Hello,

I have a wooden staircase that I just finished sanding but I don't know what finish to use to protect it.

I actually don't know what type of wood it actually is.

See pictures:

Looks like teak or oak maybe.

Do I need some kind of pre-finish first? And what finish then?

If personal preference has a role, I'd say not too mat, maybe satin or shiny.

Thanks!

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Intelligent_Ebb4887 t1_isyjbcn wrote on October 19, 2022 at 5:11 PM

Polyurethane. Look for one designed for floors, it will last longer.

Oil based will develop a golden tone. Water based will keep the same color.

I prefer satin poly, but that's a personal choice.

Watco danish oil all over. Let dry 48 hours (and obviously dont walk on it) then like multiple coats of poly. Like multiple coats. I’m thinking 10.

Hopefully you dont need to use the steps for several weeks.

Just do every other one then switch. Builds up the legs.

That's smart! I'm most likely going to do that since my ground floor is under renovation too!

Thanks! Can you recommend a brand? Here in Europe it's not always written whether it's polyurethane or something else when I look for a varnish.

Varathane and Minwax are 2 common brands in the US.