Gloss oil-based varnish, polyurethane and Danish oil can last 10 or 20 years, though satin finishes and stains may fail sooner as pigments and flattening agents disable the driers. Water-based coatings and paints can also be viable longer than three years. Shellac, though, can go bad in under a year.
Yes, you can stain wood that has already been stained, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind: Type of Stain: If the existing stain is oil-based, it's best to use an oil-based stain for the new application. For water-based stains, use water-based products.
Wood stain can last for several years if stored properly in a sealed container away from extreme temperatures. Stir well before use if it has been sitting for a while.
Most opened stains can last 12+ months if stored correctly with the lid tightly sealed.
A Better Way to Tell
To tell if it is still good, start with a visual inspection. Discard finishes that have become thick, rubbery, stringy or separated, as well as those with a skunky odor or obvious mold growth. Ditto for water-based paint or finish that looks like cottage cheese.
Professionals re-stain decks every 2-3 years to maintain the lumber's health and beauty.
You can use old T-shirts as rags, if that's what you have. If the stain has dried too much, it will be difficult to remove.
Woods high in tannins may require sealing first, but all species of stained wood can be painted, including hardwoods and softwoods, and even grasses like wicker and rattan. Previously stained furniture and home elements (doors, trim, cabinetry) will accept paint, with the latter sometimes requiring a deep clean first.
Have you left your favorite shirt “out to dry” (pun intended) after accidentally spilling wine on it during a night on the town? With OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover, you can get rid of those old, set-in stains and get that shirt back into your rotation.
Dish soap can be applied to stains before you run the wash, to better prevent them from settling into the fabric. Handwashing small loads: Dawn® Platinum can help remove stubborn oil and food stains, making it an ideal option for handwashing small loads of laundry.
Lemon juice breaks down stains, brightens whites, and provides a fresh result. Whereas vinegar and baking soda stain remover are quite effective for light-colored fabrics and for removing detergent residues.
Therefore, it's best to save your oil-based paints and stains for a household hazardous waste collection program or to contact your local/state government environmental protection agency for guidance. States with PaintCare will collect and dispose of leftover oil-based products.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Solution for Stain Removal
Stubborn stains are all too common. Often if we can't get the stain out on the first few tries, we let the stain become a permanent fixture of the carpet. If you have stains that won't budge, try a baking soda and vinegar solution to remove old stains from your carpet.
You can only apply a dark stain over a light stain, not the other way around. If you want to go lighter on an existing finish, you will have to strip the furniture, unfortunately. The furniture must be in good condition. It cannot have water damage or peeling/cracking on the surface.
Brushing is the slowest method of applying stain. So not only might you get blotching or lap marks, you're also wasting time. It's more efficient to wipe stain than to brush it, and you're less likely to have color problems.
Sanding the wood will remove the stain and expose the fresh, unstained wood beneath it. After you've sanded the surface, wipe it with a damp and clean cloth. Now, your wood is clean and ready for another stain or finish.
If you have oil-based stains (which dries slower), brushing or spraying large areas could work, but lacquer and water-based stains simply dry too fast. This could result in imprints of the bristles on your wood surface. You won't have that problem when you apply and finish staining with lint-free cloth wipers.
It might sound like the makings to your favorite salad dressing, but believe it or not, a little oil and vinegar might be all you need to bring your favorite old wood dresser back to life. Mix ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil with ¼ cup white vinegar and then apply it with a piece of cheese cloth.
Oil-based stain can be kept for 1 year if the cans have been opened, but unopened cans will last 2 - 3 yrs. Water-based stain will last 1 year, if opened, and 2 years, if unopened. Oil-based varnishes will be good for 1 year, opened or unopened.
In some cases, you can get away with leaving the previous coat as it is, as long as you perform the other necessary preparation steps, such as sanding and power washing. If, for instance, the new stain is the same brand and color as the old stain, you might not need to go through the complete removal process.
Many people don't realize that early spring and summer are not the best time to apply stain to a deck. Wood absorbs humidity and accepts new treatments best when it's dry, so staining too early in the spring may lead to peeling or cracking.
Two coats are required to achieve the target color. However, a third coat can be applied to deepen the color if desired. Is a protective sealer/topcoat required after staining? No, this is a two in one product that already provides clear topcoat protection.
Staining is not always advisable, but it can solve a lot of problems. Before you stain any piece of furniture, take a good look at it. If it's made of cherry, maple, mahogany, rosewood, aged pine, or any of the rare woods, the wood should probably not be stained; these woods look best in their natural color.