How to Refinish a Handrail
Putting a handsome new finish on the handrails of a staircase or porch can really brighten the appearance of your home, and refinishing them is one of the quickest and easiest remodeling tasks you can complete. To refinish a handrail safely and effectively, you'll need the right tools, materials and procedures. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Denatured alcohol
- Lacquer thinner
- Steel wool
- Old toothbrush
- Lint-free cloth
- Heavy duty latex gloves
- Safety goggles
- Fan and ventilation
- Drop cloth
- Painter's tape
- Lacquer or varnish
- 2" brush to apply the lacquer or varnish
Instructions
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1
Open windows and turn on a small fan to ventilate your work area. Put on your safety goggles and your heavy-duty latex gloves. Spread a drop cloth beneath the handrail.
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2
Try removing the finish with denatured alcohol and steel wool. If the finish is removed easily (you shouldn't have to scrub too hard), you're in luck. Denatured alcohol is all the solvent you'll need. If the old finish is not easily removed by denatured alcohol and steel wool, you'll need to use lacquer thinner as your solvent.
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3
Dip the steel wool in the solvent which is working for you and rub the handrail along the grain of the wood. Treat a few inches at a time with the solvent and steel wool. Then wipe the area with a lint-free rag dampened with the solvent. Move up the handrail until you have removed the old stain from its entire length.
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Use the putty knife to gently scrape away any leftover finish. Gently apply more solvent with an old toothbrush to tight spaces.
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Wipe the entire handrail down once more with a fresh, lint-free cloth dampened in the solvent.
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Allow the stripped and cleaned handrail to dry.
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Apply painter's tape to any surfaces you don't want to stain near the handrail which you are refinishing.
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Apply the lacquer or varnish to the handrail. Depending on the particular product you choose, the procedures may vary. Thoroughly read and closely follow the directions on the container of finish you've chosen for your handrail. In general, this will mean applying the lacquer or varnish evenly, brushing with the grain, using enough to cover and stain the wood but not so much that any excess drips off. Allow it to dry.
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Remove the painter's tape.
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Tips & Warnings
If you find loose spindles or other wooden parts near or on your handrail, use wood glue to secure them.
Always keep the area well-ventilated, when using solvents and finishes, as they are dangerous and can be harmful when inhaled.
