whats the best way to remove dark stain from a desk so i can stain it a lighter color?

Answer 1

Sand paper.

Answer 2

You won't like this answer. Stain, once it has bitten into the wood, can only be sanded off. Some might suggest bleach, but this isn't a cure-all (plus, furniture bleaching involves three different chemicals--oxalic acid, acetic acid, and sodium hypochlorite). I own and operate a furniture shop and I routinely turn these jobs down because it is EASY to go light to dark, but MISERABLE to go dark to light. To make matters worse, if the piece is veneered, you might end up sanding through the veneer, which will look awful in a light finish. Darker finishes always hide the "evils" of a used piece of furniture.

Answer 3

i am a long time painting supervisor, the best way is not to sand, the best way is to strip it then if the stain is still there is to apply bleach....go to a paint store and they will sell you the proper beach.....you will have to go over it many times, say six to ten, each time the stain will become lighter and lighter. then sand lightly stain, seal and finish coat to your specs. hopes this helps. john