Expert: Joseph G. Swallow - 3/20/2008

Question
We live in a split foyer home.  Twelve years ago we installed an oak railing on the main floor (overlooks the stairway going downstairs).  We stained the balusters before it was installed, but did not stain the top handrail piece.  Also, none of the parts have ever had polyurethane put on it.  Therefore, after 12 years of people touching it, the handrail and balusters I'm sure have body oil, dirt, grime, etc. and will not hold stain or varnish.  We need to get this project completed as we are selling our house.  What would be our best approach in finishing this?  Should we clean the woodwork with a product first or is sanding the best way to prepare the surfaces for staining/polyurethane?  Again, the handrail piece has not been stained but the balusters are stained, not varnished.

Thanks for your help.

Answer
I would sand the handrail with an orbital sander, using 100 or 120 grit sandpaper.  All you want to do is sand enough to bring the color back which helps to open the pours of the material.  You probably want to hand sand the lower portion of the rail.  Using any kind of liquid on the rail will discolor the oak and make it harder to sand.  Just sand as is until it is pink toned and then it will be ready to receive stain again.  I would also re-strain the balusters along with the handrail.  Once the stain is dry, I would recommend a pre-catalyzed lacquer.  If you want to save cost and time, you can do this with the aerosol cans off the shelf from most paint stores or Home Depot.  You can select your finish, i.e. satin, semi-gloss, or gloss.  Most stairs are finished in satin or semi-gloss.  Spray one coat of lacquer, sand it with 300 grit or higher paper, then re-spray.  If you wish for additional coats, sand with the high grit paper between coats.