Using stain to color wood can be a great way to rejuvenate furniture, kitchen cabinets, or other items. However, if the wood is already painted, you may be confused about what to do. Luckily, this article can help you determine whether the wood needs to be scraped off or if the stain is just overwritten!
Step
Method 1 of 4: Preparing the Wood
Step 1. Remove drawers, doors, or other hardware, if possible
Removing the wood to be painted allows you to lay these items flat so that they are easier to paint and produce an even color. In addition, you'll make sure you haven't missed anything and can paint the back of the doors and drawers.
Removing the hardware will ensure it doesn't accidentally get paint
Step 2. Protect the work area
Stain paint is designed to last permanently so make sure you cover the work area with a mat, newspaper, or tarp.
If you're working outdoors on grass, the backing cloth will prevent stains from sticking to the grass as it dries
Step 3. Wear rubber or latex gloves to protect your hands
Stain can be difficult to remove from the skin. Wear light gloves to keep hands clean without affecting coordination.
You can also wear old clothes that can be soiled in case the stain is spilled
Step 4. Remove the old stain on the wood if you want a darker color
Most stains are designed so that the grooves of the wood are clearly visible. Therefore, you can't get a bright color by rubbing a bright stain over a dark stain. If you want a bright color, the wood will need to be scraped off first.
- In addition, you will need to scrape the wood first if it is coated with paint for a brighter finish.
- You can remove old stains with a chemical scraper or sanding.
Step 5. Leave the old stain if you want a darker finish
If you want to change the color of a light stain to a darker one, you don't need to scrape off the old stain. However, remember that old stains can change the color of the finished product.
Step 6. Smooth the work surface lightly using sandpaper with a fine grit
You don't need to sand much, just enough to just roughen the surface of the wood. P200 grit sandpaper is perfect for your project.
- Use an emery block or sponge so you can scrub evenly.
- If you've sanded the wood to remove the old stain, you don't need to repeat this step.
- Do not sand the old stain so that the results do not stain.
Method 2 of 4: Applying Stain to the Wood
Step 1. Choose a gel, glaze, or water-based stain if you want a slightly darker finish
This type of stain tends to give a darker color. However, sometimes fairly dark shadows can disguise the grooves of the wood.
The main difference between these types of stains is their texture. If you're confused about what to choose, ask for a sample from the paint shop staff, then test it on an inconspicuous area of the wood
Step 2. Choose an oil stain if you don't want the discoloration to be obvious
Oil stains tend to have a transparent coating so it's great if you want to keep the wood's original grooves visible as much as possible. You can also only slightly darken the old stain.
Step 3. Apply a thick layer of stain with a foam brush or cloth
Use a can brush or an old cloth to help minimize brush marks that appear on the stain. You can also rub the stain lightly so that it absorbs better into the wood.
When the stain is absorbed by the wood, the wood grooves will be visible in the finished product
Step 4. Wipe off excess stain with a pad
You will need to wipe several times with the pad to make the stain look uniform. Look at the wood from various angles to make sure it looks even or there are no streaks.
- You buy a stain pad that is specifically designed for this purpose. This product is made so that it does not leave streaks on the stain.
- If you leave a small amount of stain, the end result will be darker, but it's difficult to achieve an even color this way.
Step 5. Allow the stain to harden for 18-24 hours
See the instructions on the package for how long the stain needs to be left to dry completely. If it's not dry, you won't get a smooth surface when you apply the sealer.
Step 6. Apply an additional coat of stain if needed
Too many layers of stain can disguise the grooves of the wood, but a second coat can help darken the color, if that's what you want. Allow the first coat to dry completely before setting as the color may change as the stain dries.
If you just need to adjust the color a bit, we recommend using a toner instead of a second coat of stain
Step 7. Apply a water or oil based sealer for a shiny look
The cover coat will lock in the stain and give it a beautiful, shiny look. Apply as if you were using a stain after the last coat dries.
Sealers can also help protect wood by making it more resistant to spills and stains
Step 8. Spray paint-based toner on the stain if necessary to adjust the color
If you are not satisfied with the color of the finished product, spray on toner to adjust it. Toner is usually applied after a coat of sealer, but we recommend reading the toner usage guide to be sure. This product will give a thin layer of color that will stay.
- If the resulting color is too red, use green paint.
- If you want to warm up the color, use red or orange.
- You can also use pigment toner, but the color will be more muddy.
Step 9. Adjust the color with the glaze if you don't want to use spray toner
Pigmented glazes can be difficult to apply evenly and tend to leave streak marks. However, this is an option if you don't want to use spray toner.
Method 3 of 4: Removing Old Stains with Chemicals
Step 1. Use a chemical scraper if the wood has details you want to preserve
Rubbing the wood with a sharp or pointed object can damage the details that characterize the item. A chemical scraper will remove the stain without damaging the wood.
Chemical scrapers are also great if you're working on a large surface
Step 2. Work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area
Chemical scrapers or refiners are harsh chemicals. Even if you buy a brand that smells good, the chemical fumes should not be inhaled. If you can't work outdoors, open all doors and windows so fresh air can enter.
If you're working on a less windy day, install a box fan in your workplace to keep the air flowing
Step 3. Cover the work area with a backing cloth
If you're working on a surface you don't want to damage, you'll need a strong tarp or backing cloth to cover it. Even though they are clear in color, these chemical scrapers can damage tables or floors if they are spilled or dripped.
If you don't have a mat or tarp, use an old thick towel
Step 4. Wear gloves and eye protection when using chemicals
The corrosive chemicals in refiners can be very dangerous so it is best to wear protective gear. At a minimum, wear gloves and eye protection to protect yourself from spills or splashes. Try not to get the clothes scraped because the skin can burn if exposed.
It's also a good idea to wear a dust mask, even if you're working in a well-ventilated area
Step 5. Pour the chemical scraper onto the fine steel wool
While there are several ways to use a chemical scraper, the steel coir method is the easiest to use. The finest coir is grade #00, but you can also use grade #000 or even #0000, depending on what you have in stock.
- The finer the coir grade, the smoother the wood surface will be after polishing, but the process can take longer.
- Depending on the size of the project, you may need some steel wool. Usually steel coir is sold per pack of 6 pieces.
- You can buy refiners and coir at a hardware store.
Step 6. Rub the steel wool over the entire surface of the wood in a circular motion
After the steel wool is wetted with the refiner, start rubbing the wood in small parts. Wipe the surface of the wood in a circle. Later, the stain begins to be eroded by the steel wool.
Replace with new steel wool when stains start to build up on the steel wool
Step 7. Continue until all the stains are gone
If there are areas that are difficult to scrape off, use a wire brush or sandpaper to finish the job.
Allow the wood to dry completely before applying the stain
Method 4 of 4: Sanding the Wood to Remove Stain
Step 1. Sand the wood if the workpiece is small
If you're staining dark wood a bright color, or need to remove a layer of lacquer, sandpaper can be an ideal option. Sanding can remove stains from wood quickly, especially if the wood is quite small or has a large, flat surface without much detail.
Sanding is also great if you don't want to use chemicals
Step 2. Work from coarse grit to fine grit
Start with coarse sandpaper (eg P80) for the first stroke, then work your way up to medium grit (eg P150). If necessary, you can finish with a fine grit, for example P220.
Gradually increasing the grit of the sandpaper will keep the wood from scratching too much
Step 3. Keep the paper or sanding machine flat while working
When you use an electric sander, sanding block, or sandpaper, hold it flat on the work surface for an even finish.
Otherwise, the finish may look uneven, aging the wood, and creating bright spots that will appear to penetrate the stain
Step 4. Wear a dust mask when sanding
Although no harmful fumes are present during the sanding process, small dust particles will fly and irritate the lungs if inhaled. Protect your breathing with a dust mask while working.
You can buy a dust mask at a hardware store
Step 5. Wipe the wood surface with a damp cloth to remove dust
Once you've finished sanding, make sure that there's no dust or particles left on the wood. Otherwise, these dust and particles will get trapped in the stain and spoil the appearance of the final result.
Tips
Do not try to stain polyurethane, wax, varnish, or lacquer surfaces as they will not harden properly
Warning
- Always work in a well-ventilated area when using chemical refiners.
- When using harsh chemicals, protect hands, skin, eyes and breathing with adequate protective equipment.
