Expert: Eileen Cronk - 5/6/2009

Question
QUESTION: i took up carpet from the staircase of my newly modeled single family home. there is wood underneath with a landing in between the second level. also, the balcony and the railing are painted white. i would like to stain, paint, or restore the wood underneath. What should i do? thank you

ANSWER: Hi Katrina
Nice to hear from you.
Katrina I need to know if these stairs in your newly renovated home were always covered with carpet or were they ever left natural wood.
If they were always covered in carpet its likely the wood is not suitable for finishing with a stain and top coat.
Also let me know what is on them now (after you removed the carpet), Is it paint or stain or bare wood?
Regards
Eileen


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: they were never left natural wood. this is a new home and underneath the carpet, is white paint. the hardware store suggest, i sand down the paint and stain.

Answer
Hi again Katrina
Thanks for this additional info. It makes trying to help easier.
I cannot imagine you sanding this entire set of stairs. What a job and what a mess.
If I was really determined to attempt to get the stairs natural wood I would first do one step as a test.
Get a small can of an "mc stripper", ask at the hardware.
Follow the directions and remove the paint on one step.
I think you are going to find that the wood is not suitable to be in its natural state. Its very likely spruce which is not suitable left natural.
But if you hit the jackpot and find it strips easily and takes a stain well then you are good to continue.
This is a huge job but not insurmountable if done over time by a determined gal...which you sound like.
Personally I would not even attempt to strip railings...its horendous.
And keep me posted please
Regards
Eileen