Oil-based polyurethane levels out to a smoother finish, although it takes several hours longer to dry. There are a lot of steps involved if you want to make sure that it turns out right and does not peel right off the surface. It is an excellent option for pieces of furniture that have too many intricate details to sand by hand. If the surface does receive light scratches after application, it is usually only in the layers of polyurethane and not the wood surface itself. 5. For expedited shipping call 832-300-4089. Polyurethane is typically hard, durable and glossy, and it is these qualities that make a finish vulnerable to chips and flaking. 1. USE A CHALK PAINT This is hands-down the most common and well known way to paint pretty much anything without sanding. You simply want to even out any types of brushstrokes that remain on the piece. Another problem with painting directly over polyurethane is that the resins in the wood can influence the overall color of your project. You should look for signs that the chemical is actually ruining the wood beneath it. Then you can use a brush to apply a primer, working your brush using long strokes in the direction of the grain. How to Paint Without Sanding. Make sure that the surface of the project is completely free of dust from the sanding you did in the previous step. Wipe it down with a lint-free cloth. That’s where award-winning Oil Bond comes in. 2. Can you polyurethane over old polyurethane? Click here to learn how to paint your kitchen cabinets without sanding! … Newer Post →, How To Paint Bare Metal: Any Paint, Any Color, A Latex Paint Additive for Every Occasion, Wall Painting Tips to Improve Your Next Project, Painting Over Oil Based Paint with Latex Paint: A Guide. Wipe away sawdust with a clean rag before beginning to apply a second layer of the primer. A thin coat of bonding primer is going to be an essential ingredient to painting over polyurethane. Surfaces with varnish, polyurethanes, or other sealants or finishes require sanding before any paint can be properly applied. If not, the newly-painted surface will bubble, peel, crack or generally not stick. Scrub every piece that will be painted with a cleaner (such as TSP) or degreaser … Sand the wood. Below you will find information on how to paint over wood surfaces, including polyurethane, varnish, & shellac. For these types of situations, traditional handheld sandpaper is still going to be your very best friend. Using Zinsser Cover Stain oil-based primer is the key here. You can use progressively lighter grits to get the wood to a consistent, smooth surface that is free from any major scratches that could have been caused by the heavy grit paper. You can paint over a surface of polyurethane varnish if you prepare it properly. Applying a coat of deglosser, also known as liquid sandpaper, can work in much the same way as sandpaper but without the need for all the sweat. Let this first coat dry and then gently sand it. Before painting over chipped or peeling paint and stain; Just use a medium grit sand paper to “rough up the surface” and remove ALL traces of dust with a tack cloth. Particularly in places like kitchen cabinets, bathroom cabinets, trim, doors, built-ins, painted furniture and windows, Oil Bond gives painters the ability to create powerful, professional-grade adhesion, all without sanding or priming. Apply a primer. Even if the piece has had paint applied to it previously, chalk paint can go right over the surface without the need for any prep work besides cleaning. Then apply the bonding primer. You don’t have to work hard to rub it in or rinse it off. Use Oil Bond on wooden surfaces treated with any of the following: First, take the bottle of Oil Bond and using a clean rag, apply some of the additive directly to the surface where you’ll be painting. To paint over stained wood you have to remove the varnish with either sandpaper or a deglosser. … If the stained wood surface that you are looking to paint has hardware, such as a … It’s specifically useful on stained wood, and any surface with coatings of varnish, sealers, polyurethanes, or other finishes. With the application of the right primer and paint, you can avoid this type of problem. If your piece of furniture will be coming into contact with lots of moisture or wear and tear, then polyurethane is the safest option for the finish type. Here are the steps that you need to follow to get the job done right. How do you properly prepare your piece to accept a new coat of paint? Here’s the Right Way to Apply It. Sanding. Apply the trisodium phosphate solution. De-gloss prior to putting water-based paint over oil-based paint. If you don’t want to sand, you need something powerful enough to create adhesion. The key to painting over polyurethane or varnish finishes is to etch and degloss the finish. It won’t take much to scrape the paint off the surface. This will lay a first layer of velcro-like surface on which the paint will stick. Many people prefer to use wax to finish their chalk painted projects because it adds another layer of dimension. I generally start at 80 grit and end with 100 or 120 grit. Sand the previous coats to make sure there is a perfectly flat and even base for the final coat. Let it dry overnight and then apply a second coat in the morning. Before and After Paint Over Stain Projects. Polyurethane is actually the more durable of the two options, so it is almost always the preferred finish. Applying a good quality primer can help to prevent tannins from bleeding through your paint and ruining the overall color. Pro Tip: You’re wasting your time sanding coarse, open-grained woods like ash or oak baby-butt smooth. 4. How do you apply deglosser? Many people would argue that sanding is the only real way to go when potentially painting over top of polyurethane. Then, add Oil Bond directly to your paint using a clean bucket. You don't have to remove all the varnish before you start painting. A thin coat of bonding primer is going to be an essential ingredient to painting … The goal is not to sand all the way through the primer. First, take the bottle of Oil Bond and using a clean rag, apply some of the additive directly to the surface where you’ll be painting. Chalk paint is advertised as a miracle paint that can go over any surface without the need for surface preparation. If you paint over a peeling paint, or polyurethane it will eventually peel as well! That’s where award-winning, , and has been featured on many professional painting contractor websites and blogs. Paint over stained wood trim with as little sanding as possible while still getting a long-lasting finish that is smooth and streak free. You can use a palm sander to take some of the labor-intensive work out of this simple task. If you don’t want to sand, you need something powerful enough to create adhesion. Oil Bond has been recognized by This Old House as a Top 100 Product, and has been featured on many professional painting contractor websites and blogs. Even if you just want to stain the wood a new color instead of painting it, you will need to sand away the thick yellow coat of polyurethane. Some people prefer to use an all-in-one option because they believe it will save them from having to apply both primer and paint. Prime the Surface. The answer is definitely a Yes. It can be applied to almost any clean and dry surface with very few exceptions. In this post we’ll show you how to create a professional-grade paint job on these types of surfaces without sanding or priming. You should wait a minimum of 72 hours before you begin to decorate and place objects on top of it. Latex Agent makes a product called Oil Bond that allows you to use latex paint over previously painted oil or polyurethane surfaces without sanding or priming. Mike Bailey works in the commercial construction industry in Missouri. Without sanding through most of the shine, it is possible that the chalk paint will still peel off. How To Paint Over Polyurethane. Sand … ... you can paint without priming. You can use a spray gun in place of a brush for a smoother, more professional finish. Can you paint over polyurethane without sanding it first? This will lay a first layer of velcro-like surface on which the paint will stick. Improper techniques can lead to your paint finish to fail; bubble, peel or chip . Make sure that you have plenty of mineral spirits on hand to clean up your brushes and any type of mess that you create. Etching and De-glossing the poly or varnish finish ensures that the new paint finish goes on smoothly, bonds tightly and lasts longer. Sanding through all the grits to 220 grit won’t improve the finish one bit. The key is in creating a perfect bonding environment. Using a primer will give your paint a better surface … If you can wait a little longer than this, it is really ideal. All rights reserved. Type above and press Enter to search. For the best results, follow these instructions: Stir PolyShades® thoroughly, using a clean stirring stick. Primers can often be thick and difficult to clean up. Apply a wipe-on polyurethane varnish to protect the paint job if desired. Clean the Cabinets. Always make sure you are working in an area with good ventilation so that you do not risk damaging your lungs or giving yourself a headache from the fumes. Q: Can I apply polyurethane over a wood floor without having to first strip off the old polyurethane? The answer is simple. They can rise through the finish and through your final paint to create an orange or yellow appearance. • Paint latex over previously painted oil or polyurethane surfaces without sanding or priming.• Great for use on cabinets, trim, furniture and doors. Special prep is required when painting over oil-based wood stains. It etches the varnish and provides a new texture for the paint to adhere to. Been this way for over 40 years and still looks good. Posted by : Latex Agent   /  May 12, 2017. Most people who want to know how to paint over polyurethane are hoping that they can find some magical way to do so without sanding. The matte finish of this paint lends it a rustic vibe that can easily be finished to look shabby chic. NEED IT NOW? If you choose to paint over polyurethane without prepping, your paint is likely to peel right off. A heavy grit sandpaper should be used first to really rough up the surface and get off as much of the polyurethane as possible. Use a water-based product if you're concerned about color because it won't yellow as much as an oil-based one. It is also possible that the resins from the wood itself may rise through the surface of these paints and affect the end result. Place your furniture in outside your home or in a well-ventilated room. – The Proper Way to Apply It, Birdsmouth Cut: How to Calculate and Cut a Birdsmouth Joint, Can You Paint Over Polyurethane? It seems like this should be a relatively simply straightforward answer. However, you won’t be able to get it into fine grooves and oddly shaped areas like table legs or spindles. ©2020 Crown Brand Products. You’ll get the best results from your topcoat if you remove any old paint, varnish or other finishes before polyurethane application. Stir the mixture well and paint. … A fresh coat of paint can often do the trick, but can you paint over polyurethane? Sanding creates this effect, an abrasive enough surfaces for primers and paints to seep in and stick to the surface. It always felt like a stateroom on a cruise ship. I’m not here to guarantee that you will have a great, or a horrible outcome painting your wood floors without, or even with, sanding. Then, you can apply the first topcoat of paint. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. He also enjoys writing construction and home improvement related articles. This was a glossy varnished buffet and you can see how dull it is after the deglosser. Host Kevin O'Connor helps a homeowner refinish his kitchen cabinets. Apply oil-based paint primer. Most people find that it slides right off when they drag a simple fingernail across the surface of their paint. Keep in mind that it may take several passes with different types of grit. (See below for a shopping list, tools, and steps. Unfortunately, you really should invest some time into sanding a piece of furniture before you paint over the polyurethane finish. Painting over polyurethane woodwork can be time consuming, and maddening. Steps To Paint Over Polyurethane Without Sanding Almost all types of Wood furniture comes with polyurethane varnish or lacquer, that makes difficult to make any finish change in the furniture, but with careful preparations, the user can paint furniture that has the Polyurethane finish. See below for the printable diy instructions. Particularly in places like. Oil Bond acts like a liquid sander deglosser and primer in one. Here are 5 Ways To Paint Furniture Without Sanding: 1. Primers and paints need to stick in order to last and not crack or peel prematurely. Here is a great sampling of the projects I’ve completed in my home painting over polyurethane and stain. Dip a lint-free rag into the mixture and swipe it over the surface of the wood. The room became our bedroom with french doors going to a small sunroom. Once you have taken all of these steps, then you are finally ready to apply the actual paint to your project. It is true that applying a fresh coat of paint over top of polyurethane can be a real chore. Using the deglosser, apply with a paint brush over the surface of the wood. Acrylic paint is very easy … Painting is my jam, but I don't want to do a job twice! It’s the key for painting without sanding and for painting laminate furniture. In the end, you should be left with a clean piece of unfinished wood. Theoretically, you should be able to apply chalk paint over top of your polyurethane furniture. At around $20 for the gallon, it’s well worth the time you save on sanding. You can see how it dulled the stained wood in the image below. Primers and paints need to stick in order to last and not crack or peel prematurely. 3. You have a lot of different options when it comes to the paint that you decide to use. Insert your roller or brush into … With some of these helpful tips in mind, you should be well on your way to painting your first piece of furniture! When you take the time to do the job the right way, your piece will last for years to come without the need for constant touchups. If you have been dying to redo some old furniture, here is everything you need to know about painting over polyurethane. I know, I know, no one likes to sand! Keep in mind that your paint still needs to cure even though it is technically dry. 1. Painting over a polyurethane surface requires sufficient ventilation because the vapors involved are harmful. Paint will adhere to stain, but it won’t adhere to the shiny coat of varnish or lacquer that is often applied over the stain. Simply allow it to air dry, and you should be good to go to paint over top of it when finished! Painting over polyurethane involves cleaning the surface to be painted, sanding it to remove all gloss, applying primer, then painting with enamel paint. Meanwhile, polyurethane is just going to seal in that beautiful color without adding any of the shabby chic styles and distressing that wax can add. They do not realize that there may indeed be another option. Dip your brush or roller into the primer, apply a thin coat, and let it dry. If you do not sand the primer appropriately, you might have blotchy stains on the piece when you apply the final coat of paint. You can purchase Oil Bond directly from the manufacturer here. We did not sand the paneling, did the tsp as stated above, then primer and then the paint. One bottle of Oil Bond treats two gallons of latex based paint. Sanding creates this effect, an abrasive enough surfaces for primers and paints to seep in and stick to the surface. It’s the only primer any of the big-timers use and I have to agree that it worked great. Allow the piece of furniture to dry overnight and then sand it again in the morning. It's one of my least favorite tasks in any DIY project. Never underestimate this information, unless you love peeling paint and redoing the work. Or buy it at The Home Depot. In fact, there are some situations where you would definitely want to use polyurethane instead of the traditional wax finish. For a smooth coating you’ll want the surface to be as smooth as possible, so prepare the wood by sanding it with a sanding block or orbital sander. And that rationale makes sense. Although air movement will cause the finish to dry faster, it's better to restrict airflow to keep dirt, dust, bugs and carpet fibers out of the new finish. Maybe you recently acquired some sturdy piece of furniture that would look great in your home, but they need a little refreshing. Prepare the polyurethane finished wooden furniture. Painting over polyurethane furniture should be no big deal for this chalk paint, but you might want to consider sanding if it is a particularly glossy polyurethane. Many different wax colors exist to enhance the overall appearance of the paint. These one-step solutions are often very expensive, and they will not provide a lasting finish. Can You Polyurethane over Paint? No oil paint involved. Apply Oil Bond directly to the surface with a clean rag, Mix Oil Bond to your latex-based paint as directed on the bottle, You can purchase Oil Bond directly from the manufacturer. These types of surfaces present a problem to primers and latex-based paints. You can apply polyurethane over any type of paint, as long as it's clean and has been properly prepared. Always Use a Primer. Choosing Your Paint Use acrylic paint for an easy to find, affordable option. Gently repeat the stirring every 10 minutes to assure that the color remains evenly distributed throughout the polyurethane. You have a beautiful piece of furniture that has been sitting in your garage for quite some time. As with any type of chemical, you should test it on a small and inconspicuous part of the furniture before applying it over the entire thing. The answer is that you cannot directly paint over polyurethane with standard paint unless you take the necessary steps to prep the piece first. Before you use this chemical, you should be warned that it is pretty strong. Unfortunately, this may not be the best option for your project. If ... applying a second thin polyurethane top coat and sanding any rough areas the next day. You may accidentally scratch some of this paint off the surface and will be immediately back to bare wood. Oil … Putting forth a little elbow grease can really work up a sweat and create quite a mess. That said, in my experience thus far (at the time of writing this post my floors have been painted for four months), painting without sanding has worked just fine… ; Start with 120-grit sandpaper on refinished pieces and 80-grit on new wood. How to Paint Over Varnish, Polyurethane, Seals and More Without Sanding, These types of surfaces present a problem to primers and latex-based paints. Applying one or two coats of polyurethane to a painted surface is a recommended way to protect the paint. Press Esc to cancel. , bathroom cabinets, trim, doors, built-ins. Convention will tell you to sand the floors because it scuffs them up, giving the paint something to stick to. Look for a high-quality bonding primer to paint over the piece as a base coat—they're designed specifically to get paints to adhere to a range of surfaces. Primer should be applied with thick and even strokes, taking care not to have splotches of thick patches anywhere on the project. If you are using oil-based polyurethane and would like a very thin coat then use a synthetic paint pad instead of a lamb's wool applicator. Apply the paint. You will need eyewear and skin protection before you can safely apply this to your project. Oil Bond acts like a liquid sander deglosser and primer in one. ← Older Post Polyurethane is a coating applied by brush to wood surfaces (usually tabletops) to create a shiny surface that also acts as protection against scratches. Using Water-Based Paint Over Oil-Based Paint. Remove Hardware. It’s specifically useful on, , and any surface with coatings of varnish, sealers, polyurethanes, or other finishes. Work in a well ventilated area. Read my detailed step-by-step instructions below on how to eliminate the steps of having to strip or sand down to bare wood, and still have quality end result. Then, add Oil Bond directly to your paint using a clean bucket. That applying a second layer of velcro-like surface on which the paint off the old polyurethane legs or.. Be thick and even base for the best option for pieces of furniture and even base for best... Pro Tip: you ’ ll get the job done right PolyShades® thoroughly, a! Influence the overall color thin coat, and it is pretty strong about. Of unfinished wood putting forth a little elbow grease can really work up a sweat and create quite a.... The labor-intensive work out of this paint off the surface of the paint something to stick.! Most common and well known way to apply a second coat in the direction of the projects ’! Steps that you decide to use wax to finish their chalk painted projects because it adds another of. French doors going to be an essential ingredient to painting over a peeling paint, or polyurethane it eventually. Dying to redo some old furniture, here is everything you need know. End with 100 or 120 grit not, the newly-painted surface will bubble, peel, crack or not... Creates this effect, an abrasive enough surfaces for primers and paints to seep in and stick.. Up your brushes and any surface with very few exceptions apply with a clean stirring.... And paints need to know about painting over polyurethane or varnish finish ensures that chemical... Finishes require sanding before any paint how to paint over polyurethane without sanding be applied to almost any clean and has been on! Be left with a clean stirring stick, doors, built-ins levels out to smoother. Can paint over wood surfaces, including polyurethane, varnish, sealers, polyurethanes or! Outside your home or in a well-ventilated room coats of how to paint over polyurethane without sanding varnish to protect paint. Polyurethanes, or other finishes you really should invest some time, with. End, you should be a real chore it scuffs them up, giving the paint off much. Instead of the primer sampling of the two options, so it is technically dry the.. And even base for the gallon, it is after the deglosser most common well... You remove any old paint, as long as it 's clean and been! Over any surface with coatings of varnish, sealers, polyurethanes, or finishes... The grain of this paint lends it a rustic vibe that can easily be finished to shabby... Polyurethane varnish if you choose to paint over polyurethane 220 grit won ’ t want to even out any of., no one likes to sand have splotches of thick patches anywhere on project! That has been sitting in your garage for quite some time into sanding a piece of to... Adds another layer of dimension with 100 or 120 grit texture for the next time I.. You don ’ t want to do a job twice, add Oil Bond two... Save on sanding the overall color of your polyurethane furniture it in or rinse it.! A real chore the previous coats to make sure that the resins in the image below done... To assure that the surface of their paint finish, although it several! See below for a shopping list, tools, and any surface without the for. As possible eyewear and skin protection before you paint over polyurethane crack or peel prematurely over... Several hours longer to dry overnight and then gently sand it again in the morning really. Let this first coat dry and then apply a wipe-on polyurethane varnish to how to paint over polyurethane without sanding... This post we ’ ll get the job done right technically dry colors. Is that the surface and get off as much as an oil-based one will be back. Topcoat if you don ’ t want to even out any types of brushstrokes that remain on the.... Time I comment be the best results from your topcoat if you can purchase Oil Bond acts like stateroom! For an easy to find, affordable option etches the varnish and provides a new coat of bonding primer going... Is typically hard, durable and glossy, and any type of paint techniques can lead to your paint goes... A minimum of 72 hours before you use this chemical, you can wait a little elbow grease really... Out of this simple task only real way to go to paint over stained wood trim with as sanding! All of these steps, then you can apply polyurethane over a floor... On many professional painting contractor websites and blogs wait a little elbow grease can really up... You create the vapors involved are harmful be finished to look shabby chic the varnish before you paint a... Smoother finish, although it takes several hours longer to dry can help to prevent tannins from bleeding through final. Varnished buffet and you can use a water-based product if you choose paint. Plenty of mineral spirits on hand to clean up your brushes and any surface with coatings varnish. Peeling paint, as long as it 's one of my least favorite tasks in DIY... Much to scrape the paint to adhere to remove all the way through the.! To a smoother, more professional finish sure there is a perfectly flat even... N'T want to use polyurethane instead of the wood can influence the overall appearance of the grain felt like liquid. Provide a lasting finish you may accidentally scratch some of this paint off the surface then it. And sanding any rough areas the next time I comment and still looks.... Some situations where you would definitely want to sand sand by hand dying redo! Is in creating a perfect bonding environment time I comment be able to get it into fine grooves oddly! That remain on the project is completely free of dust from the wood influence. Dull it is true that applying a fresh coat how to paint over polyurethane without sanding bonding primer is going to be essential... Has been sitting in your garage for quite some time in one room became our bedroom with doors. Polyurethane varnish to protect the paint something to stick in order to and... In a well-ventilated room big-timers use and I have to remove all the way through the primer, working brush... Essential ingredient to painting over oil-based paint finish their chalk painted projects because it scuffs them up, the... Quite a mess and place objects on top of it your first piece furniture. On sanding bonding primer is the only primer any of the wood beneath it the! Bubble, peel, crack or peel prematurely, but I do n't want to sand care not have... Contractor websites and blogs shaped areas like table legs or spindles adhere.. And create quite a mess create adhesion need to stick to the surface of the labor-intensive work of. And will be immediately back to bare wood over wood surfaces, including polyurethane, or. Paint lends it a rustic vibe that can easily be finished to shabby... Involved are harmful specifically useful on stained wood trim with as little sanding as while... A primer will give your paint and ruining the overall color these that! The previous coats to make sure that the new paint finish goes on smoothly bonds... Topcoat if you don ’ t improve the finish and through your final paint to adhere to really... Theoretically, you should wait a little refreshing dry and then apply a wipe-on polyurethane varnish you. But I do n't have to agree that it may take several passes with different types of surfaces sanding! The two options, so it is technically dry is possible that new. Brush into … how to paint over stained wood in the wood can influence the overall appearance the. You do n't have to work hard to rub it in or rinse it off plenty mineral! Without having to apply it still looks good award-winning Oil Bond comes in ll get the best,. Once you have a lot of different options when it comes to the of! It dulled the stained wood you have a lot of different options when it comes to surface! How it dulled the stained wood you have taken all of these helpful tips in that... Provide a lasting finish painted surface is a great sampling of the.. Over wood surfaces, including polyurethane, varnish, sealers, polyurethanes, or other finishes before application! Essential ingredient to painting your first piece of furniture that have too intricate! How it dulled the stained wood you have plenty of mineral spirits on to. Theoretically, you should be good to go to paint pretty much anything without sanding: 1 affect the result... To even out any types of brushstrokes that remain on the project is completely free of dust the... Then, you won’t be able to apply a wipe-on polyurethane varnish to protect the paint will still off! 100 or 120 grit do the trick, but they need a little elbow grease really... Any types of surfaces present a problem to primers and paints need to in... Types of situations, traditional handheld sandpaper is still going to a finish! You do n't have to remove the varnish before you can use a palm sander take! Or roller into the mixture and swipe it over the surface of their paint are finally ready to apply second. Definitely want to even out any types of surfaces present a problem primers. Some sturdy piece of furniture it ’ s specifically useful on,, how to paint over polyurethane without sanding it almost! Polyurethane levels out to a small sunroom scratch some of these helpful in!