Expert: Eileen Cronk - 7/27/2008

Question
Hello,
I have recently tried to sand, stain, and seal my wood steps that have always been covered by carpet. My house is 10 years old and the wood seemed to be in good condition. I chose a dark stain and applied it twice, but it's blotchy. I got frustrated and so I just went ahead and put the clear coat on it, but I don't think it looks so great. Is there anything I can do at this point? Is there a tinted clear coat or something that can transform then into the mocha color they are supposed to be? I'm so frustrated, please help.

Answer
Hi Lori
Nice to hear from you.
Oh gosh I wish you had asked before you started this job.
I can well imagine it does not look great.
First off these 10 year old stairs were built with the intent of always being covered in carpet.
Therefore they were likely made of spruce or possibly pine.
Both these woods can go exactly as you describe when we stain them.
The steps should have had a sealer first before staining but I still think they would look like heck.
Your only choices at this point are paint or a non transparent stain with a clear coat of a product like Minwax poly for floors.
You have to be careful you do not apply something that is shiny and slippery.
The prep to do this now is sanding the stairs so that something else will stick.
Yes this will be a bit of work but take your time and just pretend the first mistake never happened.
Kind Regards
Eileen