Expert: Eileen Cronk - 10/13/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi.  I have an oak coffee table and end tables and am tired of the light oak color, I'd like to know if they can be stained a dark walnut color or would the grain of the oak look strange that dark? And, would I have to strip off the stain that is on there now before making them darker?  I'd like to avoid buying new tables.  Thanks!

ANSWER: Hi Cindy
Nice to hear from you.
If you ever get the chance to read this forum Cindy you will see this question regarding making oak darker over and over.
Everyone wants to change their light oak furniture or kitchen cabinets to dark oak.
Makes one wonder why they keep making it that color..obviously the women have little say LOL.
What I pass on to you is only my experience and here it is.
Old and antique oak strips and takes a stain beautifully.
Never have I known it not to.
You can stain old oak any color you choose with good results.
New oak on the other hand is a different story.
And stripping off these newer finishes on oak cabinets and furniture is a nightmare in itself.
New oak in most cases just will not stain a dark color.
Your question was "if they can be stained a dark color?"
My answer is it depends how old they are.
Next "would the grain look strange dark?"
My answer is no it would not.
Next "Would I have to strip off the stain?"
My answer is all finish must be removed with paint stripper before any new stain is applied.
Cindy I recommend you try a little test area before going too far.
Get a little can of MC stripper (just ask at your hardware)and try to remove a bit of finish and stain the area.
Then you will know for certain what will happen.
Good Luck and great question.
Kind Regards
Eileen


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for the information. I do wonder though, in terms of age, what is considered "new"?  The tables are probably 10 years old.

Answer
Hi Again Cindy
Another great question.
But not easy to specifically answer LOL
But your 10 year old tables I would call new.
Not long ago a lady asked me about stripping and staining her 25 year old cabinets.
She did not want to go dark though just a honey gold color.
I told her I felt she could do this color fine on these cabinets.
But you want darker Cindy and I fear its not possible.
But you could luck out and get a darker color you like.
So do your test. Then see.
And thank you for the great ratings.
It makes helping others in this way very nice.
I'm always around if you need further help.
Regards
Eileen