How to Remove Wood Stain

Last updated September 7, 2023
Interior wood stain is designed to protect and enhance the appearance of furniture or flooring by seeping into the surface of the wood. If seeking to remodel a room or give furniture a new look, a homeowner should learn how to remove wood stain.
This guide will review the steps for how to remove stain from wood.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Duration:
Under 2 hours
Table of Contents
Choose a Chemical Stripper
Prepare Your Work Space
Prep the Piece
Look at the Wood
Apply the Wood Stain Remover
Remove Large Sections of Stain
Choose a Chemical Stripper

A chemical stripper loosens wood stain to make it easier to remove. While you can take off stain without it, the process will take longer and be more difficult. In some cases, you may be unable to remove stain altogether without a stripper.
There are two main types of strippers: solvent and caustic.
- A solvent stripper is strong and can eat through thick layers of stain. These strippers give off powerful fumes, and most are flammable. As a result, you may need to avoid them in unventilated areas or where there's a fire risk. Also, solvent strippers are so powerful that they could damage some delicate types of wood.
- Caustic strippers are usually easier to use and good for many kinds of wood. Because they are less potent, they can take longer to work. Generally, caustic strippers are ideal for latex stains, and solvents are the better choice for oil-based stains.
Read the instructions for strippers before you buy. Check that the product is suitable for your type of wood.
Safety Tip: Wear eye protection, a mask, rubber gloves and clothes with long sleeves when working with any kind of chemical stripper.
Prepare Your Work Space

Choose where to complete your project. Because chemical strippers have harsh fumes, try to work outdoors if possible. Pick an area protected from wind and direct sunlight.
If you need to work indoors, open all of your nearby windows and place a fan near one to blow the fumes outside.
For furniture, spread out a drop cloth and put the item on top. Before removing stain from wood floors, place painter's tape at the seams between the walls and the flooring.
Prep the Piece

Prepare your piece of furniture for stain removal. Use a screwdriver or file to remove any hardware you can. Cover any hardware that is difficult to remove with painter's tape.
Fill a bucket with warm water and dish soap for furniture and flooring. Use tack cloth to wipe down the wood. Tack cloth is a lint-free paint rag that catches dirt. Its soft fabric prevents scratches.
Moisten a soft sponge with water and wipe again to wash away the soap. Then, dry completely with a microfiber towel.
Look at the Wood

Before going any further, get close to the wood and look at every inch. See if the finish is thicker anywhere. If so, you may need more stripper in these areas.
Tip: Take note of any dents or holes you may need to fix. For large areas of damage, try epoxy putty, a sticky adhesive. Wax filler wood restoration products usually work well for smaller gaps and flaws.
Apply the Wood Stain Remover

Pour the stain remover into a glass or metal container and apply according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
For most products, a paint brush with natural fiber bristles works well for application. Because you need to work while the remover is still wet, cover only one square foot of the wood at a time. Apply a thick, even layer to the surface. Get the stripper into nooks and crannies with the tip of the brush.
Let the stripper rest for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer. Typically, you'll need to wait 15 to 20 minutes. Usually, the finish will bubble up or swell when it’s ready.
Remove Large Sections of Stain

Before the stain remover dries, gently lift the layer of stain and stripper residue from the wood.
A putty knife works well, but it can scratch the surface. For soft woods like cedar, balsa and paulownia, a plastic scraper is usually a better choice of tool.
Scrape the finish directly into a trash can, if possible. If the stripper dries before you're complete, reapply, wait the recommended time and start again.
Remove Lingering Traces

Once you have taken off most of the stain, remove difficult areas with a steel wool pad. Scrub in the direction of the wood’s grain. The wood grain is the lengthwise fibers that make a pattern in the wood.
Follow the removal instructions on the chemical stripper to clean away any residue. For some products, you can use a damp tack cloth. Others may need mineral spirits.
Sand the Surface

Let the wood dry for 24 hours. Then, sand the surface with 100- to 150-grit sandpaper. Use a sanding block or an orbital sander. Apply only enough pressure to take off any residue and rough areas.
Wipe off dust with a tack cloth, switch to 180-grit sandpaper and continue until every inch is smooth.
Safety Tip: Wear safety goggles and a face mask while sanding.
Treat Water Marks

If you notice any dark water marks on the wood, you can lighten them. Use wood bleach designed for the type of wood and follow the manufacturer's directions. For most products, a paint brush or old toothbrush works well for application.
Clean Up

Wipe the wood with a tack cloth and use mineral spirits paint thinner to lift away any remaining residue. Finally, vacuum up sawdust in your work area.
Learning how to remove wood stain can be the first step to rejuvenating flooring or a piece of furniture. Depending on the type of stain, a combination of chemical stripping and sanding can make the wood look ready for a new start.
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