Paints

The right paint and prep make wood surfaces last and look professional. This section covers choosing paint, priming and prepping, application technique, and removing old paint.

Choosing paint: what paint to use on wood, Behr options, Rust-Oleum on wood, and Kilz vs Kilz 2.

Prep & priming: paint over stained wood and stop cabinet paint chipping, white wood primer, and removing sanding dust before you paint.

Technique: smoothest cabinet finish, antique painting, and painting veneer.

Removal: strip paint from trim and get paint off skin, and does vinegar remove paint.

For finishing beyond paint (stain, oil, poly), see our wood finishing guide.

What kind of paint should I use on wood? Acrylic latex is the versatile all-rounder; use oil-based or a bonding primer for glossy, stained, or high-wear surfaces.

Can you paint over stained wood? Yes — clean, lightly sand, and apply a bonding primer first so the paint adheres and won’t peel.