How
To Lighten Dark Wood, Siding, Paneling, Cabinets,
Logs, Etc
 So
you would like to know how to lighten your darkly
stained cabinets, siding, antique furniture, log
home or log house. There are several ways to do
so depending upon how dark the wood is, how light
you wish the wood to be and if it has been previously
stained or painted.
Choices:
Strip and re-stain (easy / moderate)
Wood grain (difficult)
Ask Your How to Lighten Dark Wood and Wood Refinishing
Question Here!
For Local Wood Refinishers and Restoration Services
CLICK HERE
 Strip
and re-stain (easy / moderate)
To stain dark wood a lighter color use a high
quality stain, varnish, and paint remover such
as Strip-X® Stripper Klean-Strip® Strip-X®
Stripper removes latex & oil-based paint and
varnish from wood, metal and masonry in 30 minutes
or less. It also removes pigmented wood stains
from wood, restoring the wood’s natural
color. The thick paste formula clings to vertical
surfaces without runs or drips.
• Wash the wood surface down with mineral
spirits, or water according to material specifications.
Use steel wool, scrub brushes, and scrub pads,
make sure to scrub with the grain never scrub
or sand wood against the grain. The washing process
will remove any of the paint and varnish remover
that may still be on the wood. Let the wood dry
thoroughly.
• Sand all the wood the appropriate grit
of sandpaper, dust and wash your wood with a bleach
and water mixture, if you wish the wood to be
lighter still. Let the mixture set on the wood
for about five to ten minutes or per manufacturer's
directions.
• Neutralize the wood with a neutralizing
solution or a mixture of vinegar and water. Let
the surface dry completely.
• Condition your wood
• Stain the wood your color of choice, apply
sanding sealer, sand, and varnish two –
three coats, sanding in between coats.
Quick Guide
How to Wood Grain over Previously Stained
Dark Wood for a Lighter Wood Finish
Also see here for wood
graining techniques and finishes
 Wood
graining (difficult)
Whether the wood is painted, stained, or varnished
with the correct professional wood graining techniques
and procedures you can simulate the look of a
natural wood finish on just about any surface.
Ask Your How to Wood Grain Wood and Wood Refinishing
Question Here!
For Local Wood Graining and Refinishing Services
CLICK HERE
• Prepare all wood with sandpaper and or
a liquid de-glosser. If you use sandpaper make
you to sand with the grain.
• Caulk and or wood fill any unsightly
areas.
• Chose the stain color you like. You can
imitate just about any wood grain and finish you
desire some techniques may be more difficult to
accomplish than others.
•
Apply the wood graining base coat. This is the
base color or background color for the look you
ultimately desire. The surface will look as if
it has been painted after applying the graining
base.
• Apply the gel stain with a foam brush,
have a spare rag near by to dab your brush onto
to remove access gel stain from the surface. Spread
gel stain light and evenly working towards a dry
brushed tight finish.
• Drag the wood-graining tool with the
grain to achieve the wood grain affect. Let dry
24 hrs
• Apply additional coats of gel stain as
needed. You can use an oil based glazing liquid
to tone down the color of the stain.
• After you achieve the look you desire
apply sanding sealer, sand very lightly (using
220 grit), and varnish two – three coats,
sanding or use steel wool lightly in between coats.
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