If a dye stain gets the wood too dark, try removing some of the dye by wiping it with solvent. The powder dyes labeled Lockwood and Moser (which are the same) are easier to lighten than the liquid dyes labeled “NGR” (non-grain-raising) or Transtint (which are also the same; Transtint is just concentrated).
Deck stain can come out too dark when you overapply the stain. The deck stain may also have trouble drying properly or curing fully if you used too much stain. The only way to fix a deck stained too dark is to remove and reapply the stain.
When first applied, window tint may appear darker than anticipated. However, as it cures and dries the film will lighten slightly. If after some time your tint still looks wet with no prospect of drying or curing in sight, do not hesitate to reach out to a professional tinting shop for assistance.
But it's much more efficient to “bury” the raised grain with another coat of finish. Then sand it smooth after it has dried. Stains lighten as they dry, then return to their damp color when a finish is applied.
Apply a second coat of stain after the first has dried fully. This will usually produce a darker coloring, but it adds a step to the process and slows production. Substitute a glaze or gel stain for the liquid stain. Glazes and gel stains usually contain a higher ratio of pigment.
To lighten already-applied wood stain, first try turpentine, mineral spirits or household bleach. Apply firmly and evenly along the grain.
If you leave it on for too long, the chemicals in the stain can start to break down the surface of the wood, causing it to flake off or peel. Sometimes, the excess stain may redissolve, giving you undesirable results.
We always recommend two coats of stain for any wood project, but you should only apply as much stain as the wood can absorb. Extremely dense hardwoods may only be able to absorb one coat of wood stain.
Resist the urge to run it under the hot tap. “Don't add hot or even warm water to a stain, as this can end up having the opposite effect of setting it permanently, particularly if the stain is protein-based, like milk or blood,” says Verity. “Always use cold water for the safest result, but avoid over-wetting it.
Use Paint and Varnish Stripper to Remove Stain
If the above option doesn't work, and you don't want to sand, then your next step is to remove the stain as much as possible. Using a paint and varnish stripper is another option to lighten stained wood by removing it to start fresh.
Sanding does help to lighten wood in many cases, but this only applies to surface soil or grime, and even then only if the discoloration has not penetrated very deeply. In addition, heavy sanding is not always practical. It may result in changing the contours of the piece, or in removing more wood than is advisable.
If the color is then not even, or it's too light, you'll need to apply more stain. Switch to a slower drying stain, work on smaller sections at a time, or apply and wipe off the stain faster by using a cloth or spray gun to apply the stain and a large dry cotton cloth to remove the excess stain.
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.
Instead, it will create a tacky surface, which may be prone to early peeling. Because the additional coat is not penetrating the wood, it is simply layered on top, which will cause the coat to be more fragile and will not offer the same level of protection as the proper amount of stain.
In that case, another coat of stain (after the appropriate dry time) might even out the color, especially when you are using a lighter color. It's important to remember, though, that a second coat of stain will NOT hide sanding marks.
Using a lint free rag is the best way to apply wood stain because it is great for controlling the amount of stain that is applied and for removing any excess stain. Also, the rag leaves a beautiful, even, and brush stroke free finish. It also can easily be thrown out once finished.
Most brands recommend letting the wood stain sit for 5 to 15 minutes to absorb into the wood and then wipe off all of the excesses with a clean lint-free rag. If the stain is applied too thick, the surface will be tacky and sticky to the touch and will not dry evenly.
The most efficient method of applying stain is to wipe it on using a soaking-wet cloth.
With a staining brush, work both with the grain and against it. Don't worry about being neat; all that matters is getting a nice, even, liberal coat over the wood. Wipe the stain off immediately if you'd like a lighter tone. But for a deeper tone, leave the stain on the wood for 5 to 10 minutes before wiping it off.
It is best to strip and remove the deck stain completely and start over with a more appropriate deck stain color. It is not possible to fix a deck stain too dark without stripping and sanding it and starting over, particularly when using a solid deck stain or other form filming deck sealer.
Rule #1: Do not over-stain wood
While it may seem like more is better, staining wood more times than necessary will cause more problems. When in doubt, do not apply more than two layers of stain to a wood deck or log home.
Benefits of Water Popping. When water is added to the wood before staining it reopens the pores in the grain. It makes hardwood floors porous again so that hardwood flooring can be properly stained and finished. This process has many benefits.