How can I refinish my wooden interior handrails?
Question:I would like to resand and refinish my stairway handrailings in my house. I'd like to do it myself, so I am looking for detailed information.
Answers:
If possible, remove the handrails. If not, make sure to protect the other surfaces around. Sand down the handrails (using a small hand-sander is easiest). Finish off with a light sanding with a fine grade sandpaper. Use a tack cloth to remove all the dust.
Have you decided what type of finish you want? Stain? Paint?
Make sure to read any of the precautions on the product your using and make sure to have plenty of ventilation (yes even with latex paint).
Put on the finish that you want and make sure to let it dry completely! Once it has completely dried, use super fine sandpaper and go over it lightly. Again, use the tack cloth.
Use a good quality sealer/varnish over your finish and allow it to dry. Again, some products require more than one coat or have precautions so read the label.
One thing to remember, no matter what finish you're putting on make sure that you aren't rushing through the job and don't glop on the product of your choice. Nice smooth strokes and even coverage and your handrails will look great!
If your handrail is attached to upright posts like a bannister, you want to protect the posts. Use painters tape to hold plastic over them and you'll be fine. When you go to the hardware store look for sanding blocks--they come in all sizes and grits--these work great in place of a hand sander. The hardware store will also have the tack cloth and brushes that you might need. Also, tell the salesperson what you're doing and they'll have advice as well. If they can't help you--don't shop there! Make sure you get all your supplies before you even begin, set aside the time to do the job and then when you're finished you'll have a great looking piece that you did yourself. WARNING! These sort of jobs start to get addictive and the next thing you know you're doing faux finishes on your walls. :)
Hi! Sara, boy I hope you are a patient person as your task is very time consuming, firstly you will have to sand all of the timber surfaces. If they are in good condition they will only need a light sand with a fine grade paper, if they have places where the old clear finish has started to flake off it will need a coarser grade to remove the old finish. This is done so that the new finish can grip the surface, when you are happy with the sanding apply the first coat and let it dry overnight. Next day feel the finish with your hand and it may feel prickly, if so get your self some steel wool and "sand" the surface lightly again until it feels smooth then stop. Apply the next coat and let dry overnight again, next day feel it again and it should be smooth to the touch, if not repeat the steel wool and re-coat again, remember don't rush your preparation as you final finish will only be as good as your preparation. Hope this is of help to you!...
Use a hand held electric sander first, medium grit sandpaper. If you want to make it extra smooth your can also change to a finer grit. Be careful to not over sand. Cover the floor and your hands because stain, stains. Find a stain that works well with the other wood in your home. I like mahoganny. Paint at least to coats.
More Related Questions & Answers...