How to Remove Stain from Wood
Remove existing stains and finishes to give your wooden furniture and structures a fresh start! Whether your goal is to restore the natural look of your wood or prepare the surface for a new stain color, stripping the previous finish opens a world of possibilities. From wooden dressers to backyard decks and pergolas, removing stain from wood is simple and light on your wallet. Below is a helpful guide describing how to remove wood stain from wood, including easy-to-follow instructions and tips on choosing the right products.
Removing Stain from Wood: Interior vs. Exterior
Wood stain delivers remarkable results that boost the surface's natural beauty, whether it's a vintage cabinet in your home or your beloved deck in the backyard. However, removing the previous stain and finish is key when switching the color or reverting the surface to its original state. While the process is generally the same, examining the minor differences between removing stain from interior and exterior wood is helpful before diving into the how-to.
Removing stain from interior wood requires a unique interior stripping formula, like SmartStrip Remover Gel, and a well-ventilated working space. To achieve adequate ventilation, consider moving the project outside or into an area with plenty of open windows. Removing stain from exterior wood requires using our SuperDeck® preparation products to individually clean, strip and neutralize the wood (more details below).
Sanding Off Stain from Wood
Using sandpaper for sanding off stain from wood does not require chemical stripping formulas. Instead, this method uses progressively finer grits to remove the existing topcoat, eventually revealing the original surface. While this method is plausible, removing stain from wood using chemicals can be more impactful. Chemical wood stain removers get into the surface pores to extract the previous finish entirely, whereas sanding off stain from wood can only remove the top layer. So, by opting for the chemical route, you'll ensure the removal of all the previous stain and help the new topcoat penetrate and perform better.
How to Remove Wood Stain: Interior
Step 1
Prepare Your Work Area
Ensure a hassle-free project by preparing your work area. Start by choosing a space with ample ventilation, like an airy room or an outdoor patio. Then, place a drop cloth underneath the piece you're working on to prevent additional messes.
Step 2
Prepare the Wood
Preparing the wood for stain removal begins with covering the decorative handles and hardware with painter's tape or unscrewing and setting them aside. Then, clean the surface with soap and water and allow it to dry fully before continuing.
Step 3
Remove the Wood Stain
Once the surface is clean and dry, it's time to apply SmartStrip Remover Gel according to the label instructions. Since the gel must remain wet while working, we recommend using a paint brush to apply the gel one square foot at a time. After the stain remover sets for about 10-15 minutes, use a paint scraper to remove the previous stain and, if possible, place remnants directly into a trash can.
Tip: Apply light pressure when scraping off the previous stain to avoid damaging the wood surface.
Step 4
Clean Up
Lastly, use a damp cloth to remove any remaining residue and reattach hardware. All that remains is choosing to keep the wood bare or selecting a new interior wood stain color!
Tip: If you notice any rough areas or splintering wood, use a low-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface.
How to Remove Wood Stain: Exterior
Step 1
Prepare Your Work Area
If there are no holes you need to fill, you can skip this step. If you're using a wood filler, make sure it will take stain. Sand any wood filler smooth. If there are still some rough edges on your shelf you want to smooth out before staining, sand with fine-grit sandpaper.
Step 2
Clean the Wood
The first step in removing stain from exterior wood is cleaning it with SuperDeck® Deck Wash, which penetrates the surface to remove dirt and grime. Apply this wood wash using a sprayer or plastic sprinkling can. Then, let the formula set for 10 minutes before rinsing away all the residue with water.
Tip: SuperDeck® Deck Wash is specially formulated to deep-clean the wood surface and pull out any built-in grime or residue that may be difficult to remove with regular soap and water.
Step 3
Remove the Wood Stain
Let the wood dry after cleaning. Next, apply SuperDeck® Stain and Sealer Remover using a roller for large areas and a brush for detailed sections. You'll want to work in small areas to ensure the stain remover remains wet. After letting the stain remover set for about 10 minutes, scrub the surface using a stiff brush to remove the previous finish. Lastly, rinse away the residue with water.
Step 4
Neutralize the Wood
After removing the previous finish and rinsing the surface, let the wood dry. Once fully dry, apply SuperDeck® Revive® using a pump sprayer, working in separate sections to maintain adequate wetness during this step. Allow the neutralizer to set for about 10 minutes, then rinse away the remaining residue using water.
Tip: SuperDeck® Revive® is required to neutralize the wood surface after using SuperDeck® Stain and Sealer Remover. Plus, SuperDeck® Revive® is a second step to bringing back the wood's natural color.
Step 5
Clean Up
Now that you've successfully removed the stain from exterior wood and revitalized the surface, it's time to clean up supplies and put furniture and decorations back into place. If your goal is to stain the wood structure, check out the vast amount of exterior stain colors we offer!
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Project Supplies
Wood Stain Removers
brushes, rollers & frames
Other Tools & Supplies
