How to Remove Orange Tones From Wood Furniture for a Modern Look

If you have wood furniture sealed with an oil-based varnish or aged polyurethane, you might notice that over time, the surface starts to take on an orange or amber tone. This is the result of oxygen and ultraviolet rays causing the surface of the wood to darken, and is common with traditional varnishes, oils, and shellacs, says Martin Dooley, director of MD Carpentry Workshop.

While there’s nothing wrong with warmer-toned wood, it can look a bit dated in certain scenarios (especially if that wasn’t the look you were initially going for). To help you achieve your desired aesthetic, we consulted three furniture and carpentry experts who gave us step-by-step instructions for remedying warm-toned wood.

How to Get the Orange Tone Out of Wood (Without Refinishing)

If you don't want to invest the time into refinishing the orange-toned wood, we hear you. Instead, Richie David, president and CEO of Totally Home Furniture, recommends cooling down the orange tone with a blue-green dye toner. "A light hand is required here because it’s a matter of balance and not masking," he adds. 

Materials Needed

• 220-grit sandpaper
• Gray sanding pad
• Blue-green dye toner
• Clear, waterborne topcoat 

Instructions

1. Lightly scuff the surface of the piece with 220-grit sandpaper and a gray sanding pad.
2. Use a damp cloth and wipe the surface of the furniture clean to remove dust from sanding.
   
3. Apply a thin coat of blue-green dye toner as a wash coat to neutralize the orange tones.
   
4. Once the color is balanced, seal the piece with a clear, waterborne finish, which won’t yellow over time.

How to Get the Orange Tone Out of Wood (With Refinishing)

If you’re willing to put in extra work, our experts agree that refinishing is the best course of action for eliminating orange pigment in wood. Ready to get started? Here are the supplies and step-by-step instructions you’ll need to finish the job.

Materials Needed

• TSP substitute or mild cleaner
• Sponge or clean cloth
• Mineral spirits
• Sandpaper (120-, 150-, 180-, and 220-grit)
• Oxalic acid
• Two-part wood bleach (something like Dalys Wood Bleach)
• Distilled water
• Vinegar (for neutralizing bleach)
• Water-based clear finish

Instructions

1. Use a sponge or cloth and clean the wood with a TSP substitute (or mild cleaner).
2. Dampen a cloth with mineral spirits and wipe the wood.
3. Once it is completely dry, sand down the finish of the wood with 120-grit sandpaper.
4. Gradually work up to using 220-grit sandpaper, being careful not to sand through the wood itself, says Ben Kuhl, founder of Shelf Expression.
5. Inspect the wood for iron or water stains and treat with oxalic acid to remove discoloration.
6. Rinse with distilled water and let the wood dry completely.
7. Use a two-part wood bleach. Apply part A and let it react, then use part B to neutralize warm wood pigment. (Instructions vary depending on the product you choose).
8. Once the desired lightness is achieved, create a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. Neutralize the surface with the mixture to stop the bleaching process.
9. Allow the wood to dry overnight.
10. Use 180-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the wood.
11. Apply a water-based clear finish to preserve the wood’s tone. 

How to Prevent Wood From Turning Orange

In some instances, it is inevitable that wood takes on an orange tone over time. According to Kuhl, one drawback of using oil-based products is that they become more amber over time because of exposure to UV light. That said, one way to slow down this natural process is by keeping wood furniture away from sunlight, if possible, as UV rays can expedite the color-changing process.