How to paint over stained wood – 6 simple steps expert painters swear by for even, lasting finishes

Stained wood finishes are not to everyone's taste and can, in some cases, appear a little dated, bringing down an otherwise modern, stylish interior scheme.

Learning how to update and paint over stained wood is a quick, affordable way to breathe new life into old pieces, but it is important to know the proper steps to ensure a smooth and lasting finish.

Here, DIY experts share their tips to master this simple, yet essential DIY skill, from preparation to the key tools.

How to paint over stained wood

Steven Mena, CEO at AAA Fence and Deck Company begins, 'Most homeowners can handle this DIY project if they have the proper equipment and a bit of patience.

'It's just following steps. But the success of the job really depends on getting the hang of the details when it comes to working with stained surfaces.'

Before starting, you will need:

• A respirator mask, available at Walmart, to avoid breathing in dust and paint fumes.
• A drop cloth, available at Amazon, if you are working indoors to protect flooring.
• A strong cleaner, such as sugar soap from Amazon to remove grease and grime.
• Sandpaper, from The Home Depot, to prepare for priming.
• Wood filler, from Walmart, to repair damage.
• A paintbrush set, from The Home Depot, or a small roller set, also from The Home Depot, to prime and paint.
• Your chosen paint or primers (learn more on the best selection for your furniture below).

1. Clean the wood thoroughly

The first step in this DIY project that will elevate your home is cleaning wood furniture to remove dust and grime that could result in an uneven paint finish.

Steven continues, 'First, give the surface a good clean using a degreaser or a gentle soap solution to get rid of any dirt or grease.'

One of the best ways to ensure all grease, dirt, and dust are removed from the stained wood in question is to use a trisodium phosphate (TSP) cleaner, available in liquid form at The Home Depot. This is a non-sudsing cleaner formulated specifically for heavy-duty cleaning before painting.

After applying, you will need to rinse it off and dry it off well to ensure the primer will stick.

2. Deal with any damage

Even if you are after a modern rustic style finish, whether you are dealing with stained wooden furniture or something like staircase balustrades, you should inspect it for dents, deep scratches and any other kinds of damage before getting to work.

When it comes to how to refinish wood furniture, significant dents and holes can be filled with wood filler while more superficial damage can often be sanded away.

It is worth cleaning the surface again after this stage to ensure any dust is removed.

3. Sand all surfaces

As with so many decorating jobs around the home, good preparation is key to the success of painting over stained wood, as is having the right DIY tools to hand.

Steven Mena says, 'One of the main issues with stained wood is that the stain and protective coatings, such as polyurethane, make the surface smooth, which can make it tough for paint to stick. To get this done right, the wood needs some good prep work.

'After you've got the surface all clean and dry, it's time to move on to sanding. Lightly sanding with 120-150 grit sandpaper roughs up that smooth finish, making it easier for the paint to stick.'

A good handheld sander, such as the Ryobi Random Orbit Sander, available at The Home Depot, can make this quicker and easier on your arm. This model is 4.5 stars rated by customers and comes fitted with a dust bag to help limit mess and includes sandpaper so you have everything you need to get started right away.

Steven adds, 'If you can't sand, you can always try using a deglosser, which is sometimes called a liquid sander, as a good alternative. This chemical solution makes the surface soft enough for paint to adhere, which saves you some effort.'

4. Prime before painting

For a smart and long-lasting end result, you'll want to use a good-quality primer, suitable for the task at hand. In fact, this is one of our top interior painting tips.

Carr Lanphier, CEO of Improovy shares, 'In my experience the most important step is going to be a solid primer, which I’d consider necessary for this job if you want to ensure good adhesion with your paint over a glossier surface.'

Kelly Mardis, owner of Marcel Painting concurs, adding, 'Use a shellac primer because this will prevent the tannins in the wood from bleeding through and keep it from ruining the color of your paint. Let the primer sit for a few hours before applying your first coat.'

5. Use the right type of paint for the job

Once your primer is dry you can get painting – but do research your paint finishes carefully before parting with any money.

Steven continues, 'If you're thinking about painting, going for a high-quality paint that's made for wood surfaces will give you the best results. Satin or semi-gloss finishes are great choices if you're looking for something durable and polished, especially for furniture or cabinetry.'

According to the experts at Five Star Painting, you should use a latex primer and paint over a water-based wood stain or oil-based paint and primer over an oil-based wood stain.

6. Apply your final finish

Now for the bit you've been waiting for – the final paint finish. Take your time with this rather than just slathering on thick coats.

Steven recommends, 'When you’re painting, go for thin, even coats. Just make sure to let each layer dry completely before you add the next one.

'Usually, two coats do the trick for solid coverage, but if you're working with lighter colors over darker stains, you might want to consider adding a third coat.'

Paint brushes and rollers are both essential tools for painting a house and you can use either here, but if you are dealing with a carved or decorative piece, or skirting boards, a brush will make it easier to be accurate.

Meet the experts

Steven Mena

Steven leads a team with over30 years of collective expertise in the fencing and decking industry. With a passion for quality, he is committed to superior craftsmanship.

Carr Lanphier

Carr is the CEO of Improovy and believes that as we evolve, the way we manage home renovation projects should too. At the forefront of a home improvement tech revolution, the Improovy team is excited about what the future may bring.

Kelly Mardis

Kelly served for four years in the Navy, working to maintain and paint countless ship decks and bulkheads before moving onto to work full-time at two large painting companies, giving him years of real-world experience.

FAQs

Can you use chalk paint on stained wood?

Chalk paint gives you a lovely matt, textured finish and comes in a huge range of shades, making it ideal for many painted furniture ideas – but can you use it on stained wood?

According to chalk paint specialists Annie Sloan, you can but, as is porous there is a risk that the old stain could discolor the paint.

To avoid this, a water-based primer should be used – they recommend their Chalk Paint® Lacquer.

Why stop at the transformation of your stained wood? There are so many paint ideas that could totally switch up the look and feel of your home.