Easily darken the stain color on your trim or furniture.

Is the stain on your furniture, trim, cabinets, etc too light? Did you know that, in most cases, this is an easy fix? Not only is it easy, it can be quick also! When we bought our home, the stain color on the trim & cabinets was light oak. Over the years, we have changed that by replacing or painting a lot it. I have also just changed the stain color.

Table Of Contents

Supplies
Removing the finish
Prepping the surface
Staining
Sealing
Stain Color Before & Afters
Instructions
If you need supplies
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Supplies

To remove finish
- Depending on finish
  - Sander & sandpaper
  - Sanding blocks
  - Scraper
  - Stripper
Soft cloth or tack cloth
Paintbrush
Stain
Sealer
Mineral spirits (if using oil-based stain & sealer)

Removing the finish

Removing the finish can be done in several ways depending on the type and age of the finish.

If the finish is old and peeling, all you may need is a metal scraper. When using a scraper, be careful not to push too hard or you could damage the wood.

If the finish is stronger, like lacquer, you may need to use a stripper. Apply stripper with a paintbrush, making sure to cover the entire surface. When using a stripper, be patient and allow the product to work. Rushing this step will be frustrating and take more time.

After the stripper has had a chance to work, scrape off the stripper & finish using a metal scraper like a putty knife.

If your finish is in-between … not too thick and not peeling, you may be able to use just a sanding block or sander to remove it. Start with a finer grit of sandpaper such as 220 and if that is not removing the finish, increase the grit until it is easily removing the finish.

Prepping the surface

Once the finish has been removed, you’ll want to make sure there it is ready for stain by sanding it. If you used a scraper or stripper, it’s time to sand the wood. If you have used sandpaper to remove the finish, your work is almost done. You’ll just want to use a finer grit sandpaper to smooth the wood.

No matter what method you used to remove the finish, using 220 grit sandpaper is a good choice to prep the wood for stain. After sanding the wood, wipe it down with a damp, lint-free cloth. You can also use a tack cloth after wiping it down to remove any remaining sawdust.

Staining

Your first decision when it comes to staining is what type of stain you are going to use: oil-based or water-based? I have almost always used oil-based stain as I feel like it soaks into the wood better and will last longer. However, I don’t love the clean-up or the smell.

When using oil-based stain, you’ll want to work in a well-ventilated area like a garage or outdoors. If you are working outdoors, do not apply the stain in direct sunlight. I worked on these doors under the shade of a tree then moved them to the sun to dry. You can use either a soft rag, like a piece of t-shirt, or a paintbrush. If you are using a paintbrush, you’ll need to clean it with mineral spirits when you have finished with the stain.

For my latest projects, I have used water-based stain. I chose to use it because it was too cold outside for staining. Since I was working indoors, I wanted a product that had fewer fumes and also one that dried faster. I have to say, that it was a pleasure using the water-based stain for those reasons and also because I could just wash my brush with soap and water when I was done.

To change the stain on the ceiling fixture, I lightly sanded it using a 220 grit sanding block, wiped it with a soft, damp cloth, and then applied the stain using a piece of t-shirt. I used the Minwax water-based stain. I didn’t even have to finish it as it has a sheen already.

Sealing

After your stain has dried, it’s time to protect your project by applying a sealer. If you’ve used an oil-based stain, you can still use a water-based sealer on your piece. I usually apply 2 coats of polyurethane on my projects. If it is a piece that will get lots of work, like the rocking chair I restored for my grandson, I’ll use 3 coats. I’ve tried the 1-coat poly, but didn’t care for it.

Stain Color Before & Afters

Instructions

Remove finish
- Depending on the finish, use:
  - Stripper
  - Sanding blocks
  - Sander
  - Metal scraper
Wipe off sawdust
- Depending on how much sawdust, use:
  - Shop vac
  - Damp lint-free cloth
  - Tack cloth
Apply stain using a soft, lint-free cloth or a paintbrush
When stain is dry, apply 1 or 2 coats of polyurethane using a paintbrush
Clean paintbrushes
- If using oil-based products
  - Clean with mineral spirits
- If using water-based products
  - Clean with soap and water

If you need supplies

This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to order through these links, it will be at no extra cost to you

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you changed the stain color on a piece of furniture, trim, cabinet? What was your experience?

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