How to Refinish Banisters
There are few architectural features in a home that are more classic than a varnished wooden stairway banister, and few that get more handling. Years of hands running down the length of the wood will eventually wear away the shine from the varnish. Applying a high-gloss finish is a project almost anyone can undertake. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Newspapers
- Painter's tape
- Sandpaper (fine grit of 220 or more)
- Can of polyurethane gloss
- Several brushes
Instructions
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1
Use your painter's tape and newspapers to cover the areas under the banister.
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2
With your sandpaper, gently sand and buff the surface of the wood to remove all shine. Bend the sandpaper around the contours of the wood as necessary. Wipe the area of all dust.
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3
Open your can of polyurethane gloss. Do not shake it, but gently stir it. Starting at the top of the banister, apply the gloss in slow, careful strokes to avoid forming bubbles. Brush with the grain of the wood, keeping the coat thin but making sure the whole surface gets covered. Watch for any drips forming in the gloss and brush them out.
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4
Allow the banister to dry overnight, then repeat the whole process, buffing the gloss, wiping away the dust and applying the next gloss coat.
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5
Repeat the process one more time with a third coat.
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Tips & Warnings
Keeping the coats of gloss very thin will help avoid the formation of bubbles and drips.
Polyurethane gloss should only be used in well-ventilated areas.
