Once wood is stained dark, it can be challenging to sand and stain it to a lighter shade. The dark stain penetrates deep into the wood fibers, making it difficult to completely remove through sanding. Sanding may lighten the color slightly, but it is unlikely to achieve a significantly lighter shade, especially if the wood has multiple layers of dark stain.

To effectively lighten dark-stained wood, it is recommended to use a wood bleach or stripping agent to remove the existing stain before sanding. This process helps to remove the deep-seated pigments and allows for a more even application of a lighter stain. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when using wood bleach or stripping agents to avoid damaging the wood.