How to Remove Wood Stain From Furniture

Put on your goggles and rubber gloves. Be sure you are in a well-ventilated area -- an open garage or even outdoors if the weather permits.

Apply a small amount of stripper carefully to a concentrated area of the furniture -- no more than you can work with at one time. Apply enough to coat the area thickly.

Leave the stripper on the wood for the recommended time as stated in the manufacturer's instructions.

Scrape away the stripper with a putty knife -- the finish should feel soft and lift with it. If it does not, allow it to sit a few minutes longer but do not allow it to dry. Work in the direction of the wood grain, wiping the finish off on an old towel or paper towel as needed. Be careful not to scrape the wood by digging too deep. Some people find it helpful to round the edges of the putty knife before use.

Saturate a steel wool pad in the stripper and use it to work away any remaining wood stain. This method works well in small crevices or with stubborn stain.

Continue to work in small sections, applying the stripper then removing with your putty knife and following up with the steel wool.

Follow the manufacturer's directions for cleaning the remaining stripper from the wood. Most recommend the use of mineral spirits or lacquer thinner. Allow your furniture to dry at least 24 hours.