Expert: Eileen Cronk - 12/31/2007

Question
What is the best way to refinish Banister railing that has a whitewash finish to a dark walnut stain?

Answer
Hi Tammy
Nice to hear from you.
In order to try to change the whitewash to a dark stain, the existing finish must be entirely removed with paint stripper.
Even then there is no guarantee that the whitewash will come off as the whitewash is usually applied to bare wood and absorbs into it. Sometimes its impossible and sometimes its easy. It just depends on the wood.
I would do a tiny test perhaps just an area on the underside of the banister to see if it comes off.
Then apply a stain test.
If all goes well, you can proceed to strip the entire rail.
You need lots of ventilation to do this in the home so wait till nice weather to get the windows open and a fan going. And lots of drop cloths to protect the area around.
Good luck and great question
Happy New Year
Eileen