Dark Wood Stain Lightening Methods
There are a number of methods that are used to lighten the dark wood stain, some of them are mentioned below:
Top Coat
If the wood has the top coat finish of the lacquer, varnish, or polyurethane, then it must be completely removed. The steps to remove the finish are mentioned below:
- Chemical Stripper: Apply a small amount of the chemical stripper to the surface and allow it to soak in the surface for about 10 minutes.
- Scrape & Dry: After that scrape the finish with the help of the scraper, work from the center, after that allow the wood to dry completely.
Bleach For Lightening
If the stain is still very dark even after the finish is removed then use the bleach, which is a Two-Part Bleach process such as:
- Mineral Spirit: First of all, wash the wood with the help of the mineral spirit, allow to dry for about 2 days.
- Apply: After that apply the first part of the bleach with the help of the brush and leave it to dry for about 10 minutes.
- Second Part: Now apply the second part of the formula and then leave it to dry for almost 4 hours.
- Wash: Wash down the surface with the equal part of vinegar and water, and let the wood dry.
- Sand: At last use the fine grit sandpaper to smooth the raised grains.