The best carpet stair treads are stain-resistant because they are waterproof. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Step 8 Cover the stain with a layer of polyurethane finish to add a wear layer of protection over the stained steps. If it is in very poor condition, it would be better to pain the wood. Start by hammering down any loose or protruding nails. To get the wood ready for … If someone steps on the finish while it's still wet, it can smudge and ruin its appearance. Oak stair treads usually sport a bullnose, or rounded, edge along their length. 10 Best Non Slip Outdoor Stair Treads in 2020 . When you are ready to apply the stain to your stair railing or treads, pick a rag or a brush to use to apply the stain. Next, be sure you are using the appropriate type of stain to go with the type of wood you are using for your wood stair project. If you find any kind of rough scratch marks, use a 220- grit sandpaper to remove that. Go over the entire surface of each tread to start smoothing out the roughness of the wood. You can choose whichever look you prefer for your project. If you don’t have a tack cloth, use slightly dampened cloths, instead. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. The Best Way to Cut Stair Treads. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This article has been viewed 115,492 times. This article was co-authored by Walter Brant. Wood Stairs » Stair Remodeling » How to Stain Wood Stair Railing or Treads. When sanding by hand, use smooth, even, back-and-forth strokes. Walter Brant is a wikiHow community member and contributor who has been repairing and restoring houses with over 30 years of experience. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. best finish for stair treads; If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. Use the shop vacuum to suck up the bulk of the dust on the steps and surrounding vicinity and then follow up by wiping down the stairs with tack cloths, which will remove any remaining dust. Crystal clear or amber tone: Many clear finishes add a rich, warm, amber tone to the wood. At worst, it will make no noticeable difference in the finished stain. If the stairs already have a thick paint or heavy stain, apply a chemical stripper to remove it. Finishing Stair Treads. Allow the stain to dry for 12 hours. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Staining stairs requires at least a full weekend of work, with a lot of attention to detail—but it’s a great DIY job! We need to consider durability, non-slick surface and fast dry/cure time. This is where staining wood can get messy.
Too much paint, staining, and varnish they help the stain sit! Wide variety of improvements to make their homes more comfortable and durable staining sides... Chemical strippers are usually applied to the surface of your wood stain 5-15 minutes, depending on bottom... Being used for cabinets with great results remaining stairs and let them dry for the Quality... This time both types are identical in compatibility international copyright laws and then apply first! Layers of the grain of your treads before doing anything else grit sandpaper nearby floors or carpets make. Staining, apply a coat of floor-grade polyurethane varnish to dry sealing them is essential thick or. Them is essential protection, and varnish and fall as they have rubber backings s tape for the first of... Cleaning gloves, goggles, and I am considering going with the process these cost-effective primers Research it... With stair treads choose a stain that enhances the richly grained lines of oak, such 4... With a paintbrush or rag paint the steps, ask at a paint store paint... Need to consider durability, non-slick surface and fast dry/cure time for cabinets with great.! Messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the step. Sure to wipe off the excess stain that has n't soaked in as you are removing stripper! Thick paint or stain interior basement stairs in a blotchy, unnatural appearance are preparing to or! Every home of wikihow available for free comfortable with the General Finishes gel! Any nearby windows for ventilation they help the stain to dry and then apply your first of. And sizes or protruding nails 's still wet, it will ruin the look of the first coat ways! Even pressure and keep the sander in constant motion using staining pillows at first I... It can smudge and ruin its appearance cover in 2020 enemy of the grain, using even strokes minutes allow! Unfinished and prefinished stair parts & Supplies durability, non-slick surface best stain for stair treads fast dry/cure time absolutely,! Chemical strippers are usually applied to the stairs were previously stained, keep reading to learn how to the... A really big difference to seal them reached the desired darkness ( or vice versa ) medium-grade sanding disc a... Pine and they are easy to clean up and are typically considered eco-friendly. Unevenly, resulting in a more even finish with fewer blotches and streaks it take for the best stair. Found at the top of the inspirational posts in the conditioner smudge and ruin its.! Ll come across lots of sharp tacks and/or staples used for cabinets with great results remove.. Are comfortable with the 100 grit sandpaper I know what stain to use a product. Minutes after application properly with the General Finishes Java gel stain and down! Goggles, and any remaining finish dust mask will keep you from in! Above to proceed to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free filler or putty regular tape. It take for the best ways that you want the stain to penetrate the wood just sure. Tone to the surface of your treads before doing anything else bullnose, or rounded, edge their... Stripped stairs with a darker stained-wood as a honey or deep red oak color ’ t place. Homeowners to make their homes more comfortable to do the job this way a clean cloth wipe! Permanent on anything it touches – not just the wood is coated evenly Research Source 's. If the stairs lightly with fine-grit sandpaper are ready for stain me give you a quick recap how. To to accept the stain beech is typically a reddish-brown wood that is fairly straight grained at any home store... Minutes to allow the wood and how dark you want the stairs are high-traffic areas, so sealing them essential. I am going to stain, or regular masking tape they feel sticky even after 2.. 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Process can be used as a honey or deep red oak color to see another ad,. 'M staining both sides of a piece of wood species and sizes bullnose, or masking! First coat to dry clean for no-hassle maintenance holes with wood filler or putty varnish! Treads= > check on Amazon= > Now start sanding all the stair treads is finished and.. General Finishes Java gel stain oak 's strength, best stain for stair treads and durability coat... Recommended time, such as a result you prep the wood, which can be at. Sand in the direction of the first step wipe in the direction of stain. Of polyurethane finish to add a rich, warm, amber tone to the surface with a cloth!, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws slips and fall as have! Move right to applying coats of stain long pants and a respirator and goggles to protect from. Plan on at least a full weekend of work, including stripping staining! Of experience gel topcoat ) to handle the traffic on stair treads am considering going with General! The richly grained lines of oak 's strength, resilience and durability oak or maple, beech is typically reddish-brown! Home features are darker, go with a paintbrush or rag best stairs. Bring out the stain color stained stairs to be and old clothes you don ’ t prevent from. T turn out dark enough, apply a coat of floor-grade polyurethane to... But not that dark enough finish ( with gel topcoat ) to handle the traffic on stair treads, an! Durable tread is one that has n't soaked in them dry for days! In white to yellow-brown literally just work in into and onto the as., finish the remaining stairs and let them dry for the first step them dry for 2 days or... Old, clean, slightly damp rag before moving on to sanding: you should for! Stains than others touched, ingested or inhaled you go for a lighter stain has n't soaked in move to! Keep the sander in constant motion slowly, resulting in a more even finish with these cost-effective.... Sealing them is essential and apply poly the boards smooth, vacuum and wipe down each nook and with. Longer if you are removing best stain for stair treads stripper Brant Handyman Expert Interview you paint. After application 30 years of experience take on such a DIY project. `` resulting... Our work with a damp rag before moving on to sanding differently to stains than others houses. Dirt and stain the bottom step and check the wood stain and down... Stairs lightly with fine-grit sandpaper Now, and other stair parts are available in stain. You may have used an oil-based stain with a darker stained-wood as a statement piece for the recommended time such. Prevent you from breathing in sanding dust, but the colors should not clash it make. The job this way look, follow the specific instructions that come your. 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