I Stained My Deck the Wrong Color - Tips to Correct It

We've all experienced that gut-wrenching moment - you meticulously stain your deck, take a step back to appreciate your work, and realize the color is completely wrong. Too dark and intense or too light and splotchy - whatever the case, choosing the wrong stain color can be incredibly frustrating after putting in all that effort.

Luckily, with some perseverance and ingenuity, you can change the stain and achieve the color you originally intended. There are several effective methods to alter or remove the incorrect stain from your decking boards. With a little elbow grease and patience, you can transform that staining mistake into a beautiful, flawless deck.

Examining Why the Stain Color Went Wrong

Before deciding how to remedy the staining error, it helps to understand why it happened in the first place. Below are some of the most common reasons deck stain colors turn out incorrectly:

• The lighting when you tested the stain sample was different than the full lighting conditions on your deck, resulting in the dried color appearing much darker or lighter than expected.
• You felt rushed or impatient when applying the stain, leading to uneven coverage and blotchy, inconsistent coloration.
• The specific wood species or grain texture on your deck wasn't compatible with the stain, skewing the end color.
• Old stains or wood treatments weren't fully removed prior to restaining, interfering with absorption.
• The new stain was a mismatch for the natural underlying wood tone, creating a clash in colors.

While it's not possible to go back in time, identifying the likely causes can help prevent staining mistakes in the future. Always test stains first on scrap pieces of wood or inconspicuous deck areas at different times of day. Proper preparation of the wood surface is also critical for stain penetration and correct coloring.

Should You Remove or Cover Up the Botched Stain?

Now that you've accepted the deck is the wrong color, the next decision is whether to remove the existing stain and reapply a new hue, or simply cover up the problem stain with an opaque paint or stain coating. Consider the pros and cons of each approach:

• Removing the old stain takes more physical effort but allows you to achieve precisely the right color by re-staining the bare wood.
• Covering the botched stain with paint or opaque stain is faster and easier but you'll lose the natural wood grain look.

Preparing the Deck Before Removing or Covering

Whichever path you choose, proper preparation of the decking surface is crucial for a successful outcome. Here are the key steps to take beforehand:

1. Clean the entire deck with a specialized wood or deck wash using a pressure washer to remove mold, mildew, grease, dirt and debris.
2. Make any necessary repairs to cracked or split deck boards, loose nails or hardware, etc. to ensure a smooth, intact surface.
3. Lightly scuff sand the decking to smooth out the existing boards and open the grain for better adhesion of new products.
4. Always test the new stain color, paint, or stripper on a small hidden area of your deck first before full application.
5. Protect nearby walls, plants, furniture and surfaces from potential drips, splatters, and overspray.

Proper prep work is time-consuming and tedious but prevents many headaches and setbacks down the road like poor adhesion or botched color correction. Allow at least 1-3 full sunny days for the deck surface to completely dry out beforehand.

Removing an Incorrect Stain From the Deck

Eliminating the wrong stain color enables you to re-stain the deck and achieve exactly the right tone and appearance you want. Here are some of the most popular and effective methods for removing existing deck stain:

Chemical Stripping

Heavy-duty deck strippers containing methylene chloride, methanol, or other strong solvents work by penetrating into the stain and dissolving it so it can be scrubbed or washed off the wood. Apply a thick viscous coating of stripper as evenly as possible, allow it to sit and work for 15-60 minutes, then scrub off the gunk and residue with a stiff brush and rinse clean. Chemical stripping can remove multiple stain layers from all decking types, but the products can be extremely hazardous to handle.

Abrasive Sanding

For wood decks, renting a commercial orbital floor sander can quickly remove the top layer of stain from the decking boards. Move the sander steadily along the wood grain to avoid digging into the softer grain areas. Continue sanding until only raw, bare wood is visible. Be mindful of the dust and debris generated. Tackle railings and steps by hand.

Bleaching

Liquid oxygen bleach deck brighteners containing sodium percarbonate or oxalic acid wood bleaches can lighten the existing stain so a lighter color is possible. Apply the bleaching products per the manufacturer's directions, letting it sit briefly before scrubbing it into the wood gently with a stiff brush. Then rinse thoroughly. Bleaching may take several repeated coats and is not overly effective at removing darker, opaque stains.

Natural Stain Removers

Milder and safer solvents like denatured alcohol, acetone, turpentine, or paint thinner can dissolve and remove some light stains without harsh, dangerous chemicals. Dampen a cloth with the solvent and scrub a small test patch of the stained decking. Immediately rinse to prevent damage. Natural options work slower than commercial strippers but are safer.

Concealing a Stain Mistake

Covering up or hiding an unsightly deck stain with a solid opaque coating is often the quickest and easiest fix:

• Use 100% acrylic latex exterior paint for deck and porch surfaces. Priming first enhances adhesion and hiding power.
• Opaque stains offer protection along with better traction compared to paint, but color visibility is very limited.

Apply paint or heavy bodied stains using a brush, roller or airless sprayer, just like normal painting. Two coats ensure flawless coverage and opacity to conceal staining mistakes. Painted and stained deck boards require much more frequent maintenance as the coating wears compared to penetrative transparent wood stains.

Experts say the best way to learn is from your mistakes. Use this staining mishap as a lesson for your next deck or outdoor wood project:

• Always test stain colors on scrap wood or hidden deck areas first. Check samples in different lighting.
• Never rush or take shortcuts in the staining process - take your time.
• Read the manufacturer's recommendations for appropriate wood species and textures.
• Fully clean and prepare the surface before applying any products.
• Ask a partner or friend for a second opinion if unsure about your color choice.

While a staining mistake can certainly be remedied with some heavy lifting, it's always preferable to get the color right the first time around. Patience, proper preparation, and care makes all the difference. Follow these handy tips, and you'll have a gorgeously stained deck to admire and enjoy for years to come.