Are you updating interior wood surfaces or refinishing a piece of furniture? You’ll first want to strip any stain from the wood. Removing dried wood stain and any protective varnish above it the initial step toward refinishing a prized piece of furniture or beautiful hardwood floors. 

Eliminating old wood stain can be a little trickier than paint removal, since the wood grain absorbs stain. Still, removing wood stain is a home improvement project that first-time DIYers can tackle in an afternoon. This guide will help you get the job done right.

Project Overview

Working time: About 2 hours, plus drying time
Total time: 24 hours
Skill level: Beginner/Intermediate
Estimated cost: $45 to $100

Before You Begin

Before starting to remove wood stain, assess and prepare your work area for safety. This DIY task often requires the use of chemical strippers, so include protective equipment as part of your preparation. Many types of chemical strippers emit strong fumes and have high amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Put on a long-sleeve shirt, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Before you open the stripper, don chemical-resistant gloves and safety glasses to keep the stripper from coming into contact with your skin or eyes. Finally, put on a respirator mask.

Plan to do your work with wood stain remover in a well-ventilated area—or outdoors, if possible. Clear the area of dust before starting, then lay down a drop cloth to protect the floors.

Guide to Removing Wood Stain

Step 1: Gather your materials and prep the work area.

Before you get started, note that most wood strippers (and even paint strippers designed to handle varnish) contain harsh chemicals that are dangerous to breathe in and should not touch your skin. If possible, work outdoors. If your wood piece is too large to move or you are stripping hardwood floors, make sure windows are open and the room is well ventilated. If you are stripping stain from a piece of furniture, lay down a drop cloth to protect the work area. Have the paint brush, stripper, and paint scraper, and other tools within reaching distance.

Step 2: Choose your paint stripper.

Although sanding alone can remove some wood stains, in most situations, you will need a chemical paint stripper. Although these products are harsh and even toxic, they could do less damage to a prized antique or vintage piece than the roughness of sandpaper when sanding off stain from wood. The types of paint strippers include:

• Solvents, which are stronger and needed to work through varnish or thick layers or to remove oil-based stains. They can damage delicate wood, so be sure to follow directions carefully for use and safety precautions; these chemical strippers have a high VOC content and come with more health hazards than others.
• Caustic strippers, chemical strippers that are not as strong, and can remove latex- or water-based wood stains but not polyurethane varnish. They probably will take longer to work than solvents will. 
• Biochemical paint strippers, which are safer than caustic or solvent types because they contain plant-based and organic compounds. They emit lower VOCs, but can still irritate skin and the respiratory system; these strippers are only effective on water-based stains.
• Zero-VOC strippers might be the best option for DIYers who are concerned about VOCs and the use of common stripper chemicals like methylene chloride. These are less effective on wood than on metal or masonry, especially when it comes to removing polyurethane layers.

Step 2: Prepare wood for stripping.

Before applying your paint stripper, be sure to prep the piece of furniture by removing any hardware, such as doorknobs, handles, or drawer pulls. Wood strippers or finishers can damage the color of metal hardware on furniture and wood cabinets. Reaching all the stain on a piece might involve taking furniture legs off or otherwise disassembling the item. Set the hardware aside or in a ziplock bag for reassembly later. Wipe down all of the wood surfaces with a microfiber cloth right before applying stripper.

Step 3: Apply paint stripper.

After donning protective gear, pour some stripper into a container. Only use a container that is designed to hold corrosive solvents, such as a disposable aluminum pan or a metal bowl. Pour the stripper into the container carefully so you don’t get any on your clothes or the floor.

Dip the paintbrush into the container of stain stripper and apply a thick layer of the stripper to the wood. Carefully brush it across the surface of the wood until the entire surface is covered. Be sure to keep the layer of stripper even and thick. Gently push the stripper into nooks and crannies to be sure they are covered.

Step 4: Let the stripper soak in.

Generally, the stripper needs to soak in for about 20 minutes, but you’ll want to read the label on the stain stripper you’re using for the product’s recommended timing instructions. Check on it every few minutes for signs of bubbling, which indicates that the stripper is working. If you notice any dry patches on the wood, apply more stripper. Cover the wood with plastic wrap if you need to to keep the stripper from drying out too quickly.

Step 5: Scrape the stain stripper off the wood.

Use a plastic scraper to scrape the varnish and stain from the wood. (To prevent nicks or damage to the wood, don’t use a metal scraper.) Exert gentle but consistent pressure, since the stripper softens the wood’s surface. Start at one edge of the workpiece and gently push the scraper across the surface of the wood in a straight line to match the wood grain. Scrape off the debris (into a bucket or trash can, if you can), and repeat the process in a different area. Continue until all the stain stripper has been scraped away.

If the wood piece has a thick layer of varnish, this first pass with the stripper might remove only that protective coat, but little to no wood stain. Reapply a coat of stripper where needed, and follow the steps above for removing the wood stain. 

Step 6: Scrub the surface of the wood.

If only small amounts of stain remain, they might come off with final sanding. You can try scrubbing them off with a steel wool pad, wiping in the direction of the wood grain. If necessary, dip the steel wool pad in the stripper before wiping down the surface. Follow the direction of the grain and be sure to get into every nook and cranny. 

Once you are satisfied that all the varnish and stain have been removed, wipe down the surface of the wood with a wet rag. (Another option is to dampen a cloth with mineral spirits to remove residue from stain and the stripper.) Allow the piece of wood to dry for 24 hours.

Step 7: Sand the wood surface.

Once the wood is dry, sand it with medium-grit sandpaper. If you’re working on a large area, use an electric hand sander. When sanding wood, always apply steady pressure and sand in the direction of the wood grain. Continue sanding until you remove all traces of the varnish and stain. As you continue to sand, the existing stain will fade away, exposing the raw wood beneath.

Follow up with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any scratches made by the coarser sandpaper.

Step 8: Wipe the dust with a damp rag.

Once you are satisfied with the color of the wood, clean the sanding dust from the surface. You can vacuum it off or wipe it well with a dry rag. Wipe again with a damp rag to remove all of the wood dust, using a dab of mineral spirits if desired. Once dry from the damp wipe, the piece of wood is ready for a new stain and protective finish.

FAQs

The post How to Remove Stain From Wood appeared first on Bob Vila.

Have you heard of the color of the year 2025? As a color expert who has helped pick a color of the year, I’ve heard many doubters say the announcement is just a marketing ploy to get us to buy more stuff for our homes. Color of the Year, or COTY, which is what designers and color experts call it, is much more than a way to merchandise home decor and building products. There’s actually a bigger meaning behind it. 

Choosing a color of the year is a process that can take a few years, so design experts gather in all parts of the country and all over the world to propose colors they feel will capture that year’s mood as a physical representation. Everything from politics and current events to social movements and pop culture factor into the pick. They slowly narrow down those suggestions until they settle on the color of the year.

For 2025, Pantone announced Mocha Mousse (Pantone 17-1230) as their pick because it captures the “global mood of connection, comfort, and harmony.”

“I love the selection of Mocha Mousse for Pantone’s color of the year,” says Kim Lewis, founder of Austin, Texas-based Kim Lewis Designs. “This color is a new neutral that can pair endlessly, but also stand strongly on its own,” she says. “The tone is rich, subtle, sexy, and understated—earthy, calming, and deeply engaging. Mocha Mousse offers a level of effortless sophistication and chic luxury,” says Lewis.

Include Mocha Mousse in your home one of several ways. 

If you love Mocha Mousse, go ahead and paint your living room walls that hue. However, if you’re tempted to infuse some of the chocolate comfort into your home without making a long-term or large-format commitment, instead consider accents and easy-to-swap-out home decor. Here are a few ideas for using the 2025 color of the year:

• Choose fabrics for curtains or tablecloths with the chocolate color in their pattern.
• Paint a fireplace surround in Mocha Mousse. 
• Stain wood, like exposed rafters or beams, in a rich mocha color. 
• Paint or stain the trim around windows or doors.
• Paint or stain a bathroom vanity.
• Include wall art that features pops of chocolate in the design.

Find home decor in the 2025 color of the year.

It’s easier to find home furnishings and accessories in the Pantone color pick for 2025, because many shops feature these items in their selections. The following are some home decor items with the Mocha Mousse hue. 

• Area rug. Roll out the carpet with an accent like this solid area rug from Garland, available at Lowe’s, that’s made for busy families. It’s durable, and the subtle checkered pattern will infuse any room with a rich and soothing vibe. 
• Floating shelves. Hang some art to add visual interest to an empty wall space with these brown rectangular floating shelves from Kate and Laurel. 
• Mirror. Add a mirror to your entryway or swap out the mirror over a sink for this brown framed wall mirror from Kate and Laurel. 
• Lamp. Swap out a table lamp for a more earthy mojo from this brown table lamp with a glowing fabric shade from StyleCraft Home Collection. 
• Chair. Expand your seating with a chocolate faux leather chair that has a comfortable lean, like this midcentury chair from Joybase, available at Amazon. 

Tip: If you’re looking around for other items for your home or wardrobe to match the vibe of Mocha Mousse, use the words “chocolate brown” in your search.

More “Color of the Year” picks from major brands.

While Pantone is the most talked about color of the year, paint brands, furniture brands, gardening brands, and building product companies also select their colors of the year. While the colors might vary, there’s a common throughline of moodiness and groundedness among the 2025 picks. And all of these hues can be used as neutrals, pairing well with many other colors that you may already love for your home. 

Mapped Blue (429-5DB) by Dutch Boy Paints

Mapped Blue is the 2025 color pick from Dutch Boy Paints. A gentle neutral, it’s a versatile color that is thoughtful and classic. The brand also created three palettes of colors that work with Mapped Blue, which makes it easier to develop a color scheme for a room or an entire home.

Violet by Minwax

Minwax picked Violet as its color of the year for 2025. While it’s not a strict neutral, but is a bit more bold than traditional neutrals, it can be used as one in homes that are a little more moody with hues. The brand says they picked the stain because it’s a saturated and playful color that pairs well with others. 

Raku (C2-549) by C2 Paint

A color that is a reflection of ancient Japanese tea ceremonies, Raku is C2 Paint’s 2025 color of the year. As a harmonious blend of luxe modern vibe and a grounded traditional feel, the elegant hue is a rich neutral that can work well in nighttime hangout spaces like dining rooms, family rooms, and bedrooms.

Cinnamon Slate (2113-40) by Benjamin Moore

It’s not hard to spot the trend: Benjamin Moore’s Cinnamon Slate also makes a case for treating a velvety plum color as a neutral. It pairs well with antiqued wood tones, taupes, and charcoals to create a cozy space. Creamy white trim or color-blocking can keep this color from feeling too moody.

White Snow (SW 9541) by Sherwin-Williams

White Snow is a crisp white with a touch of warmth. Use it on all walls where you want bright and airy without being too cold, or incorporate it as a trim or ceiling color in rooms where a warmer hue is the star of the show.

But notably, this isn’t the only pick from Sherwin-Williams for its 2025 color, because the paint brand chose to create a capsule of colors to celebrate its 15th COTY anniversary. The other eight include Grounded (SW 6089), Sunbleached (SW 9585), Chartreuse (SW 0073), Bosc Pear (SW 6390), Rain Cloud (SW 9639), Clove (SW 9605), Malabar (SW 9110), and Mauve Finery (SW 6282). Like White Snow, all of the colors can be used as neutrals, and some—like chartreuse and mauve—are non-traditional neutrals.

Evening Blue by James Hardie

From James Hardie’s Statement Collection, Evening Blue practically pulls its hue from still lake waters at dusk—deep, moody, and yet calming. Maybe it’s the hint of a green undertone, but this siding shade connects well with nature without blending into your landscape. Plus, the gray that comes out in certain lights helps this striking blue into a non-boring neutral.

Hammered Black by Krylon

Krylon says it picked Hammered Black as its 2025 color of the year because it’s calm and grounding. This is the company’s first pick of a textured finish for the annual honor. Black is a timeless color that’s also a modern neutral, so it can make a space feel current without disrupting a low-key vibe.

The post These Are the Colors to Live By in 2025 appeared first on Bob Vila.

Green paint colors offer seemingly endless possibilities when it comes to creating a fresh and inviting home. By including a green color—from soft sage to deep forest—in your color scheme, you can transform and freshen a space while creating a sense of connection to the outdoors. 

Whether you’re looking to make a bold statement or create a subtle backdrop with nearly-white painted walls, there’s a green that could work for every room and style. Keep reading to see our top picks for the best green paint colors for home interiors. 

1. Dried Thyme, Sherwin-Williams

“Dried Thyme ranks pretty high as one of my favorites,” explains Trina Rogers, color consultant at Five Star Painting in Temple, Texas. “It is a medium-dark muted green with just a bit of a gray-blue tone. It works well in many areas of the home including kitchen cabinets, interiors, and exteriors.” 

She adds, “If Dried Thyme seems a little too green for you, compare it to the slightly more gray-green Retreat.”

Get Dried Thyme at Lowe’s.

2. Saybrook Sage, Benjamin Moore 

A timeless sage green that brings subtle sophistication to a room, Saybrook Sage is a great choice for those who are looking to create a calming atmosphere. Its muted quality allows it to function as a neutral while still providing more character than standard beige or gray. It’s perfect for living rooms or bedrooms where you want to create a soothing effect without sacrificing style.

Get Saybrook Sage at Ace Hardware.

3. Green Smoke, Farrow & Ball 

This deep, smoky green paint color has rich undertones, creating an atmosphere of timeless elegance. It’s particularly effective in home offices, dining rooms, or anywhere you want to create an intimate feeling, Green Smoke has dramatic depth while maintaining sophistication. It’s also an excellent choice for making a statement in rooms that get lots of natural light.

Get Green Smoke at Farrow & Ball.

4. Wethersfield Moss, Benjamin Moore 

A rich, traditional green like Wethersfield Moss can bring warmth and character to a room. Wethersfield Moss works beautifully in both modern and classic settings. Its depth makes it particularly suitable for creating accent walls or highlighting architectural features, while its natural undertones help maintain a connection to the outdoors.

Get Wethersfield Moss at Ace Hardware.

5. Sea Salt, Sherwin-Williams 

Sea Salt from Sherwin-Williams is a light green paint with subtle gray undertones that creates a fresh, coastal feeling. Perfect for bathrooms or bedrooms where you want a spa-like atmosphere, Sea Salt provides a gentle backdrop that can work with both warm and cool color schemes.

Get Sea Salt at Sherwin-Williams.

6. Hunt Club, Sherwin-Williams 

This deep, versatile shade will add drama to any room. “Hunt Club is a dark, rich, blue-green that almost looks teal,” says Rogers. “If you want something with a little less blue tone, look at Isle of Pines. Both of these gorgeous saturated colors would do well in living areas or bedrooms to create a cozy space perfect for relaxing.” If you have a space that doesn’t receive a lot of natural light, consider leaning into a moody vibe with a deep color like this one. 

Get Hunt Club at Sherwin-Williams.

7. Back to Nature, Behr 

A balanced, earthy green, Back to Nature was recognized as the Behr color of the year in 2020, and it’s easy to see why. The tint has yellow undertones and brings a certain liveliness to interior spaces while being subtle enough for easy everyday living. It’s particularly effective in creating seamless indoor-outdoor connections in spaces with plenty of natural light.

Get Back to Nature at The Home Depot.

8. Sparkling Sage, Valspar 

This refreshing take on sage green interior paint brings sophistication with a modern twist. Its bright, airy quality makes it perfect for kitchens and bathrooms where natural light can highlight its subtle variations. The balance of gray and green undertones allows it to pair well with both warm wood tones and cool marble surfaces, making it versatile enough for many different rooms.

Get Sparkling Sage at Lowe’s.

9. Liveable Green, Sherwin-Williams 

As its name suggests, this versatile green paint color creates an easy-to-live-with backdrop that creates a soothing vibe. Its balanced undertones make it particularly suitable for open-concept spaces where color flow is crucial. The color tone reads differently throughout the day, appearing more gray in dim light and showing its green undertones in bright sunlight. 

Get Liveable Green at Sherwin-Williams.

10. Salamander, Benjamin Moore 

Among dark green paint colors, this rich, green brings dramatic sophistication to a home. Its depth makes it perfect for creating intimate dining rooms or cozy libraries, while its subtle black undertones add a modern edge that works beautifully in contemporary settings. When paired with metallic accents, Salamander takes on an especially luxurious quality, making it ideal for spaces where you want to make a bold yet refined statement.

Get Salamander at Ace Hardware.

11. Soft Fern, Benjamin Moore 

Soft Fern is a gentle, nature-inspired green that captures the essence of spring foliage. Its subtle warmth makes it an excellent choice in bedrooms and living spaces where you want to maintain a connection to nature without overwhelming the senses. The color’s versatility allows it to work equally well in traditional and modern settings, particularly when paired with crisp white trim or natural textures.

Get Soft Fern at Benjamin Moore.

12. Mizzle, Farrow & Ball 

This sophisticated gray-green creates a gentle, misty atmosphere that transforms beautifully throughout the day, making it perfect for rooms with changing light conditions. Its complex undertones provide depth and interest while maintaining a soothing presence that works particularly well in bedrooms and bathrooms. The color’s ability to shift between gray and green, depending on the light source, makes it an excellent choice for spaces where you want to create a subtle, ethereal quality while maintaining architectural interest.

Get Mizzle at Farrow & Ball.

13. Vine Leaf, Behr 

Behr’s Vine Leaf is inspired by the green hues found in a garden, and it brings a natural energy indoors. Its balanced undertones prevent it from feeling overwhelming, even in larger spaces. The color works particularly well when the goal is to create an energizing connection to nature in home offices and sunrooms. In addition to Vine Leaf green painted walls, it’s also a great choice for kitchen cabinets and other built-in architectural features. 

Get Vine Leaf at The Home Depot.

14. Hunter Green, Benjamin Moore 

A classic dark green paint color, Hunter Green brings timeless elegance with a contemporary edge. Its rich depth makes it perfect for creating sophisticated accent walls or enveloping entire rooms in cozy warmth. Hunter Green works exceptionally well in traditional spaces like libraries and dining rooms, where it creates a formal atmosphere without feeling stuffy. The shade takes on a particularly luxurious quality when paired with brass fixtures and rich wood tones, making it ideal for spaces where you want to make a strong design statement.

Get Hunter Green at Benjamin Moore. 

15. Softened Green, Sherwin-Williams 

“Softened Green is light, muted, neutral green warmed with slight yellow tones,” says Rogers. “Consider this for multiple areas in the home including common areas, bedrooms, bathrooms, entryways, or offices to create a soothing and subdued environment.” The color’s versatility makes it an excellent choice for open-concept spaces where color flow is important. For a similar choice, Rogers suggests trying the slightly more gray-green Contented, which offers comparable adaptability.

Get Softened Green at Sherwin-Williams.

16. Avocado, Benjamin Moore 

Avocado is a warm, organic green that brings retro charm while maintaining modern versatility. Its yellow undertones create a welcoming atmosphere that works particularly well in gathering spaces like kitchens and family rooms. A color that immediately freshens up a room, the green reads as a neutral in some lights while showing its personality in others, making it adaptable to various design styles. 

Get Avocado at Benjamin Moore.

17. Hazel, Sherwin-Williams 

While the name may suggest that this color contains tones of both green and brown, it’s actually a mid-tone color with a hint of blue. It’s bright and cheerful enough to suit children’s bedrooms but is mature enough to work just as well in bathrooms and kitchens. Because the color is reminiscent of ocean waters, it also brings a fresh coastal feel to a space. 

Get Hazel at Sherwin-Williams.

18. Halo, Benjamin Moore 

This ethereal color delivers a whisper of sage and creates an airy, peaceful ambiance. Its gentle undertones work beautifully in bedrooms and living spaces where you’re aiming to create a calm atmosphere. When used in rooms with lots of natural light, Halo’s subtle green tint becomes more apparent, while in darker spaces it reads as a sophisticated neutral. The versatility of this barely-there green shade makes it perfect for those who want to experiment with color while keeping the overall color scheme relatively neutral.

Get Halo at Benjamin Moore.

19. Breakfast Room Green, Farrow & Ball 

Breakfast Room Green is a cheerful yet sophisticated green that brings a garden-fresh feel to a home while maintaining an air of classic elegance. The color works beautifully in breakfast nooks and sunrooms, but also holds its own in more formal spaces like dining rooms. When paired with crisp white trim, Breakfast Room Green creates a bright, uplifting atmosphere that feels both traditional and current.

Get Breakfast Room Green at Farrow & Ball.

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