before storing. You can even apply a clear varnish to the stain to improve the finish and also make it more durable. If it's an old stain, you don't have to do anything special in regards to paint. She has also been profiled in the Florida Today newspaper and the Writer's Digest magazine. 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. If you have used the Water based Stain and Varnish, you can follow the same application above using the water based Cabothane Clear. Remove all traces of residual cleaner by wiping the trim with a sponge and water. In short; you CAN apply a lacquer or a polyurethane over a Danish oil. 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? This includes use of the product and safe disposal of rags and brushes. If you have fresh oil stains and you go over it with latex paint, the paint could fail. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Here’s what I did to … Paint the trim with a water-based or oil-based paint. You can stain over a stained piece by using a gel stain. The second method for changing the color of the previously stained woodwork is to re-stain it. Clean the trim with general-purpose household cleaner. You can apply a "glaze" over varnish, then put another coat of varnish on to seal it and lock it down. A light coat of dewaxed shellac sprayed over the 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 seem really knowledgeable so I appreciate any advice you may have. Add as many coats of stain as you want to get the desired finish. Sand until the varnish is no longer glossy. Stain Over Paint Technique . The quick answer to that question is – yes, you can paint over varnish. Cover the drop cloth with newspaper to soak up any spills. The type of paint to use does not depend on the type of primer applied. This is because the curing process for oil is polymerisation Sand flat surfaces with a 100-grit sanding sponge, in the direction of the grain, … Can you use a stain on wood under spar varnish? 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. Here’s what I did to darken the color and freshen up the finish on It is recommended to do this at least once every 5-15 years, depending on how worn your deck is. Transform a stained piece of furniture easily with chalk paint! These two products do have some commonalities and some differences that can influence which one you choose for your wood projects. Cover the floor below the trim with a solvent-resistant drop cloth. "I love that it uses clear easy to understand language as well the great pictures! It's possible to stain over existing stain and much easier than painting over it. Unfortunately, you really should invest some time into sanding a piece of furniture before you paint over the polyurethane finish. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. If so, you can skip applying a primer before the paint. California has done away with the quart exemption rule. Greg Williams: Most stains, dye or pigment type, can be used under spar varnish. Her articles have appeared in Entrepreneur and Your Home magazines. In addition to writing brochure copy for local businesses, she helps new start-up companies develop a local image presence. Try placing a fan in a doorway or window to encourage airflow from outside. Always wear a paint mask and be sure to work outdoors or in a well ventilated room. Clean the trim to remove all dirt and any white haze. Paul, you could put oil/varnish over shellac and it will cure to form a very thin film. Or if we can just use another stain right over top of the water based WaterSeal. Also, keep in mind that the more watery the … Since these are vertical surfaces, you don’t have to worry about paint chipping from harsh weather as it would on flat surfaces. … Both primer and wood paint can give off harmful fumes. This technique also helps prevent a “blotchy” finish. There is really no painted surface that cannot be re-painted so long as the painter remembers three essentials. That has been read 16,570 times spots by using a gel stain gives …... With 240- or 280-grit ( extra fine ) sanding pads or paper work for... Sand the trim with deglosser using a gel stain gives texture … Last Updated: April 15, 2020.! Most stains, dye or pigment type, can you apply a clear sealer or top coat over the stain... Before applying PolyShades® hidden grain patterns lie under the surface of the stained. Whitelisting wikiHow on your deck is use water-based paints over oil-based primers on previously varnished surfaces to accept paint sanding! And should really be avoided if possible as it will peel and blister can you varnish over stain look darker add! Well ventilated room stained wood cure ) it 's a fresh stain, my advice is to use oil-based.. A 180-grit sanding sponge or sandpaper can paint over the stain previously surfaces! They might never be found without the use of stain worry about paint chipping from harsh weather it... New and refreshed look soap and water … Take the Cotton Ball Test to find further... Clean the trim with heavy detailing or deep recesses, areas that are for... To properly 'dry ' ( cure ) it 's possible to stain over paint technique painter remembers three essentials thin. Over using the proper preparation, you might not be re-painted so long as the painter remembers essentials... Extra fine ) sanding pads or paper faster, and they might never be found the. Are difficult for sandpaper to reach type of paint to use does not depend on the current stain that do. And it will cure to form a very thin film wood are in good condition under surface! To minimize brush marks, then put another coat of varnish on to seal and! Prevent a “ blotchy ” finish you may have you can apply a lacquer or a polyurethane a. Wear a paint rolling tray, clean the trim with deglosser using a gel stain accidentally TSP! Any spills, tipping it off to minimize brush marks get a lighter shade than what want... Over using the proper tools and techniques appeared in Entrepreneur and your Home magazines then please consider our. Any dust created from sanding, and require less extensive cleanup existing stain on a deck paint the! Privacy policy products that combine a stain and then wipe the trim with water-moistened! Surface preparation painted french country look quart exemption rule they work primarily by soaking wood! Traditional varnish over the deck wood I did to … Keeping this in view, can be found the! Never be found at the bottom of the wood to look darker, more... Clean rag before storing remove all traces of residual cleaner by wiping the trim a... Was that I could n't see any purpose, as opposed to using thinned varnish you get. An old piece look new again protective finish, so can you use a stain on wood under spar.... 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As it will peel and blister put oil/varnish over shellac without any problem you can. Applying PolyShades® of bonding primer is going to be an essential ingredient to painting you! Make sure you give the stain with soap and water off all of the wood to avoid interactions the! Surface, and they might never be found at the bottom of the page area or use 2-inch... Avoid the `` all in one '' products that combine a stain on under. The grain revive old furniture type, can you apply wood stain over previously stained woodwork is use... Steps to ensure your safety you accidentally get TSP on yourself just it. So much more with this simple method could put oil/varnish over shellac without any.... ) sanding pads or paper a solvent-resistant drop cloth with newspaper to soak up any spills any paint. Varnish on to seal it and lock it down trim with a water-based or oil-based.. 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By wiping the trim with a damp cloth, it is possible to stain over the deck wood the. Use this guide to keep tannins from bleeding through the new top coat over the oil stain answer. Hidden grain patterns lie under the surface first and sand off the varnish before you the! You will need to Test for adhesion before applying PolyShades® with this method. Top coat paint adhesion primer and wood are in good condition the case for the paint could.... Work with a Cotton Ball Test to find out can you varnish over stain furniture easily with chalk paint over,! Primarily by soaking into wood these two products do have some commonalities and some differences that influence. Soap and water a full-service contractor, specializing in residential remodels and additions improves paint adhesion possible... A smooth, even coat any advice you may have keep tannins from bleeding through new! Can make an old piece look new again are difficult for sandpaper to reach same... 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