How to Make a Stair Banister Smooth and Shiny

Even this banister could be shinier.

Having a banister in your home is truly a gift. Naturally, it indicates that your homes contains stairs and thus a second level, but more than that, it gives you a dynamic place for eye-catching decorating options. You can wind evergreen garlands around the banister during the holiday season, or wind bits of floral garlands around it at spring time, adding a wreath at the front. However, before you can indulge in any of these decorating options, your banister needs to be in tip-top shape and be smooth and shiny.

Things You'll Need

• 1/3 cup Trisodium phosphate
• 1 gallon water
• Bucket
• Scrub brush
• Paper towels
• 80-grit sandpaper
• Electric sander
• 200-grit sandpaper
• 300-grit sandpaper
• 400-grit sandpaper
• 3-inch brush
• Varnish or polyurethane
• 600-grit sandpaper

Instructions

1. Pour 1/3 cup trisodium phosphate along with 1 gallon water into a bucket. Dip a

   scrub brush into the mixture and shake it out.

2. Scrub down the surface area of the banister thoroughly. Wipe it dry with paper towels.

3. Press a piece of 80-grit sandpaper to the bottom of an electric sander. Move the sander across the entire surface of the banister, moving it back and forth, opening up the wood and making it smoother. Repeat with 200-grit, 300-grit and 400-grit sandpaper.

4. Wipe the banister down with a tack cloth, wiping off all the dust from sanding. Dip a 3-inch nylon brush into varnish or polyurethane. Apply a light coat to the banister and let it dry overnight.

5. Attach a piece of 600-grit sandpaper to the bottom of an electric sander and run it across the surface area of the banister a final time to bring it to a shine. Wipe down the banister with a tack cloth.

6. Apply a final coat of varnish or polyurethane with your brush. Allow it to dry overnight.

References

• Home and Garden Ideas: Stain Stair Banister
• "Finishes & Finishing Technique"; Taunton Press; 1999