Karen Asks:

Removing stain from wood is going to be tricky as stain is designed to penetrate into the grain of the wood to give it color. If it is not absorbed too deep you could use the appropriate thinners to try and remove it but is it unlikely to be successful. There might be the option of bleaching the wood surface but the results will be variable and you will have to deal with nasty chemicals. Sanding is the only effective way for complete removal but you have to remember that wood is also removed and will reduce it in size. Varnishes are more surface based and penetrate into the grain less so might be easier to remove with a chemical stripper and then sanded. Realistically you will be better off learning to like the color of the wood and repair it if needed, or go for a darker color.