How to Refinish a Wood Staircase

A refinished wood staircase

A wood staircase is often the centerpiece of a home. Staircases receive a lot of use and the finish can become scuffed and damaged. Whether the wood is painted or treated with a clear coat, you can restore its natural beauty by refinishing it.

Things You'll Need

• Drop cloths
• Painter's tape
• Rubber gloves
• Protective eyewear
• Heat gun
• Putty knife
• Gel stripper
• Paintbrush
• Buckets
• Bristle brush
• Toothbrush
• Clean rags
• Water
• Sandpaper
• Polyurethane or other finishing product

Instructions

1. Cover the walls and flooring around the staircase that you do not want to refinish. Use drop cloths for large areas and painter's tape for small areas.

2. Wearing protective eyewear, use a heat gun to remove the paint or finish from your staircase. Scrape the loosened material with a putty knife, then place it in a bucket. Remove as much paint and finish as possible.

3. Brush the gel finish remover on the remaining paint or finish. Wear rubber gloves and protective eyewear.

4. Use your putty knife to scrape loose any remaining paint or finish. Follow the directions on the container of finish remover.

5. Use the metal bristle brush or toothbrush to remove paint or finish from tight or carved areas.

6. Brush a thin layer of the paint or finish remover over the entire area you wish to refinish. Wipe the refinished area clean, then rinse it with clean rags and water. Wipe the area dry.

7. When your staircase is completely dry, sand it with a fine-grit sandpaper. After sanding, wipe the refinished area clean of any sawdust.

8. Using your paintbrush, apply the finish you have selected to the wood. Work on one small section at a time.

Tips & Warnings

• Start at the top of the stairs and work your way down. You may choose to stain your refinished wood staircase before brushing on a layer of polyurethane or other finishing product.

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to use the heat gun. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to use and dispose of paint and finish remover. Make sure you have proper ventilation.

References

• American Hardwood Information Center
• Refinishing a Staircase