Using gel stain to cover the existing stain will involve a slight amount of sanding, and then applying the coat of gel stain on top of the existing stain. It's always a good idea to test your potential stain on a small area to make sure you know how the end result will look.
Using most gel stains, you can darken wood furniture, or stay the same color, without sanding off the old stain. But, I usually use General Finishes Gel Stain because the finish always looks beautiful. Don't forget to Save or Share these steps for how to stain wood without sanding.
PolyShades® will work over stained wood (meaning it does not have a clear protective finish) or wood top-coated with a polyurethane-based finish. Proper surface preparation is necessary to ensure adhesion, so make sure you follow preparation tips provided in this Guide.
Test the Stain
Water-based stains need to be stripped off before you apply a new finish, while oil-based stains can be recoated after you use a deck cleaner. To test the stain: Apply a small amount of deck stripper to a small area on your deck. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then wipe it off with a cleaning rag.
The easiest thing to do when you don't like your wood stain color is to grab a darker stain, and apply it on top of the initial stain job. If you don't want a darker shade, sanding down the piece and re-staining is also an option.
Yes, you may apply stain over an already existing stain on the wood. This process is a fairly easy one as long as all the tools are available. The good thing about a staining project is that you have control over the resulting wood tones. It is easier to apply a darker wood stain than a lighter one.
From cuts to grazes to unceremonious bouts of nosebleeding, you can expect to get your clothes dotted with dark red stains if any of these happen to you. The proteins found in blood and the pigments that make up for it all contribute to a difficult stain removal process such as a hot cocoa drink.
A semi-transparent deck stain provides some coverage while still allowing the natural wood grain of your deck to show. This is a good option for decks that have already been stained or weathered because it will help revive the color while still allowing the wood to breathe.
Simply put, applying a more transparent stain over a solid deck stain won't yield the visual results you're aiming for; conversely, coating a lighter-stained deck with a darker, more solid stain will easily cover up what was once there.
Varnish wood stain
Varnish wood stains are very similar to oil-based stains with one difference – they dry hard. They tend to be more difficult to apply than other stains as there's less time to wipe off the excess, usually within 15 minutes, compared to oil-based stains which need to be wiped away before it dries.
Rule #3: Only add a second layer of stain if you need it
You do not need to add a second layer. You should reserve adding a second layer only if you want a darker color for the stain. However, many times, the first layer of stain will suffice for both adequate protection and the desired color.
If you try to apply a light color of stain over the top of an existing dark finish, you won't notice much difference. To completely alter the color of the finish, strip down the existing stain using a petroleum-based solvent. Once you've lightened the wood, you may add a lighter color of stain.
Can you use gel stain over stain? One of the great benefits of gel stain is that you can apply it over regularly stained wood projects without sanding it down to bare wood! So if you find something at the thrift store that you don't love the stained color, no worries!
When using a water-based product over an oil-based product, such as water-based High Performance Topcoat over oil-based Gel Stain, If the oil finish was applied over raw wood, wait 24 hours between the two products. If the oil finish was applied over an existing finish, wait 72 hours between the two products.
Because transparent stain provides minimal coverage, it also provides minimal protection against the elements. Semi-transparent stain, on the other hand, provides a slightly higher level of protection against the sun, rain, and other environmental factors. Application is also an important factor to consider.
For newer wood, go with clear, transparent or semi-transparent stains — that way some grain still shows through. Semi-solid stains are a better choice for decks that have seen their share of cookouts. You'll still see some grain, but you'll hide more of the wear and tear your deck has endured.
Clear finishes and transparent stains are fine for new wood, but for older decks, using a semi-transparent stain is commonly recommended. The grain still shows through, but the pigment gives the old wood a clean, uniform color and helps any new wood blend in.
The new stain you are applying over the old stain should be compatible. For instance, if it's an oil-based stain, apply another oil-based stain. If it's a water-based stain, apply another water-based stain. Incompatible stains can lead to poor adhesion or blotchy and uneven finish.
A common mistake when applying stain is not taking weather, temperature and moisture into account. Staining when the deck surface is too hot or the wood is too wet; when rain is too imminent or when nighttime temperatures are too cold can all lead to problems down the road and shorten the life of your stain.
Semi-solid stains offer more color with less wood grain peeking through. This is a good option for older decks or if there are imperfections in the wood that you'd rather cover up. Solid stain is the most opaque of the stains.
Greasy / Oil Stains – such as hand lotion, hair mousse, lard and butter. Oxidisable Stains – key ingredient in alcoholic drinks, coffee and tea (without milk) and soft drinks. Particulate Stains – such as mud and ground in dirt. Combination Stains – these stains can be a mix of two or more of the above stain types.
Douse the stain with white vinegar, then apply a paste made of equal parts baking soda and vinegar. If this doesn't work, immerse the item overnight in a bucket of water containing a few tablespoons of detergent and vinegar. Rinse and wash the following morning.
Blue. The color blue is a very refreshing color. It can also calm you down, not only because of the color itself but also because the deeper blues can help you mask stains. Having deep blue colored bed sheets and couches can help you hide most stains and even dirt.