Yes, you can stain over varnish, but it requires using specific types of products designed for this purpose, such as stain and polyurethane blends. Traditional wood stain is absorbed into bare wood fibers, so it cannot penetrate a sealed surface like varnish. However, modern products offer a solution by acting more like a tinted topcoat that adheres to the existing finish.
Using Stain and Polyurethane Blends Over Varnish
Products that combine stain and polyurethane are formulated to adhere to existing finishes, allowing you to change the color of your wood without the extensive labor of stripping.
According to product information, PolyShades stain and polyurethane also allows you to easily change the color of your currently stained or varnished wood without stripping. This means:
- Over old varnish you can change the color without removing the old finish or hiding the grain.
These products contain pigment or dye suspended within a durable polyurethane clear coat. When applied over varnish, the tinted polyurethane layer adheres to the surface, providing a new color tint while the clear coat protects the wood.
Key Benefits of Staining Over Varnish with Blends
Opting for stain and polyurethane blends when working over varnish offers several advantages:
- Avoids Stripping: The labor-intensive and messy process of stripping the old varnish is unnecessary.
- Changes Color: You can effectively alter the hue of your varnished wood.
- Maintains Grain Visibility: Unlike opaque paints, these products often allow the natural wood grain to show through, preserving the wood's character.
- Adds Protection: The polyurethane component provides a new layer of durable finish.
While specific surface preparation like thorough cleaning and possibly light sanding is often recommended for best adhesion, the major step of removing the old varnish is avoided, making it a much simpler process for updating the look of varnished wood.
