Painting is often seen as a therapeutic hobby. It can help you relax and wind down. Not to mention, painting over old wooden furniture has its charm.
You can turn it into a fun DIY project or even get a professional painter to help out with the complexities. Although, most people are hesitant to take charge when it comes to their precious furniture.
After all, there’s always been the myth that painting over stained wood is a big no-no. But is that myth real, or can you actually paint over stained wood? We have all the answers you seek right here in this blog.
Can You Paint Directly Over Stained Wood?
Yes! You can certainly paint over stained wood. There’s no carpenter’s guide that prohibits you from doing so. In fact, painting over stained wood can make your painting job easier, especially if it’s a water-based stain.
However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that even if you can paint over stained wood, there are certain measures you need to take. For instance, if you don’t want the stain to bleed through your fresh paint coat, make sure to prep the surface beforehand.
Moreover, the type of stain used on the wood is also highly important. It factors in with the wooden object. That is to say, are you painting a wooden piece of furniture, walls, or anything else? Additionally, the state of the wood can also make or break your project, so make sure you’re prepared for it all.
Can You Paint Over Stained Wood Without Sanding?
Hold your paintbrush! As enticing as it may seem, you can’t just start painting on wood with zero prep. You need to evaluate the object first.
This means that if you’re painting over stained wood that belongs to a cabinet, table, or any other type of furniture, sure. Go ahead. But you’ll need to prime it. That’s the one thing you can never skip out on.
On the other hand, sanding might help you out if you’re working on a small craft. It’ll leave behind a smooth surface you can easily manage.
So, as long as you opt for a good primer, you can continue to paint without sanding first. However, it’s still recommended to sand the surface and make it rough. Just so the paint can adhere better.
What Is The Best Way To Paint Over Stained Wood?
If you’re ready to take on the challenge, make sure to follow the steps mentioned below. Additionally, you can also hire a professional carpenter to manage the essential parts.
- Start preparing the area you’ll be working in by laying down tarps and removing excess material.
- Wipe the piece of stained wood until it’s clean.
- Lightly sand the wood’s surface with 150-grit sandpaper, so it’s lightly roughened up.
- Paint the base layer with a good latex primer. You can also consult a specialist to recommend you a primer fit for the type of stain used on the wood.
- Once the primer is dry, carefully paint the surface of the stained wood. Make sure you get into the crevices as well.
When you’re done, give the wood enough time to dry. Nevertheless, it’s best to talk to an expert about which paint to use. This is so you don’t have to spend time and money redoing multiple layers of the wrong paint formula.
Closing Words
If you were worried about starting that old DIY project, consider this a sign. You can definitely paint over stained wood, so don’t let that fear keep you from chasing after creativity. But to get the best results, consult a professional carpenter beforehand.
For more advice and information, reach out to TX Home Worx at (281) 841-6146 today. You can even drop by our office located at 27619 Decker Prairie-Rosehill Rd, Magnolia, TX 77355. It’s only a five-minute walk away from Decker Prairie Elementary School.