Painting stained and varnished furniture requires some specialized prep work, but the right approach gives you lasting paint coverage and a fresh look. Stains work best on weathered, rough, and coarse wood and can be used for decks, wood roof shingles, gazebos, and fences. Choosing to use a bristle brush, a foam brush or a rag is a matter of choice. The Curators Collection offers so much great inspiration! Today… I’d like to show you an antique dresser that I recently refinished. No one type of paint or stain is best for all surfaces, especially on the exterior where it takes a beating from the weather. Some need to be reapplied regularly. Easier cleanup – no brushes, rollers, buckets or paint trays to wash. For a quick facelift on a chair, bench, … Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and one is better for one type of furniture than the other. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Wood stain vs paint: Wood stains, on the contrary, allow for the grain patterns on the wooden surface to be visible and enhanced on application. Main menu. Deciding whether or not to refinish a piece of furniture with stain versus paint has a lot to do with the type of furniture, the amount of damage to the wood, and the design. And I love your blog too. Making Broken Beautiful. Three Great Projects to Add Some Fun to a Child’s Room. Maintaining RH between 40% and 55% is the best RH environment for all furniture and wood elements in the home. It is partialy covered over Front door . Choosing a furniture piece that’s not only wood but the same wood throughout is the most important factor if you’re planning to use stain. We’re even seeing a wave of green kitchen cabinets. Binders are responsible for the surface film and pigments are responsible for the paint’s color. This makes them easier to handle. Painted vs stained cabinets. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If the only way to repair any cracks or chipped veneer (which is wood an can be stained), is with wood filler, then you’ll want to prime and paint that piece. Gray cabinets have been growing in popularity. Well, this week I came across an almost identical antique […], Your email address will not be published. Terry Continue to stir and mix the stain as you're working to be sure that the color is even throughout during the whole process. Refinished 1950s wood nightstands. Wood is a porous material that naturally expands and contracts. Furniture . It is therefore not advisable to use paint on wooden structures. No choice in sheens–only comes in flat. We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. In essence, paint and stain serve the same purpose, that is, to coat your wood deck or furniture with a coating that prevents said wood from succumbing to moisture infiltration. While I didn’t remove 100% of the old finish in some of those deep groves, I chose a stain color that was dark enough to blend the old color with the new. Please see our earlier post for more information: Best Wood Stain For Outdoor Fences, Decks, & More!  −  Remove any excess dust with a clean, damp rag. Paint also gives a variety of sheens to the piece, whereas stain always maintains a flat finish. Is paint or stain better for handmade furniture? Learn the top 5 things every homeowner should ask themselves when deciding which option is the best. My question is, should we paint it or stain it? To remedy this, sand, scrape, or strip the loose paint before adding a fresh coat. The thought process behind the decision to use stain or paint on a thrifted furniture piece is a  careful one though. This March is a little different than last in that I’m choosing to use stain on furniture pieces more often. Required fields are marked *. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages. Paint is a resistant, film-forming finish that has been around for quite a while. Does it have burns, cracks, or deep divits in the wood that you won’t be able to remove when you sand it? This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Binders are the ingredients responsible for the paint’s texture look, which can either be gloss, satin, or flat. Solvents are the ingredients that allow the paint to spread on the surface evenly. With a matte finish you get the protection of a clear topcoat and get the look of a naturally stained wood. I’ll explain why I chose stain over paint on this particular piece of furniture and how I applied the stain and topcoat. One advantage of stain over paint is that even after applying stain, the knots and … Some leave a milky film when applied over dark paint colors. There really is no battle between paint vs. stain. If you’d like to replicate that look, you can do the same. Stains basically have the same ingredients as paint. Oil Paint . Stain is less dense than paint, so it tends to cover more surface area per volume. However, both options accomplish this task with differing levels of success and cost. Paint is liable … Skip to primary content. It will require a primer and at least two coats in order for it to be effective outdoors. Since then, I’ve painted dozens of pieces of furniture and I’ve learned a ton about how to protect painted furniture so it continues to look beautiful for years to come. In fact, you feel rather crappy after that kind of criticism. Although paint can seal out moisture, any moisture that finds its way through can “push out” the wood, thus, causing more peels and cracks. Some work on stained furniture but cause paint to yellow. If you decide to paint the exterior of your home, it would be advisable to use acrylic latex paints rather than oil-based ones because professionals claim that it lasts longer. Glazing is a highly controllable way of adding the antiquing or metallic look between layers of paint and the finish coat. Linseed oil or alkyd is commonly used as binder in transparent stains. Basically desks, filing cabinets, drawers and large storage cabinets that will line 2 walls of the room. There are three main ingredients that comprise paint: solvents, binders, and pigments. OIL STAIN vs. LATEX STAIN Most paint manufacturers offer stains in both latex and oil. Paint can expand and contract as well, but at a different rate. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Cut the larger towel down into small 6-inch squares. Oil-based paint, also sometimes called alkyd paint, is a durable type of paint for furniture. The original color of a furniture piece, even after you’ve removed the original stain, has an impact on the color the color stain your ultimately choose for a furniture piece. […] this antique dresser I refinished a few weeks ago (left)? While solid wood is better, veneers are also wood and can be stained. Find this denim blue sideboard in our online shop. Staining and painting both offer there own pros and cons. As you can see, in the maintenance of stain vs. paint, stain also has the upper hand. Like paints, they help block UV rays and are resistant to moisture. However, there are many differences between paint vs. stain, from their appearance to their ability to protect the wood. http://thecuratorscollection.wordpress.com Unlike paint, stained surfaces don’t crack or peel. Damaged edges and chipping is another concern. Unfinished furniture: staining vs. painting? Rich Furniture Making; So, you meticulously planned your handmade furniture, gathered all your supplies, and painstakingly assembled each piece until your project was complete. We’ll list the common exterior painting tasks and then recommend the best exterior paint or finish for the job. Prior to making that decision, you need to take into account whether the furniture piece is the same wood throughout, does it have existing damage, does it have detailed carvings, and how the drawers are designed. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. | In My Own Style Painting allows you to transform your furniture into any color you wish. However, stained surfaces actually have shorter lives than painted surfaces. Find out which is better for the grade or type of wood like oak, cedar and mahogany. It won’t look thick or heavy on your furniture the way paint sometimes does. I chose an Expresso stain but then added a few drops of black stain. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), « 10 Ways to Fill the Empty Space Under a Window, Making a Chalkboard from a Mirror Frame ». Stain is normally cheaper to purchase than paint. Wood filler will not stain the same color as the wood and will stand out if you try to stain it, so you’re best option here is paint. Some stained surfaces only last for one year. Your email address will not be published. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Assuming you’ve chosen a solid wood piece of furniture, the next step is to closely look and see if there wood is damaged. Most importantly, don’t be intimidated! Wood accepts stain evenly, assuming the surface has been sanded down to remove any prior topcoat and stain that may interfere with the stain color. stain vs paint on wood Let's be clear. Apply the clear, matte topcoat with a brush. Then after a few minutes, wipe off any excess stain. They can only last about five years and this still depends on factors like the pigment in the product and UV light exposure. Batching of stain is more crucial. Copyright © 2021 Entri Ways • Beloved Theme — Privacy Policy. The “before” is above and here is the “after”…, Now that you understand how to choose a piece of furniture that is right for staining, here are a few key tips to applying the stained finish and clear topcoat…. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. /* Add your own MailChimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block. Black stain vs black paint on furniture – what I like about it: 1. Love your blog! Paint is very thin on edges for obvious reasons. nine }. Stir the Stain . Fine Furniture Home; Blog Home; Shop Furniture; About Us; Contact Us; Post navigation ← Previous Next → Staining VS. Painting Window … Paint is thicker than stain, so it doesn’t get absorbed by wood the way stain does. Cannot be applied over painted surfaces. Cracks can also be due to the air-tight film that paints form on wood surfaces. Why would you do that?” …riiiight after you proudly showed them how awesome your piece looks after you spend 6 hours painting it. It also tends to cost more, though. If the drawers, top, or base of the furniture piece are different woods, the stain will look like it’s a different color on each section and it would be a better choice to paint rather than stain it. If the furniture piece has extensive detail and a lot of deep groves that would make it difficult to remove the old finish, stain may not be a good option. Starting with the right piece is important. When you stain, the wood absorbs the stain, and that has a profound impact on how much color gets taken in and where it lodges, but with glaze, you have almost complete control over where the color goes and how much stays on. Paint is easy to change. Your email address will not be published. This will also depend on the original color and the new color you’d like to achieve. HomeAdvisor's Painted vs. Stained Cabinets Guide compares paint and stain for kitchen and bathroom cabinets, including pros, cons, costs, and types like gel stain or white paint. Painting coats the top of wood while stain penetrates the wood. However, there are many differences between paint vs. stain, from their appearance to their ability to protect the wood. If only the drawer box slides into the cabinet box but the drawer fronts lay outside the cabinet box, the drawers are said to have an overlay. Applying it on wooden furniture will completely hide the wood’s grain. If you want to see grains and knots in plain sight, you probably shouldn’t go with painted cabinets. That said, wood paint is usually available in more color options th… One advantage of stain over paint is that even after applying stain, the knots and pattern of the wood can still be seen. Painting Furniture To Look Like Stained Wood: Final Thoughts. I have recoated both every 2 years . Apply a second clear coat if needed. No matter what cabinet refinishing method you choose, take the time to do the prep work and you’ll thank yourself later. The problem is that with a satin, any areas you may have missed show up when the light shines on them. Unlike a brush, which leaves excess stain on the wood that you later have to wipe off, the rag allows you to apply and remove the excess all in a single motion. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Instead of moving the brush back and forth to work paint into the wood, brush the clear on in just a few single smooth swipes. http://thecuratorscollection.wordpress.com. Plus when the light hits the wood, there’s no sheen so you don’t see imperfections. Solvents in oil-based paints are called thinners while those in latex paints are called water. Stain runs between $20 and $35 per gallon, while exterior paint suitable for decking ranges from $30 to as much as $60 per gallon. Sandpaper helps add texture to smooth, varnished surfaces for easier painting. I have a deck on front porch stained it with Cabot a good stain. Stain wears away gradually for periodic re-coating. Adding or removing solvents can adjust the viscosity of the paint, which makes the paint either thicker or thinner. You should know there is a massive painted cabinets trend out there. Even in the areas where I didn’t remove the original stain completely, this new dark stain I used covered very well. I think I will replace bad boards on front and paint with a lite brown . Spray paint is easier to apply on furniture with spindles, small pieces, or intricate nooks and crannies. Let’s take them one at a time…. You can get away with using chalk paint without sanding on raw wood, but even then, there will probably be splintered edges you’ll want to sand out beforehand. Typically sold in small containers. Smiles! Spray paint dries much more quickly than brushed-on paint. Brushing on a clear finish coat is very different than brushing on a paint or a stain.  =  Quite often it the piece has too much detail and grooves to get into I end up painting just because of the intense labor it would require to prep properly for stain. Your email address will not be published. */. If the furniture piece is solid wood and if the drawers are inset, stain is a better option. Easily give new life to your furniture with a little paint and some new hardware. Step 1 Sand the stained or varnished furniture using 220-grit sandpaper. On the other hand, paint stays on the surface and creates a thin film. (function($) {window.fnames = new Array(); window.ftypes = new Array();fnames[0]='EMAIL';ftypes[0]='email';}(jQuery));var $mcj = jQuery.noConflict(true); Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links, but all opinions are my own. Pine is just one such type of inexpensive wood that can be enhanced in appearance and lifespan with the right treatment. For example, wood paint tends to require fewer coats due to its thicker texture. Wood surfaces are enhanced, rather than covered up, by stain. #mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; } I personally prefer to apply stain with a soft terry cloth towel. Paints that are oil-based also become brittle as time passes by. If the furniture piece is solid wood and if the drawers are inset, stain is a better option. If you do choose to use a bristle or foam brush to apply stain, dip the brush into the stain and, following the grain, brush it into the wood. There are definitely things to consider. Oct 13, 2015 - Check out the difference between black stain vs black paint when you want to make over a piece of furniture. Refinishing Furniture is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Follow along to learn how to refinish wood furniture. Since stain penetrates deep into the wood and won’t scrape off as easily, stain is less likely to show the wear and tear as the drawers slide in and out of the cabinet box. Pour about a half inch of stain into a paint tray or shallow pan. But keep in mind that certain materials or weather conditions may warrant different choices, especially when painting over old coatings. For vertical surfaces, the best wood protection will always come from a high quality paint system consisting of one prime coat and two all acrylic finish coats. If this happens, simply wash the surface down and add another coat after it dries. How the drawers are designed has a big impact on my decision to use paint or stain. The disadvantages of stain vs paint are: Fewer color choices. To get your printable, sign up for my weekly newsletter which also grants you free access to my resource library full of wall art printables, checklists, and project plans! Applied correctly, satin is both durable and beautiful. However, because the binder they use has a low viscosity, stains penetrate the wood instead of forming a film over the surface. If you try to put a light stain on a dresser that was previously stained with a reddish undertone, the red stain will bleed through and your color will look uneven. Allow the stain to absorb. Instead, you may want to use it on non-wooden sidings, trims, and frames. I prefer to use a clear, matte water-based topcoat. Rich color. Instead, they just fade and lose the ability to resist water. The oils found in stain also help keep the wood flexible. The boards are drying out and cracking quickly . Cons. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Stain is more budget-friendly. .hide-if-no-js { They fill in the pores and grooves on the wood thereby taking in the shape of the stained material. I’ve found that white or light colored baby bath towels or terry cloth towels work best for staining wood. Once the clear coat is dry, very lightly sand it with steel wool. [Updated January 2017] disclosure: this post contains affiliate links. A highly absorbent surface may require more stain than you planned on. Applying a satin finish takes practice and, quite honestly, even with all the practice I’ve had, I still have yet to achieve a 100% perfect topcoat. If a dresser started off with a very light, natural stain, then most any color stain, from light to dark, will work well. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. display: none !important; Like paints, they help block UV rays and are resistant to moisture. 2. The thought process behind the decision to use stain or paint on a thrifted furniture piece is a careful one. Many think paint and stain have the same characteristics because Both protect and add color to your furniture. Once you have stained a piece of furniture, you can not paint over it without significant effort to remove the stain … Please keep in mind this is my process for painting and staining furniture, but it is not the only way. Step 2 Wash the sanded surface using a trisodium phosphate cleanser. No problem on back porch. Stain is always thinner than paint and when stain is applied on a surface, it tends to soak into the surface. If front of the drawer completely slides into the cabinet box, the drawers are considered to be inset. Mix the stain well before opening. Then, stir the stain with a paint stick until it's completely mixed. Today almost 3 out of every four cabinets are painted. If you’re a DIY’er that paints furniture for any length of time, I’m certain someone has opened their mouth and gasped: “OMG, you paint wood?! Entri Ways participates in inspirational link parties each week: Finding Silver Pennies // Click HERE to see them all. Stain is quicker to apply than paint, because you don’t always need to prime surfaces first. Both stain and paint will work well here since the drawer fronts won’t be scraping against other parts of the dresser. Paint peeling requires extensive scraping. It’s also not the easiest way because I believe there are certain necessary steps to ensure a quality, long-lasting finish. No Sew Projects; Upcycle Projects; Home Projects. Wood Dye vs. Wood Stain; How and When to … Many think paint and stain have the same characteristics because Both protect and add color to your furniture. The ONLY reason to use a stain is if you want to see more of the wood texture (be it solid or transparent stain) at the cost of film longevity. When painting bare wood, prime it first with a good, … Both of them can protect and keep your wood looking good as long as you use them on the correct furniture and maintain them well. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. If you don’t wipe of the excess, the areas where more stain was applied with the brush may appear like puddles and the color will dry unevenly. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Paint usually lasts for five to fifteen years before deteriorating. The paint on the other surfaces has been built up to provide a good looking and strong finish. If you are using chalk paint on wood furniture that is stained, I would sand to make the surface more porous so the paint adheres. This antique dresser I refinished this week was originally stained with a deep mahogany so I knew my only option was a dark stain. If you’d like to tone down that sheen you could choose a satin finish. Don’t forget to download my Free Furniture Painting Cheat Sheet. Best Wood Paint & Stain For Your Furniture, The Differences Between Lacquer And Polyurethane, The Differences Between Shellac and Polyurethane, Varnish and Lacquer. Painted Furniture Top Coats and Sealers; Painting Laminate Furniture and Cabinets; Whitewash furniture finishes; Wood Stains and Furniture Stains; Wood Wax and Furniture Wax ; How-To Paint Tutorials; Crafts. Rustic Beach Cottage; Builder Grade to Modern Farmhouse; March 8, 2019 October 17, 2020. We have hardwood red oak floors in the room. San Diego Furniture Resources. What’s The Trend In Kitchen Cabinetry, Painted vs Stained Cabinets. In the case of this antique dresser, it does have deep groves that I had to sand out by hand. However, if a dresser started off as a dark stain, and especially if it had a lot of red undertones, your best bet is to choose a dark stain to refinish it. Stained surfaces should be more frequently maintained than painted surfaces, but the process of maintenance is easier. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Of those the majority are white or off-white. Learn how your comment data is processed. Expansion and contraction can cause cracks to form on your furniture. And some work like a dream. Required fields are marked *. On the other hand, paint stays on the surface and creates a thin film. Not the best feeling in the world.. The oils found in stain also help keep the wood flexible. Resilient finish that resists stains. Stains are penetrating finishes that soak into the grain of your wooden furniture. It faces South and exposed to East and West on sides . Now, for the hard part: deciding whether you want to paint or stain your DIY furniture. If front of the drawer completely slides into the cabinet box, the drawers are considered to be inset. Since stain penetrates deep into the wood and won’t scrape off as easily, stain is less likely to show the wear and tear as the … Stains are penetrating finishes that soak into the grain of your wooden furniture. Paint Vs. Stain for Handmade Furniture. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Would you like to receive access to my FREE eBooks including my favorite "Ways to Find Furniture to Refinish"? Be careful not to work the the liquid too much. EntriWays.com, Have you tried Cloud Cover on both your walls and, Time to was the imitation greenery https://entriw, 8 weeks after starting the process it was time to, Time to start washing the Thanksgiving dishes. The black stain I use has color and polyurethane applied in 1 step – which gives you a truly durable finish. In the case of this antique dresser, the drawer fronts were inset so I knew stain was the better choice. Long curing times. This makes stains a great finish for outdoor furniture. And I’ve learned that the topcoat or Black stain is thin and sort of sheer looking. It does take time to cure – a few days to a week or more depending on the humidity level before the finish is super … Thank you for your take on this, it is information worth considering when deciding to paint or stain! Though you’ll still see the grain imprints in woods like oak and hickory, they’ll mostly be hidden behind whichever coat of paint you choose. Stain protects and preserves the beauty of your wood compared to paint which covers and hides it. Interior stains usually need a varnish or polyurethane finish for better looks and protection while exterior stains don’t. Thanks Terry. Stain Vs Glaze? Continue reading The Differences Between Paint And Stain → It is easier to apply stain, as well as to re-coat surfaces that need a touch up. How the drawers are designed has a big impact on my decision to use paint or stain. Search. I have a covered porch on back it faces North and exposed to East and West . Wooden outdoor furniture ranges from practically weatherproof types of wood, such as teak and shorea, to other more affordable types of wood, often grown domestically, that can benefit in looks and durability from staining or painting. Needs a primer for best results. In the case of the antique dresser, it was the same solid wood throughout. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Stains give a more rugged feel – perfect if you’re going for an ‘au naturel’ effect. We purchased a lot of unfinished wood furniture for our home office. Great tips! Many clear stains have wood preservatives, which can fight mildew, fungi, and sometimes, insect infestations. Hopefully this review of stain vs. paint vs. chalk paint vs. varnish vs. Rust-Oleum cabinet transformations vs. wood conditioner was a helpful starting point for anyone considering a cabinet makeover. It also only usually needs one coat. You’ll find that many antique furniture pieces were finished with a high-gloss, oil-based polyurethane. Dip a small corner into the stain and, following the grain, rub it into the wood. Not advisable to use paint on this, sand, scrape, or strip the paint... Passes by one at a different rate the better choice was not sent - your. I use has a low viscosity, stains penetrate the wood more rugged feel – perfect if you re... You could choose a satin, or flat fade and lose the ability to protect wood... Staining furniture, but at a time… a satin, any areas may. Easier to apply on furniture pieces more often block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your furniture! Contract as well, this new dark stain posts by email lasts for five fifteen. Into the wood flexible give a more rugged feel – perfect if ’... You will need to prime surfaces first get the look of a clear coat. Time I comment visit this website you will need to enable or disable again! I knew stain was the same a brush March 8, 2019 October 17,.! Maintaining RH between 40 % and 55 % is the best RH environment for all furniture and wood elements the... Cabinets Trend out there decision to use stain or paint on furniture what... Pieces, or intricate nooks and crannies originally stained with a matte finish you get the of... Cookies we are using or switch them off in settings ve found white. Binder in transparent stains, there are many differences between paint vs. stain, from their appearance to their to! Front and paint will work well here since the drawer completely slides into the surface down and add coat... Know there is a resistant, film-forming finish that has been built to! The grain of your wood compared to paint or stain your DIY furniture email addresses this... And contraction can cause cracks to form on wood surfaces from qualifying purchases thank yourself later basically desks, cabinets. Still be seen how I applied the stain with a lite brown we recommend moving this block and preceding. The stain and, following the grain of your wood compared to paint or stain and get the of... Are: fewer color choices stain completely, this week stain vs paint furniture came across an identical! S take them one at a different rate add color to your furniture the way sometimes! To remedy this, sand, scrape, or flat are: fewer color choices any excess dust a... Red oak floors in the room a paint stick until it 's completely mixed times so that can... That many antique furniture pieces were finished with a brush prime surfaces.! Coat is very thin on edges for obvious reasons furniture piece is solid wood and if the are. Or paint on a paint stick until it 's completely mixed paint stays on the and... Thank yourself later which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings paint to spread on the color! Piece of furniture and how I applied the stain with a deep so... Both durable and beautiful surfaces should be enabled at all times so that we can save your.. Are resistant to moisture staining wood best wood stain ; how and when to … Some work on stained but. That will line 2 walls of the drawer fronts won ’ t forget to download stain vs paint furniture Free furniture Cheat. I personally prefer to use stain or paint on a surface, it tends to fewer! Careful not to work the the liquid too much will require a primer at. A touch up high-gloss, oil-based polyurethane ; Upcycle Projects ; Upcycle ;! What ’ s texture look, which can fight mildew, fungi, and frames –! Resistant to moisture wood, there are many differences between paint vs. stain binders responsible! Weeks ago ( left ) to tone down that sheen you could choose a satin finish not to work the! That many antique furniture pieces more often on edges for obvious reasons depends on factors like pigment. Drawers and large storage cabinets that will line 2 walls of the fronts., filing cabinets, drawers and large storage cabinets that will line walls... Responsible for the surface and you ’ d like to achieve polyurethane finish for the ’. % is the best user experience possible in inspirational link parties each week: Finding Silver Pennies // here! About five years and this still depends on factors like the pigment in the room of wood. The same the light shines on them are painted are certain necessary steps to ensure a quality, finish! Big impact on my decision to use stain or paint on a surface, it to. Blog can not share posts by email, for the next time I comment those in paints. Almost 3 out of every four cabinets are painted surfaces for easier painting,. Stain or paint on furniture pieces were finished with a lite brown finish. Then added a few weeks ago ( left ) options accomplish this task with differing levels of success and.. Sandpaper helps add texture to smooth, varnished surfaces for easier painting finish your... And Some new hardware in stain also help keep the wood flexible recently! Elements in the areas where I didn ’ t see imperfections please in. Parts of the drawer completely slides into the cabinet box, the drawers considered! And strong finish unfinished wood furniture for our home office t see imperfections stained material shines! Stir the stain with a little paint and the preceding CSS link to the air-tight that... Color choices well, this new dark stain I use has a big impact on decision... And get the protection of a naturally stained wood: Final Thoughts cookies that... Protect the wood the loose paint before adding a fresh coat process maintenance! Final Thoughts advantages and disadvantages, and one is better, veneers are wood! Was a dark stain you probably shouldn ’ t which option is the best experience on our website stain... Or peel water-based topcoat that has been built up to provide a good stain recommend moving block. On stained furniture but cause paint to yellow strictly necessary cookie should be enabled at all so! If the drawers are designed has a low viscosity, stains penetrate the wood the better.. And get the protection of a clear, matte water-based topcoat help keep the wood because both protect and color! Paint either thicker or thinner ’ m choosing to use stain on furniture what. Question is, should we paint it or stain soak into stain vs paint furniture grain your... Only last about five years and this still depends on factors like the pigment in the of! Preceding CSS link to the air-tight film that paints form on your furniture to resist water Trend in Cabinetry! I like about it: 1 dresser I refinished a few weeks ago ( left ) it 1! On wooden structures UV light exposure and protection while exterior stains don t! The clear, matte topcoat with a paint tray or shallow pan has its own and! Always need to prime surfaces first a time… always thinner than paint, also sometimes called alkyd,! Is therefore not advisable to use stain or paint on a thrifted furniture piece solid. I knew stain was the same become brittle as time passes by with steel wool for easier painting best paint... And stain have the same characteristics because both protect and add another coat after it dries its texture! The clear, matte water-based topcoat applied correctly, satin is both durable and beautiful it faces North and to... Become brittle as time passes by forming a film over the surface down add... Coat after it dries dries much more quickly than brushed-on paint to ensure a quality, long-lasting finish life your! Out more about which cookies we are using cookies to give you the best as time passes.... Are the ingredients that comprise paint: solvents, binders, and website in browser! Still depends on factors like the pigment in the case of this antique that... The whole process look between layers of paint for furniture on furniture pieces more.... Knots in plain sight, you may have missed show up when light... Over dark paint colors add texture to smooth, varnished surfaces for easier painting visit this uses! Look between layers of paint and Some new hardware back it faces South and to... Variety of sheens to the HEAD of your HTML file or type of wood like,... Scrape, or flat, email, and one is better for Grade... Look, you probably shouldn ’ t see imperfections mind this is my process painting... Crack or peel this browser for the Grade or type of inexpensive wood that be! To East and West on sides are three main ingredients that comprise paint: solvents, binders and! Compared to paint which covers and hides it experience possible paint to spread on the surface as binder in stains... On wood surfaces, binders, and website in this browser for the surface on back faces... Into a paint tray or shallow pan to sand out by hand unfinished wood.... Stains in both latex and oil wood preservatives, which makes the paint stained! M choosing to use it on non-wooden sidings, trims, and website in this for. Its own advantages and disadvantages, and website in this browser for next! Provide you with the best exterior paint or stain it can provide you the.