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How to Refinish Banisters

by Stephanie Mitchell, Demand Media

A sharp-looking banister lends sophistication to an entryway.

Because of all the crannies and corners in a banister, refinishing it is a big job. If you take the time to do it properly,
however, it can be well worth the effort. An elegant, clean staircase and banister can transform a hallway or entryway from
run-down to upscale at a relatively low cost. Concentrate on stripping and sanding the old finish off the wood thoroughly,
then choose a new finish that complements your decor. For added sophistication, paint the banister poles white or cream
and stain the handrail to coordinate with your floor.
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Stripping the Wood

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Spread drop clothes beneath and around the banister. Open windows and doors to ventilate the area as well as
possible. Wear rubber gloves and goggles to protect your skin and eyes.
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Coat a section of the banister with a finish stripper. Use a gel stripper because it will sit on vertical surfaces such as
banister poles without running, and choose a product that specifies it requires no cleanup or it washes off with

water. Allow the stripper to sit on the banister for the length of time the label instructs.

Scrape off the stripper and the old varnish with a putty knife. Hold the knife at a sharp angle to the banister so you

Remove any remaining finish by dipping steel wool in the stripper and scrubbing the wood. Apply and remove a

Sand any particularly rough spots with 120-grit sandpaper. Then sand the entire banister with 220-grit sandpaper.

don't carve chunks out of the wood. Repeat the process with the rest of the banister.

second coat of stripper if necessary. Wash off the excess stripper as the label specifies, and allow the wood to dry.

Sand with the grain, and take the time to do a thorough job.

Preparing and Priming

Brush grain filler onto the wood with a paintbrush if the banister is made of a wood with an open grain, such as
mahogany or oak. Choose a filler of the same color as the wood to conceal the natural grain, or use a contrasting

color to bring out the grain.

Allow the filler to dry according to the product instructions. Scrape off the excess with a putty knife, using the same

Paint a thick layer of sanding sealer onto the wood to stop it from soaking up too much finish later. Allow it to sit for

technique you did with the stripper. Sand the wood lightly.

the length of time the label specifies. Wipe the wood with a cloth, and sand it with 220-grit paper.

Staining and Finishing

Brush a layer of stain onto the banister. Follow the product's instructions regarding how long to let it sit. Generally,

Wipe the wood clean with a cloth. Let the banister dry. Repeat the staining process if desired or if specified in the

Paint the banister poles as an alternative. Apply thin layers of paint in long, smooth strokes. Allow it to dry, then add

Choose a finish that suits your vision for the banister. Finishes can be glossy, matte or anything in between.

Read and follow the product's instructions carefully. In general, apply finish in several thin layers, and sand the

leaving it longer produces a darker stain.

product's instructions.

extra coats if necessary.

banister lightly between coats. Allow the finish to dry fully.

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Things You Will Need

Drop cloths
Rubber gloves and goggles
Gel finish stripper
Putty knife
Steel wool
Sandpaper, 120- and 220-grit
Grain filler
Paintbrush
Sanding sealer
Cloth
Stain
Paint (optional)
Finish

Tip
Talk to an expert about which products are most suitable for the type of wood your banister is made of.

Warning
Some of these products produce toxic fumes. Ventilate your work area as well as possible, and do not bring open flames
into your work space.

References
Canadian House and Home: Refinishing a Staircase (http://houseandhome.com/design/refinishing-staircase)
Lowes: How to Refinish Wood Furniture (http://www.lowes.com/cd_Refinish+Wood+Furniture_39774404_)

Resources
House-Painting-Info: Wood Refinishing - Give Wood a New Lease on Life (http://www.house-painting-info.com/woodrefinishing.html#axzz1WQMWTrtN)

About the Author

Stephanie Mitchell is a professional writer who has authored websites and articles for real estate agents, self-help coaches
and casting directors. Mitchell also regularly edits websites, business correspondence, resumes and full-length
manuscripts. She graduated from Syracuse University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theater.
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