Preparing a wooden staircase

[rekamon]

Hi,

I moved into my flat about a year ago and I have a wooden staircase leading up to my flat roof. I want to clean it up and varnish it.

I know that it hasn't been varnished before, actually I don't think anything has been done to it.

Is it ok to just clean it up and varnish?

Or do I need to sand it down first?

Any hints/tips are greatly appreciated?

 

[Zampa]

Give it a clean down with some white spirit on a rag to remove any grease from hands etc and any other grubby marks then varnish it...thin the first one out by about 25% then do your rubbing down with very fine abrasive paper..some places recommend wire wool but I find it goes everywhere and isnt pleasant to use.

Then give it another two coats..light rub down between each

 

[rekamon]

Thanks Zampa, will give it a go!!!