Re-finishing old oak staircase

[BeaumontBill]

I have an old oak staircase (100 yrs +) It is in good order, but looks a bit 'dull'. Looks like it has been varnished or polished in past but most of this is worn off.

What is best way to re-finish, without too much hard work. I don't really want to start stripping it (3 stories high and 5 ft wide) but might, if really necc.

Could I just sand it and then put a finish on it - whaat might be best?

Many thanks

 

[JerryM]

refinishing staircases is my worst nightmare.

the options are:

1) paint spindles white and ideally keep rail varnished
2) strip out and put in new
3) refinish it in stain/varnish

No 2 & 3 are certainly too much like hard work and should be reserved for when its going to make a real difference in the saleability (and that's very rare - to most people a stair is just an A to B that must be firm).

on no1 quick sand to get a key then white gloss on the spindles. on the rail again quick sand, then stain (teak is good, use a piece of cotton wool in a piece of cotton sheet to apply), then clear varnish (apply by brush or cotton ball). u pay for what u get on varnish so to suit u (acid cure is best but most expensive, a BandQ would do).

 

[BeaumontBill]

Thanks Jerry

Certainly don't want to replace it - probably cost more than the house (its an old one in France) but not sure I want to paint either

I might try to sand, stain and varnish, as you suggest for the rail, or I might just leave it alone!

Thanks again

 

[JerryM]

understand.

the problem with sanding is that most areas can be reached fine but u end up with quite a few areas that are difficult to access and hand sanding becomes the only option. if these few areas are not done right though they tend to stick out in the finished job.

i use a palm sander where ever i can to start with. i then use a sanding disc on a drill/angle grinder to get most of the rest. the last few areas are hand sheet and flexible sanding mat.

i use chemical, torch and sanding to get the varnish off. on the sanding i start with 40 grit and aim to get to 80.

 

[BeaumontBill]

Thanks again Jerry - I'll get on to it next time I'm over