It might have been fashionable at the time. But the dark stain on your cabinets has become dreary. Don't get depressed, it's never too late to lighten it. Wood is typically stained, and color is only skin deep.
Exceptions to Lightening
When stain is applied to any species, it typically darkens the wood. Walnut, mahogany, cherry and an assortment of exotic species are naturally colored dark, and even without stain, can only be lightened to a certain degree. Ash, maple, oak, pine, birch, fir and cedar are light in color, and easier to lighten.
Video of the Day
Video of the Day
Top Coats
If your stained project has a top coat, such as lacquer, varnish, or polyurethane, it must be completely removed before lightening can be done. Chemical stripper is the most efficient.
Step 1
Apply a small amount of stripper to the wood. Allow it to soften the finish for about 10 minutes, or as directed by the manufacturer.
Step 2
Scrape off the gelled finish with sharp, flat sticks. Work from the center, and allow the finish to fall off onto drop cloth. Scrape the gelled finish out of tight corners and details using pointed sticks or steel wool.
Step 3
Allow the wood to dry for at least one hour.
Bleach for Lightening
If the stain is still too dark after the finish has been removed, additional steps can be taken to lighten it using wood bleach. Wood bleach is a two-part process, and one of the best all-purpose choices for lightening wood.
Two-Part Bleach
Begin by washing the wood with mineral spirits. Allow it to dry for about two days. Apply part one of the wood bleach with a paint brush and allow it to dry for 10 minutes. Apply part two of the formula, and allow it to dry for about four hours. Wash the wood down with a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water to set the color. Let the wood dry, then sand to smooth down raised grain using fine-grit sandpaper.
Powdered Chlorine Bleach
Chlorine bleach is best for dye-based stain lightening, and will not remove the natural color from wood. Mix the powder with water according to directions printed on the package. Apply it directly to the wood and wait 24 hours. If it's not light enough, repeat the application.
Oxalic Acid
Oxalic acid is a heavy-duty, somewhat toxic bleach that removes dark mineral stains that the other products can't touch. It's often used on exterior decking to remove the dark gray color. Mix the powdered acid with water according to the instructions. Apply it to the wood and allow it to work for about 15 minutes. Rinse with a light ammonia and water solution.
Sanding to Remove Stain
Lightening stain can result in blotches or uneven color. If this is the case, it might be beneficial to completely remove it. Use 100-grit sandpaper to sand the stain off by hand. Sand gently to avoid removing details or contours from the item.
Dark Paneling
Lightening dark paneling can be done with gel stain. Gel stain is thick enough to stay on vertical surfaces without dripping or running. It contains opaque pigment that dries to form a layer of color. It will reduce the visibility of the grain on the wood. Sand the paneling lightly with low-grit sandpaper -- 100-grit is sufficient. Apply the gel stain to the paneling with a soft cloth, and allow it to dry. Apply a second coat if needed. Finish it off with a top coat of your choice.