How to best treat your wooden stair case

If a wooden stair case has a really bad condition, it’s better to paint it. Pull the carpet from the bottom to check the wood. If the large cracks are full of paint and the paint cannot be removed, the dirt will look bad. If you do not know what the stain will look like, follow the Gulvkanonen.dk instructions to paint the stair case below. 

1. Remove the carpet material with pliers and handle from Gulvkanonen. Gather the rug and pillows, strips of wood from the rug or staples that hold everything in place. Use tweezers to lift the corner and edge pins. Wear sturdy work gloves, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts when removing the rug. 
2. Move, cover or lock furniture and other objects near the stair case. Depending on your job, sand a little or sand a lot. In both cases, a lot of dust is generated. 

• Close all adjacent interior doors with plastic wrap. However, do not close the entrance if it is the nearest source of outdoor air, such as exterior windows or doors.
• Lay a piece of fabric on a nearby floor or carpet.

3. Ventilation: Open nearby windows and doors to create ventilation. Aeration of the area helps to remove some of the sanding dust. Ventilation of the area is most important when using or staining chemical peeling materials. Failure to do so will result in an accumulation of potentially dangerous fumes, which in some cases can be harmful.

• Gas masks prevent you from inhaling dust, but they do not prevent you from inhaling smoke.

4. Strike loose or protruding nails with a hammer. If you want to polish the top of the step, strike the nail just below the surface. The nail will break the polishing tape and come off when you finish polishing. If you do not polish the top of the stair case, strike the seams against the surface of the stair case. Use a set of nails to make sure the head of all the nails is the same as the surrounding wood.

• Clusters of nails look like small dots
• For best results, use masking tape or plain masking tape.
• Leave the tape on until all work is completed.

5. Remove old stains and paint

Apply a chemical on stairs with heavy paint or strong stains. 

Follow the specific steps that come with the Stair case.

• Wipe the peeled stair case with a clean, slightly damp cloth before continuing the process.
• Sandpaper, sanding blocks, or sheets may need to be finished in corners and other tight spaces. 
• Follow the product instructions carefully. 
• Change to fine sandpaper and polish it with sandpaper. Use an orbital sander and/or hand sander to give the stairs a smooth texture and a clean look.
• Apply gently and even pressure. 

6. Vacuum cleaner

Use a vacuum cleaner to vacuum most of the dust-up around the stairs. Keep wiping the tray with a cloth that removes any remaining dust.

• As the name suggests, a damp cloth is a slightly wet cloth. If you do not have a cloth, use a slightly damp cloth.
• In any case, always start at the highest step. 

7. Apply wood varnish

• Choose the same type of stain, varnish and wood conditioner (if necessary). Or, if you prefer water-based stains, choose water-based stains and conditioners. Inconsistent products will have a rough and permanent finish.
• Softener for wood is not strictly necessary but is highly recommended in most cases.
• Apply a plasticizer, especially for conifers that look like pine trees. Apply a thin layer of conditioner to the wood with a brush or a natural cloth. 
• Wood softener lowers the absorption of dirt on softwood for a smooth finish while reducing dirt and streaks.
• If you are not sure whether the stairs are made of conifers (pine, etc.), middle trees (walnut, etc.) or hardwood (oak, etc.), use a wood conditioner. There is no noticeable difference in the finish line in the worst case.
• Carefully polish the conditioned wood with fine sandpaper. 
• Before proceeding, use a cloth to remove dust.

8. Varnish protects dirt

Clean the polyurethane floor varnish. Follow the package instructions to scrape and apply the varnish. Unless otherwise stated, use a brush with natural bristles and apply a thin layer in a long, even stroke.

• As the stairs are a busy area, it is necessary to close the stairs.
• Let the varnish dry for the recommended time, e.g. 4 hours.
• Apply the varnish twice. Use the same process as before. 
• When the drying time has passed, remove clothes and masking tape and enjoy your beautiful new staircase!