Staining a Step

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07-18-23, 01:30 PM

rjbinney

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Staining a Step

I need to build a single interior step.
What's the best finish for minimizing looking cruddy, and for ease of cleaning?
I'd like a golden-ish stain if possible.
Was thinking hitting it with a basic penetrating stain, and once that dries, one coat of polyurethane.
Will that make it too slippery? Too shiny? Will it be durable enough? What else?

Thanks!

(Yes, it's one step.)

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07-18-23, 01:49 PM

marksr

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You'd want to use a wiping stain [minwax or others] apply it and then wipe off the excess. After the stain is dry you'd apply 2-3 coats of poly sanding lightly between coats. 3 coats of poly is what you will see on a typical hardwood floor and stairs.

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07-18-23, 01:54 PM

rjbinney

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Like a basic Minwax poly? When you say sand lightly - what grit? 300? And how long should it dry between coats? (Work area is ~65 deg, ~65% humidity)

Thanks!

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07-18-23, 09:39 PM

stickshift

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Minwax is not the highest rated poly but it would suffice.

220 grit is fine - just a light scuff sanding to create nooks and crannies for the next coat to flow into in order to create a mechanical bond between coats.

Whatever time it takes to dry - a few hours to overnight.

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07-19-23, 09:56 AM

rjbinney

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Same principle as applying butter to an English muffin. Got it!

Thanks for the chemistry lesson (or is that physics?) - I always assumed the sanding was to remove imperfections in the coat.

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07-19-23, 10:06 AM

marksr

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Sanding does both. Don't forget to wipe off the sanding dust.

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