To restore the shine to your wooden stairs, you don’t have to look far. You just need the right tools to sand your wooden stairs dust-free. You don’t need to spend your money on hiring a professional. Discover here the different steps to sand your wooden staircase without making dust.
Choose your toolbox
To complete your work, you need sandpaper, an electric sander, painter’s gloves or leather work gloves, a dust mask and protective goggles.
What is the preparatory work to sand a staircase without making dust?
Start by removing any grease or dirt from the stairs with acetone. If you encounter stains, apply the stair cleaner before using the oil-based stripper to dissolve them. Then make sure the surface is completely dry.
Sand the center
You need to sand the center of each stair tread to the ideal depth with your tool. Then sand diagonally from one side of the stairs to the other end. This method allows you to eliminate the wear and tear that accumulates over time on your staircase. This will give you a uniform surface that is easy to clean.
Sand the edges
This second step allows you to smooth out the corners and edges of each staircase. These areas are difficult to reach with the sander. Use your right hand fingers or a wedge to remove any bones that are visible.
Then switch hands, hold the top of the stair stringers while standing. In this position, you can sand down until all the paint disappears.
Use finer grains
Use medium grit (220) sandpaper to smooth out any sharp edges or splinters caused by old nails. If these defects are likely to ruin the finish of your wood, you can abandon this task and repair them another day.
Now use the 100 grit sandpaper to remove any tears in the finish and scratches. The 220 grain glass will serve you for the finish and the final touch. It makes the wood smooth and shiny and eliminates all rough sanding marks.
Finish your masterpiece
Furniture wax or oil will give you a flawless finish. Use these products before finishing with 220 grit.
Some recommendations
In order for your paint to adhere to the surface and especially the places where there are scratches, you must sand with 60 to 80 grit sandpaper. Between sandings, be sure to vacuum the stairs. The best paint for your wooden stairs is one that is semi-gloss. It has a harder finish and is easy to clean. After putting the paint on your stairs, let it dry completely before walking on it.