The transition from solvent to low volatile organic compound and eco-friendly paint is a megatrend in the Asia Pacific region, and waterborne wood paint is still in the early stage of this transition. The most challenging technical problem is paint discoloration that can serve as a sensor for the malfunction of the paint system caused by tannin staining. This is a brownish or tan discoloration on the paint surface owing to the migration of tannin from the wood substrate through the paint film. A typical remedy is to apply an oil sealant in the presence of a tannin-inhibiting agent or a cationic resin in a base coat. This may lead to the constraints of multiple paint applications constraints, additional paint makeup steps, and unwanted chemical substance management. The described waterborne wood paint that is formulated with alumina surface-coated TiO2 (Al–TiO2) in combination with an anionic acrylate resin system demonstrates exceptional tannin stain resistance in comparison with silica/alumina surface-coated TiO2 (Si–Al–TiO2). A good compatibility with an acrylate resin system and a strong affinity toward tannin for alumina on a pigment surface are instrumental in mitigating waterborne wood paint discoloration.