How to Stain Over Paint

Once you have got the stain of your choice, select your work area. If you are staining any portable furniture, it’s best to take it to an open and well-ventilated area. If the wooden furniture is not portable, remove the nearby items for a clear working space.

Lay a large piece of cloth below the furniture you plan to stain. This cloth will catch any stain splatter and keep your floor clean. Gather all your materials and safety equipment, like nitrile or latex gloves, respirator and safety eyeglasses, to start staining.

Open the stain can and dip a clean wooden stick in it. Stir the stain to mix it well. You might notice some air bubbles forming. Set the can aside for a few minutes before starting the staining process.

Choose a hidden or less visible spot on the painted wooden surface. Apply a small amount of stain on this spot to check the finish and color. Let it dry and check to confirm if you’re satisfied with the result.

You might need to apply a few coats of stain to achieve the desired finish. Wait for the first stain coat to dry before applying the second coat.

After staining over the paint, leave the surface to dry completely. It might take a few hours for the surface to dry.

Check if the stained surface has dried off. Once you’re sure, install all the required accessories like drawer handles, knobs or other hardware. Your wooden furniture is now ready to be used.