Whether you’re looking to stain a staircase for a new look or to protect it from the elements, there are a few steps you should take. First, you’ll want to remove any old finish. Next, you’ll need to sand the surface and apply a sealer or polyurethane varnish.
Remove The Old Finish
Getting the old finish off your wood stairs is the first step in refinishing the stairs. If you decide to use a chemical stripper, be sure to wear safety glasses and rubber gloves. Using the right tools will make the task easier and will prevent an unattractive mess.
Refinishing a staircase doesn’t have to be difficult. Removing the old finish will allow you to apply a new coat of stain. For example, you could paint the banister with a coat of polyurethane varnish. This will protect the banister from scuffs and scratches and also add a glossy look.
If you don’t want to use a chemical stripper, you can use a scrubbing pad or soft-grade steel wool to remove the loosening varnish. You can then wipe it away with a lint-free cloth. This will ensure that the stain penetrates the wood evenly.
Sand The Wood Surface
Whether you are planning to stain your stairs or paint them, sanding is an important step to ensure that the finish stays on for long periods of time. This will help to remove dust from the surface, which will aid in an even saturation of the stain.
A paint scraper will also be handy for this task. It is designed to sand the old finish off the wood, and the sanding particles can be used to polish up the surface.
Another good way to remove the old finish is to apply a thin coat of diluted bleach, which should be left on the surface for 15 to 30 minutes. You can then wipe off the varnish using a scrubbing pad or soft-grade steel wool.
Once the varnish has been removed, you can sand the wood surface. A random orbital sander can help you to do this quickly. A small orbital hand sander can also be used to sand the outer edges.
If your stairway is painted, you can remove the old finish with a fine-grit sandpaper. If it is not, you will need to use a sanding block with a 60-grit sheet that can reach the corners of the treads.
It is important to choose a water-based wood stain that will dry faster. You will also need to allow the wood to dry completely before sanding. Depending on the size of your stairs, you may have to make several passes with the sander.
The best way to sand the wood surface is to follow the grain of the wood. Sanding against the grain can damage the wood and cause the stain to not adhere to the surface.
Apply A Sanding Sealer
Whether you want to change the color of your pine staircase, or simply seal it, you will need to apply a sanding sealer. This will keep moisture out of your wood and protect it from wear and tear. You can choose from an oil or polyurethane sealer.
If you choose to use an oil sealer, you will need to use a brush to apply the product. Then, you will need to allow it to dry for about an hour. Once it has dried, you will need to sand the area with fine-grit sandpaper. You may also need to sand the area once more before applying the finish coat.
If you choose to use a polyurethane sealer, you will need to follow the directions on the container. This process is more time-consuming than a simple paint job. You will need to use a small-to-medium-sized paintbrush to apply the sealant. You should make long, even strokes along the grain of the wood. You should always use a respirator when working with chemicals.
If you plan to sand the area before applying the sealer, you should use medium-grit sandpaper. This will remove the surface layer of the stain and help to restore the wood’s natural color.
After you sand the area, you should use a lint-free cloth or tack cloth to wipe away the excess varnish. You can also use a carbide paint scraper to remove the varnish. You should use protective gloves when removing the varnish. You should also be careful not to chip the finish, as a chipped finish will ruin the appearance of the stairs.
Apply Polyurethane Varnish
Whether you are refinishing a wooden staircase or installing new stairs, applying polyurethane varnish is the best way to protect your wood. It offers excellent durability and a glossy sheen that makes hardwood easy to clean. It also protects your stairs from harmful elements and keeps them looking new for longer. It is important to choose the right brand of polyurethane to ensure the best results.
The type of finish you should use depends on the level of traffic on your stairs. For example, if you have heavy foot traffic, you may want to choose a penetrating polyurethane. This type of finish will let the wood’s grain shine through more. However, it does not offer the same protection as a traditional finish.
Water-based polyurethanes are very popular because of their quick drying time. This is because they are odorless and make for an easy application. They are also useful for certain types of wood. They may require more than one coat to provide complete protection.
If you are applying polyurethane varnish on a staircase that has been stained, you will need to sand the surface before applying the varnish. This will help you remove the old coat. You will also need to lightly sand between each coat. Then, apply the polyurethane with a brush. This will allow you to avoid lap marks.
If you are using an oil-based polyurethane, acclimate it to room temperature before using it. This will make the coatings easier to apply. They also offer a smooth, golden glow that can be achieved in just a few coats.