Expert: Joseph G. Swallow - 6/10/2008

Question
Hi,

We have bleached oak staircase. I wanted to re-stain the staircase, spindles etc in the same color stain. What is the process? Also can we use the dark stain on the top railing to match the dark hardwood and leave the spindles in the same stain? Any suggestions?

thanks,

Alka

Answer
Alka,

The best way for a match is to take a pre-stained sample to a paint store such as Sherwin-Williams and request a "stain match" on oak.  They will actually custom mix and right colors for match.  Locally we do that as common practice instead spending hours trying to color match ourselves.

Usually handrails have been lacquered, which seals the wood.  In that respect, just applying a stain to the handrail and balusters will not have much of an effect, except darkening the worn spots.  You have a few options:

1.  Sand the handrail down to the raw wood and then apply the dark stain desired.

2.  Or use a poly-based pigmented stain or lacquer.  The polyurethane would be clear, but almost be as one painting the handrail.  The lacquer base would melt the previous and have a slightly better adhesion to the rail.  My preference, though it is more work, would be to sand the rail, use a stain equalizer (to eliminate blotching), and then apply the stain.  This is the most work but usually has the best results.

I would try not to work with the balusters.  There one can run into trouble and it would a tremendous time to work with.  It is common that the balusters are off-shaded, painted, or a different color than the handrail.  It is best if it is lighter.

Hope this helps and let me know if I can be of further help.

Regards,

Joseph