Re-staining stair railings?

[starryfish]

Before we do the wrought iron I want to stain the stair railings a dark walnut or espresso color. Right now they are a medium brown.

I just need To sand, wipe down, gel stain 1-3 coats, and then top coat right? Am I missing anything?

[lavender444]

I did my stair rails. The only thing you're missing that's really important with Gel stain is using a degreaser after sanding I used 409 or isopropyl alcohol, depending on what I have on hand.

[TBM]

Don't use Minwax. There are other brands that give better results. General Finishes products are great, and they have tutorials that are helpful.

[lavender444]

Nov 6, 2015 6:46:08 GMT -5 TBM said:

Don't use Minwax. There are other brands that give better results. General Finishes products are great, and they have tutorials that are helpful.

Ditto. General Finishes is the best way to go. And, don't forget you need to lightly sand and wipe down between each coat after it dries to rough the surface up again to give the next coat better grip. I use steel wool in between coats. 

[megstoo]

I agree about miniwax and don't do 1 of those all in one's either.

DH and I recently redid an old toy chest and depending on the stain that's on there you might need to strip that first before sanding/staining.

[starryfish]

Can you buy general finishes brand at Home Depot?

[TBM]

Nov 6, 2015 12:34:36 GMT -5 starryfish said:

Can you buy general finishes brand at Home Depot?

No.  I can buy it at an unfinished furniture store or Woodcrafters, which are both fairly near me and both have knowledgeable staff to answer any questions that I have..  I think General Finishes has a store locater on their website.

[lavender444]

Nov 6, 2015 12:34:36 GMT -5 starryfish said:

Can you buy general finishes brand at Home Depot?

They also sell it on Amazon. A little bit goes a loooong way! I've purchased 3 or 4 quarts and I've restained my stairs, 3 bathroom vanities, my entire kitchen, our dining room table, and a piano. Clearly it's my answer to everything ugly. 

[starryfish]

Nov 6, 2015 16:29:10 GMT -5 lavender444 said:

Nov 6, 2015 12:34:36 GMT -5 starryfish said:

Can you buy general finishes brand at Home Depot?

They also sell it on Amazon. A little bit goes a loooong way! I've purchased 3 or 4 quarts and I've restained my stairs, 3 bathroom vanities, my entire kitchen, our dining room table, and a piano. Clearly it's my answer to everything ugly. 

Awesome thanks! What colors have you done?