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Paint over stained wood.
Pine, mahogany or oak knots — degreased, primed with knot-block and finished to a clean opaque coat.
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Costs, timelines, pitfalls and the right questions to ask before any decorator starts on painting Over Stained Wood.
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Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Tannin bleed-through
Oak and pine tannins leak through paint within months without stain blocker. Always use proper primer.
Wax under paint
Old waxed wood has waxy surface — paint won't adhere. Remove with white spirit or denatured alcohol.
Knot bleed
Cheap knot-block (just paint) doesn't work. Use shellac-based knot block.
Adhesion failure on shiny varnish
Sand sufficiently — 180-grit to fully break the surface.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Zinsser BIN per litreShellac stain blocker
£30–£50
Zinsser Coverstain per litreWater-based, lower VOC
£20–£40
Knot block (shellac) per 250mlTouch-up
£10–£25
Internal door with stain blockBoth sides, full system
£120–£250
Skirting and architrave per metreIncluding prep
£10–£25
Stair handrail and spindlesFull staircase
£500–£2k
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
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Old varnished or stained woodwork can be painted with the right preparation — but cheap quotes that skip the stain-block primer fail within months. Expect to pay £80–£300 per door or feature for proper UK painting over stained wood.
What Does the Work Involve?
The existing finish is sanded with 180-grit to break the surface. Any wax (common on heritage wood) removed with denatured alcohol. Knots and resin pockets treated with shellac knot-blocker. Stain-block primer applied (Zinsser BIN shellac-based or Zinsser Coverstain water-based). Two top coats of finish applied — eggshell, satinwood or gloss. The key is the primer system — without it, tannins bleed through within months.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zinsser BIN per litre | 30 | 50 | Shellac stain blocker |
| Zinsser Coverstain per litre | 20 | 40 | Water-based, lower VOC |
| Knot block (shellac) per 250ml | 10 | 25 | Touch-up |
| Internal door with stain block | 120 | 250 | Both sides, full system |
| Skirting and architrave per metre | 10 | 25 | Including prep |
| Stair handrail and spindles | 500 | 2,000 | Full staircase |
| Tannin-bleed remedial repaint | 200 | 800 | If first attempt failed |
How Long Does It Take?
Single door with full stain-block system: 1 day with overnight drying. Staircase: 2–4 days. Whole-house woodwork: 5–7 days.
DIY or Professional?
DIY-able with quality stain-block primer. The key is patience — apply primer and wait 24 hours before top coats. Cheap shortcuts (skipping the primer) cause failure.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
Any decorator. Confirm they're using proper stain-block primer (Zinsser BIN or Coverstain), not just water-based primer-undercoat. Insist on the primer being visible (typically white) before top coats.
UK Regulations
Lead-paint regulations on pre-1960s woodwork. Shellac primers have higher VOC — ventilation needed during application.
Common Problems
- Tannin bleed-through: Oak and pine tannins leak through paint within months without stain blocker. Always use proper primer.
- Wax under paint: Old waxed wood has waxy surface — paint won't adhere. Remove with white spirit or denatured alcohol.
- Knot bleed: Cheap knot-block (just paint) doesn't work. Use shellac-based knot block.
- Adhesion failure on shiny varnish: Sand sufficiently — 180-grit to fully break the surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's Zinsser BIN?
Shellac-based stain-blocking primer — the gold standard for blocking tannins, water stains, smoke damage and odours. Pungent during application but unbeatable for stain block.
BIN or Coverstain?
BIN: shellac-based, fastest dry, lowest VOC odour issues but pungent during application. Coverstain: water-based, lower VOC, slower dry, less effective on extreme stains.
Can I paint over varnish?
Yes — sand with 180-grit to break the surface, apply adhesion primer (Bedec MSP, Otex) plus stain blocker if needed, then top coats.
Tannin bleed-through after I painted — fix?
Apply BIN over the visible bleed, allow to cure, repaint top coats. Don't just paint more emulsion over — it'll bleed through again.
Best paint for new pine?
Knot-block primer first (shellac), then water-based primer-undercoat, then two coats satinwood or gloss.
Will the stain bleed eventually anyway?
With proper primer system: no, for 10+ years. Cheap or single-coat primer attempts: yes, within 12 months.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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