Get rid of bad color on indoor steps?

Pat
by Pat

I had indoor steps bare wood natural almost white color. I was told to use Thompson clear. Put on 1 coat 36 hours ago. The steps turned redish brownish. Never became clear. Looks terrible. How can i get the color off and back to natural bare wood. I am so angry. Help!!!!


  12 answers
  • I'm so sorry this happened to you. It sounds like you may have used their stain/sealer. Here's a link with a product to remove it:

    https://www.plantedshack.com/how-do-i-remove-thompsons-water-seal-from-wood/

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on May 09, 2021

    Hello. Go back to your product and call the manufacturer. They will be the best person’s to challenge about your disappointment. Some manufactures do offer remediation and replacement product.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on May 09, 2021

    Call the manufacturer about this product, let them know what you are starting with as far as your steps, have the product in hand along with the receipt. They may want to know specific information about it such as the lot number, how long you had the product before use, was it well mixed...things like that. See if there are any viable options they can offer.

  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on May 09, 2021

    1. Remove the product with a real wood striper, i used "Super remover" this product can dissolve about anything, wear gloves and glasses. ...
    2. Use a green abrasive pad with "Super remover" and scrub the surface.
    3. Sand the surface.


  • Em Em on May 09, 2021

    Manufacturer may offer product but they don't offer to fix it. Afraid you are on your own to sand it off and do over. This is why many products tell you to test on a small area first.

  • Deb K Deb K on May 09, 2021

    Hi Pat, that is awful that this happened to you, honestly the quickest way would be a paint thinner or stripper and scrape is all off. You could also try to sand it off, and it will be ready for a transparent coat of stain.

  • Chas' Crazy Creations Chas' Crazy Creations on May 10, 2021

    Sadly you might need to sand it off or use another stain/paint over the top.

  • You might have to sand it off unfortunately. Many sealers will darken or change the color of bare wood so check the can, make sure you got clear, then test the next product you try on a small spot first.

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on May 11, 2021

    I agree with the others about stripping the wood. Check the label of the sealer to see if a) it is supposed to dry clear and b) for a customer service number . I have seen some clear sealers turn yellowish but, normally there shouldn't be that huge of a color change. Did it have a color tint to it when you applied it? There are so many options out there as far as sealer, I wonder if it was the wrong sealer or if something was wrong with it. Good luck!

  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on May 11, 2021

    It’s sunk into the raw wood, stripping won’t get it too far.

    Sanding will.

    But you’re still going to have raw wood and it sounds like pine. Pine will turn orange to red. Raw pine is an un-maintain-able finish.

    I would use a tinted white stain/polyurethane in-one, if it’s rated for floors.

  • Lindsay Aratari Lindsay Aratari on May 31, 2021

    Sanding it