Some people would never paint stained wood; they’d rather remove the dark stain and refinish the wood naturally. But some dark wood molding was stained to cover up imperfect or mismatched grain, so it’s not worth refinishing. This dark stain is found in some older homes, which dates the rooms and their furnishings. One way to brighten the look is by painting the molding in a lighter shade. While this is not a one-step process or quick fix, it can be a fresh transformation that’s worth the time and effort it takes.
The process involves first washing the woodwork with a household detergent solution so it’s clean and free of any dirt or grease, and then rinsing it with clear water. When dry, sand down any rough surfaces or imperfections; then scuff sand the stained wood before priming and painting. Apply a stain killing primer, like Bulls Eye 1-2-3 or Kilz Complete, followed by a high quality alkyd or latex enamel paint to finish the wood and protect the surface.
A painting contractor will charge $696, including labor and material, to clean, prime and paint 300 linear feet of stained woodwork in a house. You can do it yourself for $145, the cost of the primer and paint, and pocket a 79% saving. Use plenty of masking tape and drop cloths to protect the surrounding surfaces and furnishings. All these steps require drying time in between, so it’s a good project for a homeowner who can schedule the time to make the different applications.
To find more DIY project costs and to post comments and questions, visit www.diyornot.com and m.diyornot.com on smartphones.
Pro Cost — DIY Cost — Pro time — DIY Time — DIY Savings — Percent Saved
$696 — $145 — 8.3 — 20.0 — $551 — 79%
