One of the snags with staining wood is that you cannot make the surface lighter; you can only make it darker, A light-colored stain on a darkish piece of wood just won’t work. The way round this problem is to bleach the wood before you start sealing it —and for this proprietary wood bleaches are available at most hardware stores.

Some bleaches are applied in one stage and others in two stages. The wood is washed with a neutralizing agent afterwards so the bleach doesn’t carry on working when the finish is applied. Follow the manufacturers’ instructions when applying the bleach, particularly concerning the time you should allow for each stage of the treatment.

Bleaching Wood

Usually, bleach is applied with a sponge or brush; make sure you use a white fiber brush or the dye in the brush may come out onto the wood.

Bleaching wood – DIY Step by Step Guide

1. In a two-stage bleaching process, apply the first solution liberally and leave it to work for the recommended time — usually 10 to 20 minutes.

2. Brush on the second solution, leaving it to work. If the wood is very dark or stained, reapply both solutions. If a crust forms, wipe it oft with a damp rag.

3. Wash the wood with a solution of acetic acid (white vinegar) and water to neutralize the bleach. Allow it to dry completely before staining it.