Options for painting/treating dark hardwood banisters and handrail

[pjrouse]

We moved into a house recently that has a very dark hardwood staircase.

We are keen to lighten it up however possible - ideally it would be light oak but given the dark hardwood I guess it's not possible to "lighten" the wood and we are looking at painting?

Would welcome some expert opinion on our options.

1) Are we able to "lighten" the wood in any way or is it impossible?

2) If our only option is to paint it - what kind of prep is required to ensure a good finish?

Thanks for any advice in advance.

 

[opps]

I am assuming that the wood is mahogany and possibly oak (I am pants at identifying wood types). They also look like they have been oiled, if that is the case, then no, you can't make them lighter.

If you decide to paint them, give them a light rub down first to provide a "key". Apply oil based under coat followed by an oil based finish of a sheen level that you like. I strongly advise against using waterbased paints on any surface that is touched regularly. The oils in skin break down waterbased paints.

The screws will be an eye sore though. You can unscrew each in turn, counter sink then and then use 2 pack filler over each of them.

The main problem with painting over unpainted timber is that you then notice all of the imperfections, which will require filling and sanding.

 

[pjrouse]

Thanks for this - any specific primer/undercoat you would recommend?