Varnishing Banisters...?

Question

I've got a varnished banister/hand rail which needs tidying up. Do I need to strip it down to he wood to re-varnish it or can I just sand it down and re-varnish?

Answer 1

Sand it with a coarse grain paper (80-100 grit) to remove all the years of smeg and give a good even coloured base, then one light coat of cellulose based varnish ( try to keep the VOC content down a bit!), this will raise the grain of the timber so it will feel a bit rough, "nib it off" with finishing paper (1000 grit) to make it smooth as silk. Then a generous 2nd coat (to prevent nasty brush marks from trying to spread it out).
If you want a really lustrous finish, lightly rub with finishing paper and apply a 3rd coat. Rush it and it will be pants! allow to dry thoroughly btw coats and it will be spanking gorgeous!

Answer 2

Either method works. Whether you strip it or sand it, before you varnish it you need to sand it with a fine sandpaper to get the best finish. Just a light sanding. It should be really smooth to the touch.

Answer 3

You can just sand it down & re-varnish but the varnish will turn out darker than you expect.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

If you strip it down to the wood, you'll get an even finish (won't you?)

What do I know - I'm a girl and thats what men are for.....

Answer 6

Happens at Hogwarts' all the time.....oh, VARNISHING, sorry, don't know.