How to Change the Exterior Stain Color on a House

Staining your house is a good way to protect its exterior from the effects of weathering and the suns damaging rays. However, if you have already stained your house and want to change the color the process will be a bit longer depending on what color you want to use next. If the new stain is darker than the old stain, the installation process is a bit simpler, but in general you will need to sand the old stain off and then cover evenly with the new stain. Luckily, this process is simply time consuming and not difficult. It can be accomplished by any determined home owner.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Orbital sander Sandpaper New stain Stain gun Ladder Hose

1. Start on the corner of one side of the house and use the sander to sand down the stained wood siding. Sand until the wood is light enough in color to accept the new stain.

2. Use the water hose to gently wash the sanded wood to remove all of the dust from sanding.

3. Pour an appropriate amount of stain into the stain gun and then begin spraying the siding of the house. Spray in horizontal swathes along the length of the siding, moving from the bottom of the house to the top.

4. Repeat Steps 1-3 for the other sides of the house.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to wear a dust mask and goggles when sanding the house as you do not want to ingest the stain dust.

Resources

• Lowes carries a full line of home stains