varnishing/staining hand rail

[alarman]

Hi All

ive got to varnish a handrail it looks like a mahogany but it has wore away in certain places, do i have to strip it right back or can i just varnish over it?

 

[LJW61]

Is the present finish a coloured varnish , oil-based woodstain or water-based ?

 

[alarman]

I'm guessing oil based as it looks quite glossy. What options have i got if water based aswell. cheers.

 

[LJW61]

If oil/solvent-based (most likely)just rub it down and give it a couple (or 3) coats of tinted satin varnish (polyuerathane) or Dulux protective woodsheen.
If theres patches of almost bare wood then you could give them a touch of woodstain/dye to even the colour out If its water-based it will probably start to peel as you rub it down..more work