Can I stain over varathane?

Question

I over sanded after I put on the first top coat of varathane (I found out after that you only need to sand before the last top coat) and removed some of my stain. I want to know if I can just re-stain over the top coat and wipe off the excess or if it will all need to be sanded off and re-done

Answer 1

you cant stain over it but what you can do is buy a product called "deglosser" sold in the paint dept of most hardware stores.  you apply this to the varathane and you only need to let it set on it for a couple of mins. then wipe off.  this will prepare your project for the stain..there is no sanding or harsh chemicals needed.

Answer 2

You will have to do a complete sanding job to remove every trace of Varathane.

Answer 3

Doubtful you will be able to get varathane or polyurethane to take any kind of stain.  That is not what they are made for .  They are made to seal in the stain color and protect the wood.

Afraid you are going to have to sand it off, or use some kind of chemical stripper plus sand a bit, to get the stain directly to the wood.

After that, you let it dry, then reapply the protective coat.