How do we get a dark stain off of old floorboards?

Question

They are in the hall and we want to wax them. |Problem is it is a narrow hall with the floorboards running across the width so hiring a large sander is not an option as we couldn't run it backwards and forwards across the grain. The stain is quite dark. Any suggestions please? Serious answers only!!!

Answer 1

If you hire a high power orbital edging sander it will cut as deep as a barrel "push along" sander without ruining the grain of the wood, however, often stains from moisture spills, dog spills etc. run deeper into the grain than you would wish to sand especially if they have been inside an old carpet or rug on top of your floor. Best recommendation is to sand as well as you can then perhaps to use a mainstream waxing product with a stain which will be darker than the area in question....

Sorry if this is not what you wanted to hear but I've been doing up old houses for ages and have yet to find a better way!

Answer 2

You can try a 'Vibrating hand Sander', but if the stains are very deep into the wood, it may be necessary to remove too much surface. This would create a "convex" effect and the entire floor or a few boards will not be level.

If there were any large dogs in the house, they may have lain in those areas and that will leave stains from the oil in their bodies and fur. Or urine.

I've seen that on many floors.

If all the surface is taken down to the natural wood, it may be possible to use a "bleaching process" by a professional.
NOT HOUSEHOLD BLEACH!
That is beyond my expertise.
One shouldn't try that by oneself.

Not sure that would work in any event.

Answer 3

You can buy a kit from your local DIY store which contains a bleach, thus colouring the stain.
This does work but is a bit hit and miss and you may have to repeat the process a few times to achieve the colour you want.

Different makes called different names but in general the kits will be called a wood lightening kit.

Might be expensive so you could try ordinary bleach and leave on for a while.

Answer 4

Cut a bit of wood, wrap sandpaper around it. Then its down to some hard work. Start with a rough edge sandpaper working down to a fine sandpaper. Also make sure you remove any nails or such that are sticking up, as this shall tear the sand paper. So start with removing any nails. Then rough sandpaper, then medium, then smooth.
Make sure you keep brushing the floor, as this prevents clog up in the sandpaper. P.s Don't be afraid to change sandpaper as this clogs up quite quickly.

Answer 5

get a small hand sander for your final sanding use 200 grit then wipe down with damp cloth let dry stain when dry use verithane 3-4 coats

Answer 6

A caustic paint stripper followed by neat bleach.
Dry and lightly sand.
Wipe over with white spirit dry and wax.

If this don't move the stain then you will have to sand it out.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

Provided the timber is only stained, I do believe there is a bleach available for this purpose.

Answer 9

Use a hand sander or try stripper

Answer 10

Umm...I would try lime away (diluted) or Simple Green. Simple Green works wonders.