It might seem like painting over oil-based stain is a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! With the right preparation and products, you can paint over an oil-based stain with ease and confidence.

In this blog post, we will discuss the challenges and benefits of painting over oil-based stain, how to properly prepare the stained surface for painting, why primer is your friend, choosing the right paint for your project, and how to finish the project. So if you are refinishing furniture or just give something new life with a fresh coat of paint – read on!

Painting surface over oil based stain with text overlay

Painting over oil-based stain can be a great way to give furniture or other items new life. It is possible to get professional results with the right preparation and products, allowing you to refresh your home without having to buy something new.

However, it does come with some specific steps such as having to wait a certain amount of time for fresh oil based stain to dry before painting or prepping stained surfaces that have a clear topcoat on them before painting.

But if done correctly, this process can create beautiful results and save time and money in comparison to buying something new or hiring someone else for the job.

Table of Contents

supplies for painting over oil based stain

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220 Grit Sandpaper
BIN Shellac Primer Spray Can
Water based or Oil based Paint
Paintbrush or Sprayer
Water based Polyurethane for the top coat

Prepping the Stained Surface

Properly prepping the stained surface before painting is very important in order to get professional, long lasting results.

For freshly stained surfaces with oil-based stain, you must wait at least 48 hours for the stain to completely dry before beginning any painting tasks. Oil based stain takes a long time to dry, and we want to make sure it is completely dry before moving on.

If there is an existing clear topcoat on older stained surfaces, they will need to be cleaned and lightly sanded with 220 grit sandpaper before moving to the next step.

prepping the surface of furniture with surprep sander

This will make sure that the paint adheres properly and lasts longer. Here is how to clean before painting, and here is exactly how to and why sanding before painting is necessary.

Priming the Surface

Next step is priming. Priming the surface before painting over oil-based stain is also very important when painting wood.

The right primer helps stop bleedthrough stains coming through the paint from the wood tannins or the stain and provides an even base for your paint. It also helps you use less paint if you use a primer that is similar in color to the paint that you use.

priming the surface of furniture with paint roller

But there are many different types of primer. Actually, many paints have a built in primer. But that isn’t the same type of primer that we are talking about here.

BIN shellac primer is a great choice for this task as it has excellent adhesion properties, it is the best at blocking bleed through stains and it can be tinted a deeper color for dark paint colors.

It also dries quickly and can be used on top of and below oil based and water based products.

If you want to use a different primer, here is our list of the best primers for painting furniture. Specifically, here is our list of the best primers to stop tannin bleed.

Give your stained surface 2 thin coats of primer. BIN shellac primer is easy to apply with a roller (and a paint brush for corners and details) or from BIN shellac primer spray can. Here are the best rollers for painting furniture and the best paint brushes for painting furniture.

Choosing the Right Paint

Now it’s time to paint! The two main types of paint are water-based and oil-based, both of which have their own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Water based paints are relatively easy to use, have fewer fumes while painting, and dry quicker than oil-based paints. However, they aren’t as durable as oil-based paints and they don’t level out as well either.

On the other hand, oil-based paints level very well but take a long time to dry and are difficult to clean up after. They are also more durable than water-based paints, so they can be a better choice if you’re looking for a long-lasting finish.

Oil based paints are harder to find as well, as a lot of companies are producing water based or water borne paints now days.

To learn more about the different types of paint that we recommend for painting stained furniture and which one is best for your project, check out our post on the Best Paints for Wood Furniture.

The amount of coats of paint that you need, the dry time, and how to best apply them depend on the paint that you use, and the color that you choose. But, plan to paint 2-4 coats of paint to get full coverage. Take your time and enjoy the process!

If you don’t want to brush paint onto a large project, you can use a paint sprayer instead. Here is our list of the best paint sprayers for furniture.

Check out this repainting furniture project for more tips and tricks.

You can also transform your dark or stained wood surfaces into lighter, more vibrant pieces by checking out my guide on how to whitewash stained wood.

Finishing the Project

After the painting is complete, it’s time to finish the project. Depending on the type of paint used (chalk, mineral, acrylic, etc.), a top coat may be necessary for added protection and durability.

For instance, chalk paint or mineral paint typically requires a wax or polyurethane topcoat to protect and seal in the paint. Learn which topcoat is right for you in our wax vs polyurethane post.

I prefer to use water based polyurethane (also known as polycrylic) because it is very durable and it dries quickly.

photo of Natalie holding a can of polyurethane and a high quality brush

For more information on how to apply a topcoat, here is how to apply polycrylic to painted furniture by hand, and here is how to spray polyurethane (water based) with a paint sprayer.

If you aren’t sure which option is right for your project, here is our helpful guide on spray polyurethane vs brush on polyurethane.

Please note: Enamel, alkyd, and oil based paints should not be topcoated.

That’s all there is to it! Just remember to be extra careful with your project a few days, still careful with it for a month so then the paint can cure completely. Once it is cured completely, it will be as durable as it’s going to get.

Painting over oil based stain doesn’t have to be hard, and you can get professional results with these steps! Just take your time, enjoy the project and in no time you’ll have a beautiful painted surface!