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Staining wood stairs
When we moved into our house 2 years ago, we converted it from a duplex into a single family. So, we had to knock down the wall in the living room that was seperating the 2 units. We then had DH's cousin's husband (who's a very talented handyman/carpenter) build a staircase connecting the 1st and 2nd floors. We've had this small fresh wooden staircase covered with paper (to protect it from marks and stains) for what seems like forever now.
Point of this post- Does anyone have experience with staining? DH and I are considering doing it ourselves. My brother, who paints for a living, has been saying that he's coming to do it for me, for the past 2 years. We had a professional come look at the job for an estimate and it was going to cost way too much for about 5 steps and a small landing. I just have no idea where to start, esp since it's brand new wood and it's not like we're restaining. Any help or info would be greatly appreciated. TIA!
Re: Staining wood stairs
In my opinion, the brand new wood is easier to stain than refinishing since you don't have to sand it down before staining.
I haven't stained floors before - Marie-Etta did in her home (I don't know if you are FB friends with her or not? Can't remember who is or isn't from the fall out). She would be a good resource.
Otherwise, I think it is very similar to staining furniture. You need to make sure that the wood is clean and free of dust. If you wipe it down with a wet rag - just make sure to let it dry. You apply the stain and let it set for ~5 minutes or so and then wipe off the excess. Since this is fresh wood, you may decide to put a second coat on after the first. It's hard to say if you will for sure or not - but you will know once you're into it. Let each coat dry before applying a second coat.
Some tutorials will tell you to sand between coats. I never do on furniture. Once you have the color where you want it, you'll start applying your sealer (I use semi-gloss polyurethane - but the gloss will depend on how shiny you want your floors). Look up online how many applications of polyurethane you should do. I'm thinking at least two... ? In between applications of the poly, I will rub the piece down with 0000 stainless steel wool pads. It puts very tiny scratches on the surface so the next coat adheres well. After rubbing the step down with the with the steel wool, I wipe a rag with mineral oil over it and then a rag with water (picks up all the little steel wool pieces).
I think there are some good "how to's" and forums online - so google around. I think you can do the 5 steps and a landing!
My boring blog
I stained the stairs at my parents' house. I just stained the top of the stairs, then painted the fronts white. I think it came out great and I wasn't too nervous because they were getting a carpet runner down the middle.
ETA: I did what MrsBreaux mentioed above.. right down to the foam brush. No sanding.
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