Experienced New Construction Home Painters

How To Paint Over Stained Wood

One first glance, stained wood doesn't look like it can be painted over or it would ruin it. That is not the case! The problem many people run into when painting over stained wood is they neglect to prepare the wood so the paint will stick. Here are the basic steps needed to make sure the job comes out looking perfect:

• Remove All Hardware

  If you're painting cabinets or doors or anything with attachments, make sure you remove them all and place them somewhere safe in a Ziploc bag or stashed away somewhere out of the way. It's easier than having to work around them and it's highly likely they will get damaged or covered in paint.

• Clean The Wood's Surface

  You want to remove any dust, dirt, and grime prior to painting. Wiping it down with a wet cloth is generally enough, but for some cases with stubborn dirt and grime it's OK to use soapy water. You should also clean up the hardware that comes with it. you may not be able to see it, but there might be a layer of dirt that built up gradually over time which your eyes will have gotten used to.

• Sanding The Wood

  Many stained woods have a layer of polyurethane or wood varnish on top of the outer paint layer which give it that shine and smooth texture. If you paint over this, your paint won't stick properly which may cause it to peel off, crack, or chip off. You don't need to sand off the stain color, just the glossy top layer enough so the paint has a rougher surface to stick to. If you don't want to sand it or don't have time, you can always use a deglosser or "liquid sandpaper". To learn more about the "liquid sandpaper" alternative see DoItYourSelf for an overview and step-by-step instructions on it's use.

• Clean Again!

  Yes, another arduous task of cleaning... Once the sanding is done, you'll need to wipe away all the dust and wood particles from the surface. If you don't your paint will come out looking bumpy. You should first vacuum up the area removing as much as you can, then with a damp cloth wipe away all the dust you can until it's smooth and nothing sticks to your finger.

• Repair Knicks and Dings With Wood Filler

  If the wood has any dents, scratches, dings, or holes, now is the best time to cover them. Use a wood filler and fill in those scratches and dings. Use a flat edge joint knife or even just your finger to wipe over the edge for a smooth flat surface.

• Prime

  You must do this before laying your first coat of paint. User any primer you want. But if you plan on using an oil based paint you should use an oil -based primer too. And if you are using color for your paint, ask the painting associate if they can add a tint to your prime that's a similar color as your chosen paint color. If your paint already has primer in it, then you can skip this step.

• Paint Two Coats of Paint

  Using two coats of paint ensures complete coverage. Make sure the first layer is done drying before you add the second coat. You can use a brush, roller, or even a spray painter.

• Add Top Coat (Optional polyurethane coat)

  This step is entirely optional. Once your paint has dried you can use a gloss to cover the surface and protect the paint layer while also giving it that shiny gleam you see on a lot of painted and stained wood.

How To Paint Straight Lines At The Ceiling

This can make or break a painting project for your room. If the lines aren't painted properly near the ceiling or eyes will immediately spot it. The first thing you can do is use an angled brush. Look at the tip of the brush bristles - are they even like a straight line? Then that's not an angled brush. It will have a slanted bristle line.

Then, instead of starting to paint the ceiling line first, start about 1/4 inch down from the ceiling edge and paint a stroke from left to right. Then when you go to cut line ceiling, this layer of paint will allow you to glide smoothly as you move along the wall. Try to get the tips of the brush to meet right where the wall meets the ceiling and make a smooth motion from left to right. This should create a straight line. If you have trouble with that you have the option of using a Ceiling Line Paint Tool which makes the straight lines for you.