Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - polyurethane to stairs

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Leebbear
09-04-08, 11:09 PM
I have recently stained some stairs with an oil based product. The wood is doug. fir. I have worked with wood finishing before but I am concerned about a drip nightmare with the balusters. Should I very carfully brush or spray on a poly.? What is the industry standard?

Just Bill
09-05-08, 05:00 AM
Drips/runs comes from applying too much finish. Just don't load up the brush, and keep the piece wiped evenly. Spray gives a better looking finish, but again, if you dwell in one spot, you will have runs.
marksr
09-05-08, 05:05 AM
Welcome to the forums!

Overspray can be difficult to contain so I rarely ever do any spraying in an occupied dwelling. it usually takes 3 coats of poly to make wood look/feel right. With a little care there shouldn't be any issues with drips. Make sure you use a quality natural bristle brush.

You didn't say if this was new construction or if you stripped and refinishing installed staircase. On new construction, I like to stain and apply 1-2 coats of poly prior to installation - it makes the job a lot easier :D