After applying the stain over the varnished wood surface, let the wood dry completely before going for the second coat of stain. Once you’re done with wet sanding, take 400 grit sandpaper and do regular sanding all over the wood area. The number of varnish coats depends on the surface type. For instance, you need one (1) varnish coat for indoor low-traffic wooden surfaces and three (3) varnish coats for outdoor wooden surfaces. Does Varnish Change the Paint Color?

Don’t use coarse-grit or medium-grit sandpaper as it will remove the paint finish instead of smoothing it. 2. Apply The Varnish A (wood) stain is very similar to a paint; it is designed to colour the substrate, although it does not leave a protective film as it is designed to be absorbed. Because it is absorbed, it means that the grain will be seen through the colour and the extent of this is largely dependent on how opaque the pigment in the stain is. Sand down lightly after the first application and if necessary apply another coat. This will make the colour bolder and darker. We would strongly recommend practicing on an off cut to get the measure of the stain before you start on the real thing, especially if you’re not familiar with using stains. Even if you are, it is important to see how the stain will work with your particular wood you are using.I’ve certainly learned a lot from my own experiences with staining over varnish, and I’m happy to share what I’ve discovered. Choose the Right Stain So, try to go with thin coats to spread the stain evenly throughout the wood with uniform absorption.

Apply 2-3 varnish coats over paint with a paint sprayer or roller. Wait until one coat dries before applying the next one. Water-based varnish takes around 6 hours to dry between coats, while oil-based varnish takes around 24 hours.

Applying a Stain

In my experience, investing in good brushes from the get-go will save you a lot of time and frustration. And, they’re reusable for future projects! Can You Use Gel Stain Over Varnish?