Expert: Joseph G. Swallow - 5/25/2010

Question
several years ago I removed the builder's oak finish on the hall stairway railing by sanding and restaining cherry with a water base satin finish.  Now I find it is gummy in areas and I notice it seems like its like when I clean an area that is gummy it removes the stain.  I'd like to  redo this with a sturdy varnish any ideas? And is it a light sanding or a complete redo?

Answer
Diane,

I am not a painter, but I did call a painting contractor I work with.  He said the finish usually gets "gummy" and never fully cures when the stain below had not properly dried.  The wet stain had interacted with the water based finish to create this.  He recommended a complete redo only to keep the stain tones consistent.  Light sanding and finishing may result in a "blotchy" stain.  Another idea is to wet sand it with the stain to cause penetration in the "bad" spots, allow to dry, and apply a clear coat of water-based polyurethane.   Wish I had more to offer and good luck!

Joseph