Check out the video series on refinishing wood stairs.
Staining stair treads dark.
Keeping adding coats of stain until you get your desired color.
It s not a difficult job but it is time consuming because of the drying time necessary between coats of stain and gloss.
Use the color shade range that matches the wood stair parts you are staining with other stair parts as well as match with other features of your home.
You want to change your wipe off rag often as it becomes saturated with stain.
Just get it all covered.
Do this process at night or consider doing every other tread so that the stairs can be used throughout the finishing process.
I only needed to do one coat.
Apply the stain liberally using a brush lint free cloth or staining pad and then wipe the tread down using a lint free cloth to remove any excess stain.
If your home features are darker go with a darker wood stain.
Use your orbital sander and or hand sanders to give the stairs an even texture and appearance that s ready to accept stain.
For example if your decor wall paint and other home features like furniture are lighter in color choose a lighter wood stain.
Video of the day.
The simplest way to finish oak stair treads is with two coats of clear polyurethane which enhances both the grain and the natural reddish to goldish tinge of the wood.
Then literally just work in into and onto the wood.
Apply gentle even pressure.
Allow the stain to dry for 12 hours.
Feeling dark and moody.
The longer you let it sit the darker it will be.
Bring out further warmth by.
It is easier to add more stain for a darker color but impossible to make the stain lighter after it dries and it dries very quickly.
Using two rags dip one rag in the stain and than wipe stain onto tread then using the other dry rag wipe stain off for desired color.
Learn how to apply a stain to your wood stairs.
Let it sit for a few minutes and wipe off the excess stain with a clean rag or old t shirt.
Mix the stain well and apply with a foam brush.
If you re staining brand new stairs you may only need to give them this final light sanding.
Let dry for about 8 hours before using the stairs.
When you re stain you also will have to re gloss over the stain which looks good and protects the wood.
So be sure that as soon as you apply the stain that you wipe it away.
Fine grit sandpaper ranges from about 120 220 grit.
The color is off in these photos because i had the hall and stairway light on you don t even really have to worry about swirl marks applications marks etc as you are applying it.
Make sure the sample you use is the same species of wood your treads are.
Stained wood stair treads can become worn and discolored over the years as a result.