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White Oak Stairs..best coating? Advice please

  • 21-08-2011 2:59pm
    #1
    endeval
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 104 ✭✭


    Hi all

    Our white oak stairs is finally in and looks great. I want to continue the "looks great" part and not ruin it by selecting the wrong coating to put on it.

    We would like the coating to ;
    =======================
    * keep the colour of the wood to stay as natural as possible - not darken or yellow
    * a matt finish
    * Be water resistent and durable
    * Desirably somehow have some anti-slip properties for the runs, so its safer for the kids.


    My plan is to final sand by hand with a Grit-400 paper and rub down with a non-lint cloth with a dab of white spirits on it.

    I have read into Danish Oil, Beeswax polish, woodoc, Diamond Coat and i am none the wiser in decision making.


    Has anyone tackled a white oak stairs before and what products did they use please?
    What do people think would be the best solution?

    Do I need to seal the wood before the final coatings?



    Thank you!
    James.


Comments

  • #2
    endeval
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 104 ✭✭endeval


    Any thoughts? Is this the correct forum for this q?


  • #3
    cardwizzard
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,385 ✭✭✭cardwizzard


    Yeah i've done a few white oak stair cases. Firstly it's going to be practically impossible to not darken the colour even a little. Plus over time it will darken.

    This is how I usually do them, if spraying isn't an option. Always good to get them done as soon as they are in place, as dirt and marks will be sure to follow.

    Firstly give them a decent sand with something course enough, 80/100 and remove all pencil marks, glue and dirt. Don't be afraid to rub it clean at this stage. Fill nail holes with appropiate filler, sand if necessary
    Then I usually seal them with 'smellies' or sand and sealer as it is called. It penetrates the wood well and force the grain upwards. After a rubdown with a pad, and the substrate will be as smooth as a babies bum. Careful when using sand and sealer as it didn't get the name smellies for no reason. It can be quite potent, open any windows and doors. But it will dry very quickly.

    Apply to coats of varnish to the hand rail and spindles. You will want to go with a floor varnish for your stairs as this will stand up longer to abuse than regular varnish. You will need to sand between coats and the smoother you sand the better the finish will be. Dust well and use a tack cloth before final coat. Always keep the varnish spotless, as this will reflect the finish.


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