Painting Over Stained Wood: Essential Tips for a Flawless Finish

September 1, 2023

man with a paint brush painting over a wooden plank

*Updated April 7th, 2025

Thinking about giving your stained wood surfaces a fresh new look? Whether it’s outdated cabinets, a worn-out dresser, or old trim, painting over stained wood can completely transform your space. But before you dive in with a paintbrush, there are a few things you need to know to get that smooth, flawless finish you’re after.

It’s not as simple as just slapping on a coat of paint—proper prep and technique are key! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential tips for painting over stained wood so you can achieve professional-looking results without the stress. Let’s get started!

Prepare the Wood

Prepping the wood might not be the most exciting part of your painting project, but trust me—it’s essential if you want a smooth, long-lasting finish. Stained wood can be a bit stubborn when it comes to holding onto paint, so taking the time to get it clean and properly prepped will make all the difference. Plus, it helps your paint stick better and look more even. Here’s how to get your wood ready for a flawless paint job:

Clean the Surface:

  • Use a mild detergent or a wood cleaner to remove any dirt, grease, or other contaminants.
  • After cleaning, rinse the surface thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

Sand the Surface:

  • Sanding is crucial as it helps in removing the glossy finish and opens up the wood pores.
  • Use a medium-grit sandpaper (around 120 grit) and sand the surface evenly.
  • Wipe off the dust with a tack cloth or a damp rag.

Repair Any Damage:

  • Inspect the wood for any cracks, holes, or dents.
  • Use wood filler to repair any imperfections and sand it smooth once it’s dry.

Choose the Right Paint and Primer for Stained Wood

The next step is to choose the right paint and primer for your stained wood project. This will depend on two factors: the type of stain on the wood and the type of paint you want to use.

Determine the Type of Stain on the Wood

There are two main types of stain: oil-based and water-based. Oil-based stains are more durable and resistant to water, but they are also harder to cover with paint. Water-based stains are easier to cover with paint, but they are less durable and more prone to fading. To find out what type of stain you have on your wood, you can do one of two things:

  • Do a water test. Sprinkle some water on a small area of the wood and wait for a few minutes. If the water beads up, it means you have an oil-based stain. If it sinks in or darkens the wood, it means you have a water-based stain.
  • Read the label. If you have access to the original can of stain or know its brand name, you can read its label or look it up online. It should tell you whether it’s oil-based or water-based.

Choose a Paint That Is Compatible with the Stain Type

Once you know the type of stain on your wood, you need to choose a paint that is compatible with it. Here are the general rules:

  • If you have a water-based stain, you can use either latex paint or oil-based paint. Latex paint is easier to apply and clean up, but it might not be as durable or glossy as oil-based paint. Oil-based paint is harder to apply and clean up, but it might be more durable and glossy than latex paint.
  • If you have an oil-based stain, you should use oil-based paint. Latex paint will not adhere well to oil-based stain and might peel or crack over time. Oil-based paint will bond better with oil-based stain and create a more uniform and lasting finish.

Choose a Primer That Is Also Compatible with the Stain Type and the Paint Type

Primer is a special type of paint that prepares the surface for the final coat of paint. It helps seal the wood, block any stains from bleeding through, and improve the paint adhesion and coverage. When choosing a primer, you need to consider both the type of stain and the type of paint you’re using. Here are the general rules:

  • If you’re using latex paint over water-based stain, you can use latex primer or acrylic primer. Both are water-based and will work well with latex paint.
  • If you’re using oil-based paint over water-based stain, you can use oil-based primer or shellac primer. Both are oil-based and will work well with oil-based paint.
  • If you’re using oil-based paint over oil-based stain, you should use oil-based primer or shellac primer. Latex primer will not adhere well to oil-based stain and might cause peeling or cracking.

Choose a Paint Color That Matches or Complements Your Desired Style and Decor

The final step in choosing the right paint and primer is to choose a color that matches or complements your desired style and decor. This is mostly a matter of personal preference, but here are some tips to help you:

  • Consider the size and function of the room. Light colors can make a small room look bigger and brighter, while dark colors can make a large room look cozier and more intimate. Neutral colors can create a calm and relaxing atmosphere, while bright colors can add energy and excitement.
  • Consider the mood and theme of the room. Warm colors like red, orange, and yellow can evoke feelings of warmth, comfort, and happiness, while cool colors like blue, green, and purple can evoke feelings of calmness, freshness, and creativity. Earthy colors like brown, beige, and green can create a natural and rustic vibe, while metallic colors like gold, silver, and bronze can create a glamorous and elegant vibe.
  • Consider the existing furniture and accessories in the room. You want to choose a color that harmonizes with the other elements in the room, not clashes with them. You can use a color wheel to find complementary or analogous colors that work well together. You can also use online tools like  Coolors  or  Adobe Color  to generate color schemes based on your preferences.

How to Apply the Paint for a Flawless Finish

Now that you have prepared the wood and chosen the right paint and primer, it’s time to apply them for a flawless finish. Here’s how to do it:

Apply the Primer:

  • Use a high-quality brush or a foam roller to apply the primer.
  • Cover the wood completely and uniformly.
  • Allow the primer to dry as per manufacturer’s instructions, typically around 1-4 hours.

Lightly Sand the Primed Surface:

  • Once the primer is dry, lightly sand it with a fine-grit sandpaper (around 220 grit) to smooth any brush strokes or roller marks.
  • Wipe off the dust with a tack cloth or a damp rag.

Apply the Paint:

  • Use a clean, high-quality brush or roller to apply the paint.
  • Start with a thin coat and allow it to dry as per manufacturer’s instructions.
  • After the first coat is dry, apply a second coat if needed for uniform coverage and color depth.

Final Thoughts

Painting over stained wood might seem a bit intimidating at first, but with the right prep work and the right materials, you can totally nail it! Taking the time to properly clean, sand, and prime your wood surfaces sets you up for success and helps your paint adhere smoothly and evenly. Plus, choosing the right primer and paint makes a big difference in how your project turns out.

By following the tips in this guide, you’ll be able to tackle any challenges that come with painting over stained wood and end up with a gorgeous, durable finish that breathes new life into your space. Whether you’re refreshing furniture, cabinets, or trim, a little extra effort at the start will pay off big time in the end.

FAQs

1. Can I paint directly over stained wood without sanding?

It’s not recommended. Sanding helps remove the glossy finish and rough up the surface, allowing the primer and paint to adhere better. Skipping this step can result in peeling or uneven coverage.

2. What kind of primer should I use on stained wood?

An oil-based or shellac-based primer is typically best for stained wood since they help block stains and prevent bleed-through. Look for a high-quality stain-blocking primer for the best results.

3. Do I need to clean stained wood before painting?

Yes! Cleaning the surface is crucial. Use a mild detergent and water to remove dust, dirt, and grease. For stubborn grime, a degreaser or TSP (trisodium phosphate) can help. Make sure the surface is completely dry before sanding or priming.

4. Can I use latex paint over oil-based primer?

Absolutely! Once the oil-based primer is completely dry, you can apply a latex paint topcoat. Just make sure to choose a high-quality paint for long-lasting results.

5. How do I avoid brush marks when painting over stained wood?

Use a high-quality brush or foam roller, and make sure your paint isn’t too thick. Applying thin, even coats and lightly sanding between layers can also help minimize brush marks and ensure a smooth finish.

6. How many coats of paint do I need?

Typically, two coats of paint are recommended for even coverage. However, if the stained wood is particularly dark or the stain bleeds through, you may need a third coat. Always allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

7. Do I need a topcoat after painting stained wood?

A topcoat isn’t always necessary, but it’s a good idea if the surface will face heavy use, like furniture or cabinets. A clear polyurethane or polycrylic finish adds durability and helps protect your freshly painted surface.

Additional Flooring Resources