How do I remove a semi-transparent water resistant deck stain?

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I recently stained my deck w/ a semi-transparent water resistant stain and it looks terrible. I want to start over and apply a more opaque stain. Unfortunately, I do not know the best way to remove the stain I have already applied. Can anyone help?

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  1. Molly6969 says:
    July 25, 2009 at 7:28 pm

    You can get remover at home depot, takes about an hour with a two step system. Go there and ask them, they will get you what you need

  2. RedneckBarn says:
    July 25, 2009 at 7:28 pm

    Mineral Spirits.

  3. bonedrii says:
    July 25, 2009 at 7:28 pm

    sand and then refinish that spot

  4. blueyes says:
    July 25, 2009 at 7:28 pm

    I’d use the deck cleaner available first, then if necessary you may have to use mineral spirits to get it back to its original color.

  5. goldwing110083 says:
    July 25, 2009 at 7:28 pm

    1) without a lot of work, this isn’t going to happen. You would have to sand off the wood to get rid of the stain.
    2) What looks terrible about it? If it is too light, you could apply another coat, or another coat of a darker stain. I have decks that are of PT wood, started down the stain/seal route, had to apply 3 coats before I was finished to get the look I wanted…the grain shows, it is the right color, and it is water resistant.
    3) If you really want an opaque color, just apply over what you have…but you will not be all that happy with the results…opaque stains look cheap, scratches and chips show up very quickly and in general, end up looking a mess. The stain that comes to mind (that I really do not like) is "redwood."
    4) IF the stain you have applied is too red, and you want a browner look, change colors and reapply…each coating will make the deck darker, but there are times when this works out well. IF you want to start all over, I suggest trying to salvage first. If it doesn’t work, a sanding is the only option. But beware of opaque stains…they rarely look like what you think they will.
    5) After I finally got the look I wanted (will admit, it took some work to get rid of the streaks and "roller stops"), I regularly apply Thompson’s Water Seal to freshen up the look. An application rubbed on with a rag (very thin coating) is all it takes once a year. Any scratches or chips, I stain with a small brush first. My deck is always glowing, looks expensive AND like wood, not a plastic substitute.
    6) If you decide to sand and start over, remember that once an opaque stain/finish is applied, if you do NOT like it, you will have to sand again and start over. Try to change the color of what you have BEFORE you make that decision. Better to take this in steps than leap.
    Good luck to you in your endeavors.

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