Things You'll Need
Mineral spirits
Rags
Professional painter's tape
Canvas drop cloth
Shellac-based primer
2 to 4-inch natural-bristled paintbrush
Denatured alcohol
Solid stain
If you'd like to stain a wood surface that has already been painted, accomplish your goal by applying a solid stain. Unlike semitransparent stains, which are absorbed into bare wood and enhance its natural appearance, solid stains add a rich colorful film that sits atop the wood's surface. Because latex paint is water-based, it is incompatible with oil-based solid stains. To generate a durable finish, you must apply a special primer that will bond to both coatings.
Step 1
Wipe the latex finish with a rag dampened with mineral spirits. Let the latex dry for one hour.
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Step 2
Cover surfaces adjacent to and below the latex finish, using tape and drop cloths.
Step 3
Coat the latex finish with shellac-based primer, using a natural-bristled paintbrush. Be careful to smooth any flaws, such as runs and sag marks, as you apply. Let the base dry for two hours.
Step 4
Clean the shellac-based primer from the brush's bristles, using denatured alcohol.
Step 5
Coat the dried shellac-based primer with solid stain, using the clean natural-bristled paintbrush. Let the solid stain dry for two hours; add a second coat.
Step 6
Clean the solid stain from the brush's bristles, using mineral spirits.
Warning
Do not use a latex or acrylic primer, or the solid stain won't stick. Don't use an oil-based primer, or peeling will result.
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