text: How do I fix an uneven sanding and bleaching result on pine?? | Hometalk
  This table had many layers of poly so I started by sanding. 80...180...220...a little of everything I could find. When the sanding appeared to only be creating a stripe look I decided to start bleaching. I have used the AB solution twice now. Sanded more...still stripes. Help! The goal is a bleached wood but at this point I just want to even it out.
  I'm thinking you probably haven't removed all of the poly yet. Have you tried a paint stripper to really get back to solid wood and then sanding again?
  Cynthia H on Oct 16, 2020
  Hi! Sanding never removes enough of the old finish for me to start with bare wood. I would strip it with Citristrip, cleaning down to bare wood. Once you get to the "naked" wood, you can sand and refinish. Good luck and stay safe!
  I would strip it with Citristrip, that would lift off the poly. it is a non-toxic stripper that works well, available at diy stores.
  I actually LIKE the rustic look you've achieved. Embrace it! (Those kinds of finishes cost big bucks in stores.)
  I think it looks great, but if it's not your style, then you need to keep going. You haven't removed everything yet...
  Yeah try using Citristrip stripper. Sanding doesn't remove all the finish. Once it's stripped sand with a random orbit sander. 100 to 220 grit sanding discs.
  I think a stripper is best solution. It will get rid of old poly better than sanding. Then sand. Put a sanding sealer/pre-stain to the pine before re-staining the table. Pine has various types of pores and tends to look splotchy after staining.
  Try using come wood conditioner. Min wax makes a good one. It will change the color and even things out.
  I would use citristrip, you could possibly still have some varnish on there that is sealing the surface and preventing the bleach from penetrating the wood.
  I like the look you have achieved in the photo above. I would just seal it and enjoy the rustic look it has now.
  Hi: I'm on board (no pun intended) with using Citristrip. You can get it at most home improvement stores. Just follow the directions and you should be good to go. If not, try this site:
  https://www.nytimes.com/1986/03/30/nyregion/home-clinic-bleaching-wood-two-ways-to-get-down-to-the-nitty-gritty.html
  Use a weakened white emulsion paint or chalk paint.
  I'd use Citristrip with this process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1i41px4X18&t=33s
  Hi JLMO, I love the aged look you have going right there!! But if you want to even it out with a whitewash with milk paint to just put a thin coat on it then seal. You don't have to stick with just white either,
  https://www.homedepot.com/b/Paint-Craft-Paint-Furniture-Paint-Milk-Paint/N-5yc1vZchpz
  I'd just apply a stain at this point
  sanding is the key and then apply stain
  Not sure what you mean by stripes. It appears to be the grain of the wood. Sand all you want but the stripes are the way the boards were cut from the tree. A stain will lessen the color difference even if it is a light stain. You can still get a bleached look with the newer super light stains.
  Pine and other soft woods will absorb stains unevenly. A pre-stain conditioned should be used.
  Hello JLMO,
  You could try using a White Bleaching Wax or Thinned Chalk Paint white and then Clear or Antique Wax. OR You could go the other way and stain it to the darkest colour. Best wishes.