How to Lighten Exterior Wood Stain that Is Too Dark

Applying exterior wood stain is not difficult, however, you do not always know the outcome of the stain, until it is too late to do anything about it. When you first apply an exterior wood stain it looks much lighter than it will be after it dries. In our haste we rush to put on a second or third coat to darken the stain. Now, when the exterior wood stain is finally dry, it is too dark than how you had originally wanted it. There is a way out your predicament and this article will show you how to fix the dark stain by lightening it. This article does, however, assume you have already removed the top coat of varnish or polyethylene.

Step 1 - Prepare the Object

Regardless of what you are lightening, you want to make sure you are prepared. If you are working on a door then you want to remove it from its hinges. Lay down a drop cloth and place the item on top of it. Use the sandpaper and sand the item down in the direction of the wood grain. The sanding removes debris and oil from the object. Brush away the dust created by the sanding with a clean paint brush. Pay special attention to grooves and ornate areas. Follow up with rubbing the entire object with a tack cloth.

Step 2 - Mixing the Bleaching Solution and Application

When you use bleaching agents it is always best to follow the instructions on the containers. Some products want you to mix the two bottles together in unequal or equal amounts while others want you to apply each agent to the object separately. After the solution is mixed use a sponge to apply it to surfaces of the item that are flat. For the areas that ornate or grooved use a paint brush.

Step 3 - Neutralization

Bleach can continue to work for hours or days after you have applied, so it needs to be neutralized. As with the bleach you will want to follow the instructions on the neutralizing agent containers. The application of the neutralizer is done the same way as the bleach but with clean applicators. It is important to get all of the bleach off of the item. Use the hydrogen peroxide and vinegar solution to further neutralize the bleach. Use a sponge to apply the solution.

Step 4 - Finishing Up

You do not want the neutralizer to sit on the wood for too long so use a sponge dipped in rinse water. Wipe the object down with the sponge. Try not to saturate the wood too much with water. Allow the object to air dry for at least 24 hours. When it is dry, sand the surface down with 280 grit sandpaper and use the brush to remove the dust from the sanding. Follow up the dusting by using the tack cloth.