I used a chemical stripper to remove layers of paint from the oak treads of my staircase (built ca. 1870?). I haven’t started sanding yet. I would like to stain it a dark English walnut.
I painted my risers white.
My newel post may be pine, my rail and balusters look walnut. They are already stained a brown color (either originally or by previous owner).
Question: What do I do to the treads, newel, baluster and rail so that they all have a similar (not necessarily identical) color? Can I stain the treads and then apply the stain to the rest of the staircase or do I have to do more stripping? Can I simply remove the finish (assuming there is one) on the baluster and newel with mineral spirits or the like and then proceed to apply the dark English Walnut stain to the rest of the staircase?
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Replies
Personally. I would paint the Newell the same as the risers and leave the rest as natural as possible. It is what it is, so enjoy.
Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
I would be pretty sure you will have to use stripper on the newel and spindles also. Mineral spirits won't remove anything except dirt.
Have you been able to get ALL the paint off of the oak treads--out of the pores/grain? If the treads were painted over a sealer/varnish, you probably have been able to, and you can count yourself one lucky dog.
I think you have to strip and then see what the wood will look like, if you want to put a clear finish on tread, balusters, rail and newel. You can see how it will match (after stripping) by wiping all the stripped wood down with mineral spirits. This will be the color you would get with a clear finish and may tell you whether staining will be necessary.
Paint, as has been suggested, may be the answer. My stairs are painted risers, stained and varnished treads, natural color rail, and painted spindles and newel. If your woods are walnut, however, that could be very lovely finished so the wood shows.
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