Taking off any hardware will ensure they don’t accidentally get coated with stain.
If you’re working outside in the grass, a drop cloth will help prevent grass from getting stuck in your stain while it’s drying.
You may also want to wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting messed up, in case some of the stain spills.
In addition to creating a lighter finish, you will need to strip the wood first if your piece has a lacquered topcoat. You can remove the original stain with a chemical stripper or by sanding it away.
Use a sanding block or sponge so you apply even pressure. If you already sanded the wood to remove the previous stain, you don’t need to sand it again. Don’t sand through the existing finish or you’ll end up with a splotchy appearance.
The main difference between the different types of stains is their texture. If you’re not sure which one you prefer, ask an associate at your local home store for a small sample of each, then test them on your piece in an inconspicuous area.
When stain absorbs into the wood, you are better able to see the wood grain in the finished product.
You can buy staining pads designed specifically for this purpose. They are made so that they won’t leave streaks in the stain. If you leave a little of the excess stain, you’ll get a darker finish, but it can be hard to get the color even this way.
If you just need to adjust the color slightly, opt for a dye toner instead of a second coat.
A sealer can also help protect your wood piece by making it more resistant to spills and stains.
If your color is too red, use a green dye. If you need to warm up the color, use a red or orange dye. Pigment toner can also be used, but it will cause the color to become muddy.
Chemical stripper is also a good option if you are working on a large surface.
If you’re working on a day without much wind, you may want to set up box fans around your work area to keep the air circulating.
If you don’t have a drop cloth or a tarp, use old, thick towels instead.
You may also want to wear a dust mask, even if you’re working in a well-ventilated area.
The finer the grade, the smoother the surface of your wood will be when you’re finished, but the longer the process will take. Depending on the size of your project, you may need several packs of steel wool. They are often sold in packs of 6. You can purchase both refinisher and steel wool at home improvements stores.
Switch to a new piece of steel wool when the stain starts to build up.
Let the wood dry completely before staining it.
Sanding is also a good choice if you don’t want to work with chemicals.
Graduating to a finer sandpaper will help keep you from scuffing the surface of the wood too much.
Otherwise, you could sand unevenly, wearing into the wood and creating a light spot that will show through the stain. [23] X Research source
You can usually find dust masks wherever home improvement supplies are sold.
