08/09/2026
One of the questions we get asked a lot is can you make my table lighter in colour? The answer will depend on a few things.
Is the colour in the finish or the wood? Tables where the stain has been applied directly to the wood are much harder to lighten as the colour penetrates the surface whereas tables with colour added to the finish have a better success rate.
What sort of wood is it made from? Woods such as oak, ash, mango, beech usually do lighten after the removal of the finish whereas darker tropical woods like mahogany, walnut, rosewood and teak don't.
Can sanding help? Well firstly check if the table is veneered. If the answers yes then hard sanding is a big no no! Veneers are extremely thin, it's very easy to sand through to the board underneath. It's best to avoid sanding woods like mahogany, walnut and rosewood as over time, their patina mellows, so sanding will result in their colour richening/darkening considerably. Woods like ash, oak and beech can lighten when sanded. Helpful or still confused? Come and talk to Jenny our finisher for more advice this weekend at North East Open Studios
