How To Lighten Wood Stain?

Do you need to know how to lighten wood stain? Depending on how much you need to lighten wood stain, your choices vary. Try these tips.

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How To Lighten Wood Stain? - Before You Stain
How To Lighten Wood Stain? - Before You Stain
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How To Lighten Wood Stain?

How To Lighten Wood Stain?

Before You Stain

Before you stain, dilute:

  • oil-bases stains with mineral spirits

  • water-based stains with water

  • lacquer-based stains with lacquer thinner


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How To Lighten Wood Stain? - Easier to Lighten Stains
How To Lighten Wood Stain? - Easier to Lighten Stains
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How To Lighten Wood Stain?

How To Lighten Wood Stain?

Easier to Lighten Stains

To lighten already-applied wood stain, first try turpentine, mineral spirits or household bleach. Apply firmly and evenly along the grain. 

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How To Lighten Wood Stain? - Harder to Lighten Stains
How To Lighten Wood Stain? - Harder to Lighten Stains
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How To Lighten Wood Stain?

How To Lighten Wood Stain?

Harder to Lighten Stains

For hard to lighten wood stain, use oxalic acid, known as "wood bleach." If that doesn't work, strip off the old stain and start fresh.

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