Do I Have to Strip to Stain Darker?

Sealed Surfaces

• If the wooden surface you want to restain has been sealed with any kind of protective topcoat, such as polyurethane, varnish or lacquer, you have to strip the wood before you can apply a different stain. Protective topcoats protect wood surfaces from scratches, moisture and spills. If you tried to apply a stain over it, the stain would most likely just bead off and run, making a mess.

Unsealed Surfaces

• If a protective topcoat hasn't been applied to the wood surface, it is technically possible to add a darker stain as long as the original stain has dried properly. However, as far as possible, use a stain similar to the original one. For example, if the first stain was oil-based, the darker stain must also be oil-based. If the darker stain is water-based, it may not be able to soak into the wood properly. Additionally, the darker stain may not end up looking the way it is supposed to, since you are layering over a different color instead of natural wood. Test the new stain on a small area, then let it dry to see if you like the end result.

Stripping the Surface

• If the wood surface was treated with a protective topcoat or you don't like the look of the darker stain painted over the original stain, you will have to strip the surface of the wood. You can do this one of two ways: with sandpaper or with chemicals. If the surface in question is a floor, you should rent a drum sander or orbital sander. If the surface is relatively small, such as a cabinet or chair, a handheld sander will do the trick. Chemical solvents, such as mineral spirits and stain and varnish strippers can be applied with a rag, but should only be used in well-ventilated areas. See the manufacturer's labels for specific instructions.

Restaining and Sealing

• With your wood surface stripped and dried, you are ready to restain. If you are unsure of how much darker you want to go, ask for samples from a hardware, home improvement or paint store, then apply a small amount of each one to the wood surface. Allow it to dry before you decide, then strip all of the sample areas with a chemical stripper. Paint the stain of your choice on with a brush, roller or rag and allow it to dry before sealing with a protective topcoat according to the manufacturer's instructions.