Ive gone the filler route in the past, and what tends to happen is that when I go to sand it smooth the layer is so thin that it sands right off. Is there some kind of compound that takes to sanding better? And what about the texture difference? would primer/sealer over the filler fix that?

Have you considered replacing the wood?

I frequently use products similar to triple thick peel stop on exterior work. They do help smooth the surface, but I do not believe it would solve your problem.

I have, briefly, considered re[placing the wood. Its something that is beyond my diy capabilities. I don't mind the character of the wood thats there, its more the chippy paint that drives me crazy. I bought some encapsulator, since I know that if it doesn't do what hope then at least ill be covering up the lead!

It doesn't look that bad too me as far as layers of paint go. Take out the shag carpet on the stairs tho... what's underneath it anyway? I would want to get to bare wood. Any better pictures of your staircase? I'd be VERY hesitant to paint this red.

oh boy... why not? The woodwork in the other end of the house is all red (the one just below the black on the side of the steps). I would love to expose the wood on the stairs, (the carpet is definitely going!) but the time it will take me is probably not what I can spare. There are a couple other color choices on the door. Im open to suggestions!

I should also mention that I would love to paint that door black. I did It in my laundry room and I love the look. haha and i just realized I didn't attach the pics to my last comment!

I like the black door tho. And the sample of your stringer in black looks nice. Or even deep black blue. The red looks a little too cutesy (like Holly Hobby cutesy). The darker tones look nice. Adult.

I tend to put my effort into the areas that are at eye level ( the old house adage is don't look up don't look down) so I would spend more time on door and window casings than I would baseboards.

Have you tried a heat gun? Chemicals are SLOW. get down to something solid, get a good base of oil primer on there, then fill with wood filler, prime and paint.

Hi Juli. What's your plan for the stairs under the carpet? You might want to remove it first before you work on the wood. I like plastic wood as a filler. It doesn't shrink and is easy to sand. I like a heat gun as well. So much easier and environmentally friendly than chemical strippers. Good luck with your project!

yes i have tried a heat gun. The wood was so hot it made me nervous!

My hope for under the carpet was to get down to wood and stain. There are so many cool things being done with staircases... Ive been trying to keep things in line with what it may have looked like in 1825.

Heat guns require diligence, there's no doubt about that! The trick is to keep them moving. It sounds as though you're in for a big project whichever way you go. You'll have to think of it as a labor of love! Good luck Juli.

I've used Peel stop on exterior jobs before. Pretty awesome stuff. As far as leveling out the imperfections, perhaps some glazing putty (basically thinned out bondo)after your sealing would do the trick? It's used in final body work and can be feathered out to nothing....