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Expert: - 1/17/2009


Question
HI Greg. I am in process of renovating the 50 year old staircases, stair railings and
ballisters in my home. The original oak wood had darkened to a really dark carmel
color.  I wanted a very light  looking natural oak . So I stripped the varnish, scraped,
sanded, and sanded some more. The result is that the railings are down to the bare and
beautiful very light natural red oak.  My question now is  how to top coat the wood
without darkening it or changing its light color.  I want to keep the natural look of the
wood. Should I use  polyurethane or just use a penetrating sealer? I don't plan to stain
the wood, just want to give it a gloss and protection.  Thank  you for your time and
help.
Angela

Answer
Hi Angela, the lightest of the finishes are the waterborne urethanes. These are almost "water white", or perfectly clear with no yellow or orange tones like an oil based finish. There are many waterborne urethanes designed for floors, and that's what I would suggest for your stairs. Some of these can be catalyzed, which increases the hardness and durability substantially. Before using you just mix in the recommended amount of catalyst to the finish, mix well, and use it in the amount of time that it remains active. Here's one I recommend, but there are many other good ones.
http://www.lastnlast.com/CDucwff.html
I wouldn't recommend a Gloss finish on stairs, as it can be very slippery with the slightest bit of liquid. A semi Gloss is a nice finish. Follow the directions and precautions on the product, and you should be able to get professional results. Hope that helps- post back if need be- Greg

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Greg Scholl

Expertise

Questions on Woodworking, wood finishing and refinishing of all kinds, repairing furniture and wooden objects, Architectural details, Woodturning, carving, tool usage, product usage, some chemistry as it applies to woodworking and related interests,cabinet making and furniture construction/design, etc. I have experience with all manners of colorants, finishes, paints, stains, dyes, glazes, and coatings, wood species recognition and usage,tool recommendations, blade types and recommendation,techniques and methods for many Woodworking related issues, etc.

Experience

Fine furniture restorer and cabinet maker for over 30 years,serving high end Antique dealers, Interior designers, Collectors in the CT area. Consulting for area Painting/Decorating and Building contractors on non painting issues..(staining, wood prep.,clear finishing, floor restoration and architectural detail restoration and repair, etc.) Sold, built, serviced, setup Home, Industrial, and Commercial stationary woodworking tools for a major tool retailer in CT. for three years, sold hand and power tools , provided knowledge, parts replacement, service, and on site service, Trade show Demo, and training as well.

Publications
Published in Fine Woodworking Magazine (12/97), included on Fine Woodworkings first "Best of Fine Woodworking" CD-ROM (2002) ...("27 year compilation of expert know-how")

Education/Credentials
Art School at Silvermine Guild in Norwalk, CT., 9 year apprenticeship in a European run Cabinet and Restoration shop in CT., various classes on subjects having to do with the field. Seminars from major Tool manufacturers, Skil/Bosch, Delta, Powermatic, Ritter, Porter cable, Milwaukee, Dewalt/B&Decker, Performax.

Past/Present Clients
Many varied clients including work on Martha Stewarts' Westport, CT. show house, many fine Antique dealers and private collectors in and around Fairfield County and in Woodbury, CT. (the Antiques capital of CT.), Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Wilton Historical Society.

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