Ask A Decorator: Covering Dark Stain

Dear Decorator:

We have an older home with a great deal of workwood throughout. Unfortunately, the banisters and trim were stained a red oak color from the previous homeowners. The red oak color does not go with our family's decor and we'd like to paint it a lighter color. We aren't sure how to paint over stain though. We hope you can help.
-Michelle P.
 San Francisco, CA

Dear Michelle,

Your home sounds wonderful with all of the woodwork. Fortunately, the task at hand is not a difficult one. Simply seal any stained area with a shellac that is white-pigmented. You can also use a stain blocker. Both stain blockers and pigmented shellacs are designed to prevent stains from bleeding through to the new paint. Be sure to read the back of the containers carefully to ensure it will work for you.

Thanks for the great question and good luck decorating your new home.