Most of us prefer oil-based paint when painting kitchen cabinets or house walls due to its glossy and smooth texture. But, this choice can become a bad idea when we want to change the color and opt for acrylic paints.
So, can you put acrylic stain over oil stain? You cannot directly put acrylic stain over oil stain because of the difference in the nature of the two oils.
Now, let’s discuss other stains and get to know whether we can apply acrylic stain over oil stain in them as well.
Can You Put Acrylic Stain Over Oil Stain?
You should avoid putting acrylic stain over oil stain. It is because acrylic and oil stains don’t blend well. When you put a layer of acrylic paint over the oil stain, the acrylic stain will start peeling off. But why does it happen? Here’s the reason. Oils tend to release the gases present inside them from time to time. This phenomenon does not happen in acrylics. Instead, acrylics are unbreathable.
When we put a layer of acrylic stain on the oil stain, the gases released by oil will get trapped. As they try to escape, the gases will cause cracks in the acrylic layer. The result will be the acrylic stain peeling and falling off.
Can You Use Acrylic Paint On Oil-Stained Wood?
Yes, you can use acrylic paint on oil-stained wood. While painting wood with oil-based paints is a common practice, adding another layer of acrylic paint can be a confusing yet thrilling idea for some.
Luckily, painting over oil-stained wood with acrylic paint will cause no harm. However, there are a few steps you might need to follow. They will help you prepare the wood before applying acrylic paint to oil-stained wood.
Steps to follow:
- The first step is to sand the wood. Make sure to scuff it in the direction of the wood grains to achieve a smooth surface throughout.
- The next step is to use trisodium phosphate (TSP). While wearing safety gloves, add a quarter cup of TSP into one gallon of warm water. Then, soak a sponge in it and use it to clean the surface. It will help grab any dirt and grime.
- Then, you can also use a clean and damp cloth to gently clean the outer layer and ensure that no wood grains stay on the wood.
- Now, leave the wood to dry completely.
- Once dried, you can paint acrylic over the wood.
- Experts also recommend adding a layer of primer on the oil-stained wood before applying acrylic paint to it. It will prevent the acrylic paint from peeling off.
Can You Put Oil Stain Over Latex Stain?
You cannot apply latex stain over oil stain. But you can definitely put oil stain over latex stain. However, like all other kinds of stains, you need to prepare the surface well before applying a layer of oil stain.
It is because latex is water-based. So, it is incompatible with oil-based stains. Applying oil stain over latex stain may not be a bad idea because the oil stain will be at the top layer. So, the gases from oil stain can quickly diffuse out without cracking the surface of latex stain.
Here are a few steps that can help you paint the oil stain over latex stain and protect them from any issues later.
Steps to follow:
- Scuff the latex surface using sandpaper. This step will help create a new profile to which the oil stain can stick.
- Then, use a sponge dipped in trisodium phosphate (TSP) and water solution to clean the sanded layer. It will remove all the dirt and debris.
- Next, you can use a damp cloth for the final clean finish.
- Apply a high-quality primer. The primer will act as a layer between the latex coating and oil stain. As oil and latex stains don’t bond well together, the primer coating will make them stick and prevent falling off.
- Now, you can put the final layer of oil stain.
Can You Stain Over Oil Stain?
Yes, you can stain over the oil stain! However, a simple rule can help you attain the perfect finish instead of messing with the texture of the actual paint. So, before painting the stain over an oil stain, make sure the oil stain is completely dry.
It is best to leave the oil stain to dry for at least 72 hours as a general rule of thumb. Then, you can stain over it. This rule is generally for applying water-based stains over oil stains.
Can You Stain Over Oiled Wood?
Luckily, you can stain over oiled wood! Applying stain over oiled wood is a better idea for those who don’t want the color to penetrate the wood. The oil layer acts as a barrier and protects the surface of the wood.
So, oiled wood can definitely be stained. However, you need to ensure that you are applying oil-based products. It is because they can penetrate the oiled wood better, allowing you to get the brightest and best color you wanted!
However, using water-based stains over oiled wood will still cause no harm.
Can I Use Water-Based Stain Over Oil-Based Stain?
Yes, you can use a water-based stain over the oil-based stain. Also, you can use oil-based stain over water-based paint. Both stains can blend well without causing any uneven texture or peeling off of the top layer.
However, like all other stains, applying water-based paints over oil-based stains also comes with a few precautions. A better idea is to let the underneath layer dry out completely before you apply the second layer.
In other words, you should leave the oil-based stain for 72 hours to dry out before you apply water-based stain to it.
Final Thoughts
Although you cannot put acrylic stain over oil stain, you can try many other combinations to paint your house walls or cabinets. In almost every case, you need to scuff the underneath layer to make the top layer prominent.
However, when putting water-based paint over oil-based paint and vice versa, you don’t need to scuff the surface.
