Home Garden

How to Apply a Stain on Top of Paint

Gel wood stain can successfully be applied over a previously painted wood surface to create a new look without spending a lot of money. Homeowners can apply the gel stain over paint to create a wood-textured look or to give a wood surface a distressed or aged antique feel.

Things You'll Need

  • Water
  • Dish detergent
  • Paint stir stick
  • Gel stain
  • Stain sponge
  • Lint-free rag
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean the painted surface with warm water mixed with dish detergent.

    • 2

      Stir the gel stain with a paint stir stick until it is mixed well.

    • 3

      Apply an even coat of gel stain over the entire surface using a stain sponge or paintbrush.

    • 4

      Wipe excess stain away with a lint-free rag, quickly wiping with the grain of the wood.

    • 5

      Wait for the wood to dry overnight.