Can stairs be sanded?

Start by sanding down the treads to bare wood with the 80 grit sandpaper. This will require a combination of power sanding and hand sanding to get in the tight corners and around balusters. When power sanding, Nathan uses a random-orbital sander equipped with a dust extractor.

Can you varnish stairs?





Once you’ve cleaned and sanded away all dirt, smudges, and stains, you can apply a fresh coat of varnish to the staircase.

What grit sandpaper to use on stairs?

around 40-60 grit

Sanding the stairs



Now it’s time to prepare the stairs. Sand them down with heavy-duty sandpaper of around 40-60 grit, following the grain of the wood, to remove old paint or varnish and make all surfaces flat and level. A mechanical sander will greatly speed up the process of smoothing the wood.

How do you remove varnish from stairs?

All you need to do is start with 150-grit sandpaper and sand the entire surface. Once you’ve done that, move onto 220-grit sandpaper and repeat. This should remove the varnish. An orbital sander will make this job much easier and quicker if you’re removing varnish from a flat surface.

How do you sand and Restain stairs?





Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: You can start out at sixty grit or a hundred grit since my treads used to have carpet over it it looks like water sat in and damaged the surface of the trade.

What is the best way to sand stairs?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: So you can always come through with a carbide scraper using the rough edges to remove the top layer it'll. Make the process. Much faster and easier for you.

How many coats of varnish do you need on stairs?

Water-based polyurethane dries in a couple of hours, so you should be able to apply the four required coats in one day. Applying this number of coats will insure your stairs are completely protected.

Should I stain or varnish my stairs?

Varnishes tend to be more durable and are better for a higher gloss finish if this is desired/required. Oils are better if a more natural appearance is required and are easier to maintain if they start to look worn over time.

How can I refinish my stairs without sanding?



How to Refinish Wood Stairs without Sanding – The Process

  1. Step No. 1 – Cleaning the Surface.
  2. Step No. 2 – A Little Sanding Never Hurts Anyone!
  3. Step No. 3 – Dabbing the Surface Clean – Once Again!
  4. Step No. 4 – Taping the Sides of the Staircase.
  5. Step No. 5 – Applying the Stains.
  6. Step No. 6 – Let It Sit for a While.


Do you have to remove old stain before restaining?

Removing the old stain before reapplying a new coat isn’t always necessary. If you are applying the same color and brand to the wood, you shouldn’t have to strip the old stain. Using a quality deck cleaner should be all you have to do before reapplying the same stain.

What kind of sander should I use for stairs?



A “hand-held random orbital” is the best hand-held power sander for hardwood stairs because it minimizes the risk of cross-grain sanding scratches. A flat sanding disk spins rapidly while the entire head of the sander revolves. Hold on tight, when you turn the sander on – you’ll feel the circular revolution motion.

What varnish is best for stairs?

Polyurethane Varnish – a clear water based polyurethane varnish is the simplest to use. Apply it with a brush but bear in mind it dries quickly so make sure you work fast. The second coat can be applied within 24 hours and it dries to a hard and durable finish.

Can I varnish over varnish without sanding?

Can You Stain Over Varnished Wood Without Sanding? Stain over varnished wood without sanding is not recommended. Because staining should do after sanding the wood surface thoroughly. Otherwise, the stain will not penetrate inside the porous structure of the wood.

Do you have to sand in between coats of varnish?

Yes, you should lightly sand between coats (applies to paint & varnish), this removes any dust or particles that may have stuck to the previous wet coat and provides a “key” for the next coat to adhere to properly.

What is the difference between varnish and polyurethane?



While polyurethane is water- or oil-based plastic resin, varnish is older and made from resins, oils, and solvents. Because of the higher ratio of solids, varnish is less susceptible to ultraviolet light damage. This protection makes varnish an excellent choice for projects such as outside decks and exterior furniture.

Can you put polyurethane over old varnish?

Yes, you can polyurethane over varnish without damaging the finish. This is so because it’s hard-wearing, long-lasting and durable, and with a high resin value, which allows it to resist harsh outdoor conditions.

Can you roll on varnish?

You can apply varnish with a roller, but it’s best to apply varnish with a non-foam roller. Then you should brush out the finish with bristled paintbrush or foam brush to get quality results.