varnish/stain

[alarman]

Hi All

ive got to coat some staircase spindles, they are already stained with what looks like walnut, should i coat them with a walnut stain, or just a clear varnish?

 

[woodfinishes1877]

Why do you want to stain them again? It's always sensible to lightly sand any old surface before applying new finishes. This will give the varnish a key and ensure better adhesion.

Hope this helps

Ian McAslan

 

[alarman]

yes great thx

 

[alarman]

on closer inspection the spindles have a wax feel to them, can anyone advise on me on what is the best way of applying a finish to them. thx

 

[woodfinishes1877]

It's most likely that they've been finished with a coloured wax, something like Black Bison Paste Wax or Briwax.

The easiest way to bring them back to life is to clean them down with some Joynes wade Waxless Polish and then overcoat again with wax.

If you're after a more durable finish then the spindles will need to be sanded back and then finished with something like S&R Danish Oil. The big problem you have if they are already coated in wax is that the wax deeply penetrates the surface so you will either have to sand alot off or seal the surface with a shellac barrier seal and then overcoat with the Danish Oil.

If I were you I'd go for the rewaxing route.

Hope this helps

Ian