Wooden stairs will look beautiful if you add a new coat of polish. When refinishing an old ladder, you should take the time to repair, peel, and sand the ladder before polishing it. On new stairs, you can immediately apply wood conditioner, polish, and varnish. Refinishing stairs takes at least a full day because there are so many details to pay attention to. However, it will give great results!
Step
Part 1 of 5: Repairing and Cleaning Stairs
Step 1. Remove all carpet with pliers and lever
Pull out the rug and padding, wood rug strips, and staples or pins used to attach things. Use pliers to lift the rug in the corners and edges. Use levers only if you can't remove something with pliers. Levers can damage wood.
Wear sturdy gloves, sturdy trousers, and long sleeves when removing the rug. You will often find pines and/or staples
Step 2. Remove, cover, or seal furniture and other objects near the stairs
Depending on what needs to be done, you may need to sand it a little or a lot. This process will produce a lot of dust. Remove all moveable items, and cover non-movable items with plastic sheets or drop cloth.
- Cover the inside of the door near the stairs with a plastic sheet. Secure with tape so the plastic doesn't slide. However, do not cover openings used for ventilation of fresh air, such as windows or exterior doors.
- Spread the furniture covering on the floor or carpet near the stairs.
Step 3. Open nearby doors and windows to create ventilation
Ventilation will help remove some of the dust from the sanding. Even ventilation becomes very important if you use a chemical stripper or apply polish. Otherwise, chemical fumes will build up and could harm you.
As an added safety, you can also wear a respirator (gas mask) and goggles to prevent exposure to smoke and dust particles. Face masks can prevent the inhalation of sanding dust, but they cannot prevent the inhalation of smoke
Step 4. Look for loose, protruding nails, then hit them with a hammer
All nail heads should be flush with the surrounding wood. Use a nail setter (shaped like a small thick nail, used to flatten nails) if you are afraid that the wood will break if you hit it directly with a hammer.
- How to use a nail setter: place the thin end on the nail head, then hit the thick end with a hammer.
- Nails sticking out will get in the way and cause problems when you sand, peel, and polish the wood. Deal with this problem first!
Step 5. Stick the tape on the surface around the stairs that you want to protect
For example, put tape where the stair tread meets the wall. Tape the wall tape so that you can handle the stairs freely.
- For best results, use tape specifically designed for painting. However, you can also use regular duct tape.
- Keep the tape in there until all your work is done.
Part 2 of 5: Peeling off Old Paint or Polish
Step 1. Apply a chemical peeler on stairs that have heavy paint or stubborn stains
If the ladder only has 1-2 coats of paint or minor stains, you can sand it down right away. However, if the paint or stain is thick, the best material for removing it is a chemical peeler, provided you always follow the manufacturer's instructions and take precautions, including providing good ventilation.
- Chemical peels are usually applied to the surface using a brush, then scraped off with a caulk after a certain amount of time. Follow the specific instructions for the exfoliating product you are using.
- Wear safety glasses, a respirator, and chemical-resistant gloves when applying and scraping the peeler.
- Wipe the chemically cleaned ladder with a clean, damp cloth before sanding it down.
Step 2. Sand any remaining scratches, dents, and polish using medium grit (roughness) sandpaper
To speed up the process, use an orbital sander on an easily accessible surface. In corners and other tight areas, use a finishing sander, sandpaper block, or sandpaper. In hard to reach areas, you can use a small wooden chisel to remove any remaining polish.
- Medium sandpaper is one that has a grit between 60 and 100.
- Follow the product instructions carefully when using an orbital sander. Wear thick gloves, protective eyewear, and a respirator. Apply even pressure and run the sanding machine constantly.
- If sanding manually by hand, use a smooth, even back and forth motion.
Step 3. Switch to fine sandpaper for a final finish
If you are polishing a new ladder, you may only need to sand it once with fine sandpaper. Use an orbital sander and/or hand sander to give the stairs an even, polish-ready texture and appearance.
- Fine sandpaper is one that has a grit between 120 and 220.
- Use gentle, even pressure. The ladder should look smooth, but the surface should have a slightly rough texture to allow the polish to stick easily.
Step 4. Remove dust with a shop vacuum and a tack cloth
Vacuum the stairs and the surrounding area with a wet vacuum cleaner. Continue by wiping the ladder with a tack cloth to remove any remaining dust.
As the name implies, tack cloth (literally sticky cloth) is a slightly sticky cloth. You can buy it at a building shop. If you don't have one, you can use a damp cloth
Step 5. Decide whether you want to polish all the stairs or alternately, depending on your needs
Ideally, you should block access to the stairs for at least 2 days after all work is completed. If this is not possible, polish the steps alternately so you can still use them (with care). Two days later (at least), continue polishing the remaining steps.
Whichever design you choose, always start at the top rung and work your way down. This method is much easier and more convenient to do
Part 3 of 5: Applying Wood Conditioner
Step 1. Use a wood polish, varnish, and conditioner (if necessary) of the same type
For example, if you're using an oil-based polish, also use an oil-based varnish and conditioner. If you like water-based polish, also use water-based varnish and conditioner. Products of a different type will give rough results and do not last long.
- Oil-based products will give a deeper, fuller, and longer lasting finish. Water-based products are easy to clean and more environmentally friendly.
- You don't have to use wood conditioner, but this product is usually highly recommended.
Step 2. Apply wood conditioner, especially on soft woods like pine
Use a brush with natural bristles or a washcloth to apply a thin layer of conditioner to the wood. Apply in the direction of the grain of the wood, and wait for the recommended time (usually 15 minutes). After that, wipe off any excess conditioner with a clean rag (in the direction of the wood grain). Allow the conditioner to dry for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 2 hours before you apply the polish (or according to the directions recommended on the product packaging).
- Conditioner makes the wood softer and will absorb the polish more slowly, which will result in a more even coat, with fewer spots and scratches.
- If you don't know the type of wood used on the stairs, whether it is soft (eg pine), medium (eg cempaka), or hard (eg teak), feel free to use wood conditioner. Worst of all, the conditioner doesn't make any difference to the polished wood.
Step 3. Lightly sand the conditioned wood using fine sandpaper
Before applying the first coat of polish, lightly rub the steps using sandpaper with 220 grit so that the surface becomes slightly rough. Use a tack cloth to dust off the sandpaper before you continue.
Rub the sandpaper in the direction of the wood grain, using even strokes
Part 4 of 5: Applying Polish
Step 1. Apply the first coat of polish using a brush or washcloth
Mix the polish according to the directions on the package, then dip a brush or washcloth in it and apply an even layer in long, fine strokes in the direction of the wood grain. Allow the polish to soak into the wood for 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the depth of color desired.
- Leaving the polish on for 15 minutes will produce a deeper, fuller color than if you just let it sit for 5 minutes. However, it can also hide the natural beauty of the wood grain.
- The use of a brush or cloth is a personal choice. All of them can give great results if done with the right technique.
Step 2. Wipe off any excess polish that doesn't seep into the wood after 5 to 15 minutes has elapsed
Use a dry, clean cloth to wipe the polish in the direction of the wood grain. Polishes that do not soak into the wood should not dry on the surface. This can cause stains and scratches.
Step 3. Apply an additional coat of polish to get a deeper and darker finish
Allow the first coat to dry completely, which usually takes about 4 hours (but check the directions on the package). If you like how it looks, continue with a layer of protection. If you're not satisfied, you can add a new layer of polish using the same process as before. If you wish, you can give 3 or 4 coats of polish in total.
Don't forget to keep wiping off any excess polish within 5 to 15 minutes of applying it. Wait 4 hours before applying a new coat of polish
Part 5 of 5: Protecting the Polish with Varnish
Step 1. Apply a layer of floor-grade polyurethane varnish
Follow the directions on the package to mix and apply the varnish. Unless otherwise directed, use a brush with natural bristles and apply a thin layer of varnish in long, even strokes.
- Stairs are areas that are often passed, so providing a protective layer is very important.
- Always use a suitable varnish. Use an oil-based varnish on an oil-based varnish, and a water-based varnish on a water-based varnish.
- Allow the varnish to dry for the recommended time (usually 4 hours).
Step 2. Lightly sand the varnish if you want to apply a second coat
One coat of varnish may suffice, and that means your job is done! However, because the stairs continue to receive pressure from the footprints, adding a second layer can be useful. Before applying the second coat, lightly buff the first coat of varnish using a 220 grit sandpaper.
- Wipe off the sanding dust with a tack cloth before you continue.
- Some types of polyurethane designed for flooring do not need to be sanded when you want to apply a new coat, especially if the second coat is applied 12 hours after the first coat. Check the instructions given on the product packaging.
Step 3. Apply a second coat of varnish
Use the same process as before. When finished, allow the coating to dry for at least 48 hours before you use the stairs.
