Refinishing stair treads

[Charles Wilson]

First off, I posted also in the home improvement section.  Moderators please remove if this violates board use.  Figured not everyone reads that section and that posting in two areas would get me more replies.

Going to refinish some stair treads.  I started the project a few years ago and got about half of them done but we have two dogs and two kids so they all need to be done.  Treads are oak.

Three/Four questions: 

1) What sander should I be using?  I have a RO 150.  Also have a DX 93.

2) What sandpaper line and grits do you recommend for old finish removal? 

3) What stain brand do you recommend?

4) What is the hardest floor finish that will stand up to pretty aggressive foot traffic (primarily dogs)?

Thanks.

Chuck

 

[tjbnwi]

The sanders you have should work just fine.

Granat, depends on existing finish. Start with 80 work your way up to 150. You may have to start at a lower grit if the paper clogs.

I use Zar.

My only experience is with Bona waterbourne. Someone else may have other products they use.

Tom

 

[Forza]

I refinished a flight and added risers to open an open stair design at the same time and it was an afternoon job.

With your sanders, depending on the current state, you could start with your RO150 on Rotex mode with a Granat with something in the 80-100 grit range. Use the 93 to work into the corners with like grits.

Are these interior stairs or are they susceptible to outdoor elements? This would be my main consideration point on which finish to use. You don't want to make stairs too smooth, as they could get slippery - I've even added texture to stains in the past to give them a little more grip in areas where they are prone to getting wet...like decks or in garages.

As far as brands of stains, I'm a fan of General Finishes and almost use them exclusively now, easier cleanup and their water based stains. My first preference though is to keep hardwoods their natural color if possible and just use a suitable topcoat. It's makes refinishing in the future a lot easier too.

 

[Charles Wilson]

I refinished a flight and added risers to open an open stair design at the same time and it was an afternoon job.

With your sanders, depending on the current state, you could start with your RO150 on Rotex mode with a Granat with something in the 80-100 grit range. Use the 93 to work into the corners with like grits.

Are these interior stairs or are they susceptible to outdoor elements? This would be my main consideration point on which finish to use. You don't want to make stairs too smooth, as they could get slippery - I've even added texture to stains in the past to give them a little more grip in areas where they are prone to getting wet...like decks or in garages.

As far as brands of stains, I'm a fan of General Finishes and almost use them exclusively now, easier cleanup and their water based stains. My first preference though is to keep hardwoods their natural color if possible and just use a suitable topcoat. It's makes refinishing in the future a lot easier too.

Not really exposed to outdoor elements.  However, they are exposed to two dogs who constantly walk (run) up and down the stairs.  Looking for a polyurethane (or any protective finish) to put on them.

What should the "last grit" sandpaper be before I stain and seal?  Stairs are not in that rough shape.

Thanks