Expert: Eileen Cronk - 11/8/2007

Question
Hi Eileen,
I really need your help.  I have a ugly pine stained and varnised entertainment center I want to paint a dark stain or maybe paint it dark.  I don't want to waste alot of time on it.  I want to paint or stain right over it. No sanding or taking off the old stain.  I thought I saw on the Home Improvement channel a stain that was dark that I can use right over the stained varnish piece?  Is there such a thing?  Home Depot did not know what I was talking about.  The piece is not worth alot of time and care, but I am tired of the pine look.  what do you think?

Answer
Hi Diane
Nice to hear from you.
First prep the surface by giving it a scrub with TSP.
Use medium steel wool as a scrubber.
TSP is sold in powder form at all hardware stores.
Mix as per directions.
Thats all the prep...no sanding.
Never heard of the product you mention, but you can buy tinted varnish that you can "paint" over top this finish.
It comes in dark colors and is about the only quick fix I can think of.
Good Luck and great question
Regards
Eileen