New staircase stain/varnish question

7 years ago

We had to have our staircase to our basement rebuilt. We are getting ready to stain the stairs and I am not sure of products or finishes to use. The contractor used unfinished pine. I've read pine is harder to stain because it can get blotchy so it needs a conditioner first, is this true? Do the steps need to be sanded if the wood is unfinished? What type of poly needs to used on top? Can anyone recommend a good tutorial?
VOCs are a big concern for us because of a child with health issues so any low VOC products are preferred.
Thank you!

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Comments (2)

geoffrey_b
7 years ago
Minwax and Varathane make acrylic varnishes with low VOC. It would be good to get a stain made by the same company that makes the varnish.

You should practice the staining on scrap pieces. The end grain will absorb a lot of stain, and appear much darker. You may need to use a stain control on the end grain.

Sand with 120 grit. Vacuum. Use a tack cloth to remove all dust. Stain. Apply first coat of varnish (I'd use semi-gloss or satin). Lightly sand 180 grit / vacuum / tack. Apply two more coats. Be sure to let it dry thoroughly between coats.
PRO
PPF.
7 years ago
Could you post a picture of the stair?
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