If you have a hardwood floor that has a relatively dark color, is it
possible to sand it, then restain with a much lighter color? I guess
the question boils down to how far into the wood the stain typically
penetrates? The floor in question is solid, not engineered.

wrote:
If you have a hardwood floor that has a relatively dark color, is it
possible to sand it, then restain with a much lighter color? I guess
the question boils down to how far into the wood the stain typically
penetrates? The floor in question is solid, not engineered.

Depends on the species of wood and the type of stain used. Oak, for
example, is very porous; maple not.

It is possible to sand and refinsh, yes, if the floor has sufficient
thickness--that is, if it hasn't been refinished previously too many
times. You may be able to bleach it some (oxalic acid/wood bleach) but
if it is porous probably won't be able to remove all traces. Best bet
is to try an area such a closet and see what can accomplish.

--

wrote:
If you have a hardwood floor that has a relatively dark color, is it
possible to sand it, then restain with a much lighter color? I
guess the question boils down to how far into the wood the stain
typically penetrates? The floor in question is solid, not
engineered.

Yes, it can be sanded out. But why stain it again, lighter color or
no?

--

dadiOH
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On Nov 13, 12:30 pm, wrote:
If you have a hardwood floor that has a relatively dark color, is it
possible to sand it, then restain with a much lighter color? I guess
the question boils down to how far into the wood the stain typically
penetrates? The floor in question is solid, not engineered.


I've done it with great results using an orbital style floor sander.
75% of the work was sanding the cupped planks flat. Sanding through
the stain was easy.

It depends on why it is dark. Varnish, for example, often darkens with
age and is easily removed. If it is a dark wood, and you can remove all
finish, it can be bleached. If it is stained, that is more of a
problem, as stain usually does not soak into the wood to a uniform
depth, so you may sand, but only remove the stain on some areas of the
floor, leaving a rather mottled look.

I would suggest you find an area that doesn't show (closets are ideal)
and try a small area and see what kind of results you get.

wrote:
If you have a hardwood floor that has a relatively dark color, is it
possible to sand it, then restain with a much lighter color? I guess
the question boils down to how far into the wood the stain typically
penetrates? The floor in question is solid, not engineered.

wrote:

If you have a hardwood floor that has a relatively dark color, is it
possible to sand it, then restain with a much lighter color? I guess
the question boils down to how far into the wood the stain typically
penetrates? The floor in question is solid, not engineered.



If it is very old, it may be darker because it has old wax with dirt
embedded. That can be cleaned off with mineral spirits. Oak doesn't
finish to a light color, like the maple that is so popular nowadays.
With plain, clear finish it will be a medium brown and tends to yellow a
bit with sun exposure. For a real "light" color, a pickled finish might
be needed. Stripping can remove most old stain, but still leaves a wood
that is medium brown when finished. I've tried to bleach oak, with no
noticeable effect.

On Tue, 13 Nov 2007 09:30:23 -0800, wrote:

If you have a hardwood floor that has a relatively dark color, is it
possible to sand it, then restain with a much lighter color? I guess
the question boils down to how far into the wood the stain typically
penetrates? The floor in question is solid, not engineered.

Stain penetration depends on several factors. Most hardwood stain is
rather shallow and it can be sanded out. It's a lot of work--a floor
sander and belt sander will help. Close off the room (use plastic or
whatever) else you will have dust all over the house.