Expert Guide to Finishing a Staircase - From Prep to Perfect Results

Date: 31st January 2025
Categories: Barrettine, Products

A beautifully finished wooden staircase can transform the heart of any home, creating a stunning focal point that combines both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Whether you're a trade professional working with a newly installed wooden staircase or a DIY enthusiast renovating an existing one, achieving a professional finish requires careful preparation and the right products.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the process of finishing a staircase using Barrettine Armourflex® Hard Wax Oil, a premium solution that offers exceptional durability and a natural, elegant finish.

Choosing your perfect finish

When finishing a staircase, you’ll need a product that brings the natural beauty of timber to the forefront, while providing a stain & scratch-resistant finish.

Barrettine Armourflex® Hard Wax Oil comes in both matt and satin finishes, allowing you to achieve exactly the look you’re after. This specialist coating combines natural soya oils, linseed oil from flax, and carnauba wax to create a microporous finish that won't crack, peel, or blister.

Armourflex® Hard Wax Oil is an excellent choice for high-traffic areas like staircases as, once dried, the finish will provide excellent scratch resistance and durability. The natural formulation brings out the beauty of the wood grain while offering superior protection against daily wear and tear.

However, it’s important to test any product you’re using before covering the entire staircase – conduct a test patch on a small inconspicuous area to ensure you're happy with the final appearance.

Long-term protection and benefits

Armourflex® Hard Wax Oil is the perfect solution for high-traffic areas such as staircases because it provides exceptional protection against daily wear and tear. The natural oils and waxes penetrate deep into the wood, while the finish remains breathable, helping to maintain the wood's natural beauty while providing robust protection against stains, dirt, and liquid spills.

The Food Safe certification (when dry to EN 1186:2002 & EN71:3) makes it particularly suitable for homes with young children.

How is hard wax oil different from a varnish?

Varnish forms a hard, protective surface coating on wood, offering high durability but difficult repairs. Our Armourflex® Hard Wax Oil is a blend of nourishing oils and waxes. It penetrates the wood rather than sitting on top of the surface, leaving a truly natural look and feel with the bonus of easier spot repairs when necessary.

Preparation: the foundation of success

Before starting any staircase finishing project, thorough preparation is essential. Begin by inspecting the wooden stairs, treads, and handrail for any damage or signs of wear. You'll need to address any structural issues before proceeding with the finish.

Fill any gaps, holes, or open joints with a suitable wood filler and allow to dry completely.

If you're working with an existing finish, you'll need to sand back to bare wood using 120-150 grit sandpaper. Pay particular attention to the grain of the wood, always sanding in the same direction to achieve the best results.

Allow a newly installed wooden staircase to acclimatise for several days before treatment, and for previously untreated wood, ensure the moisture content is below 15%. Remove any resinous deposits with a scraper and degrease the surface with methylated spirits.

Safety first: essential PPE and precautions

Working on stairs requires extra attention to safety, and proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is non-negotiable.

When sanding, always wear a dust mask. Safety goggles are essential to protect your eyes from dust and splashes. Non-slip footwear provides grip while working on different levels, and knee pads will make the job more comfortable during detailed work on treads and risers.

Maintain good ventilation throughout the project, particularly during application and drying, by opening windows and using fans if necessary.

Professional application techniques

Starting at the top of the stairs and working your way down is the most practical approach, treating one section at a time to avoid stepping on wet areas.

Using a short pile roller, quality brush, or lint-free cloth, apply Armourflex® Hard Wax Oil sparingly in the direction of the wood grain. Wipe away any excess with a lint-free cloth.

The key to a professional finish is thin, even coats. Avoid over-application as this can affect the finish quality and extend drying time.

One coat is typically sufficient for previously treated timber, while new or untreated wood may require two thin coats. For the second coat, lightly sand the surface and remove all dust before application. Allow approximately 4 hours drying time between coats under normal conditions (23°C, 50% humidity), though it's preferable to leave it overnight. The surface will be ready for light foot traffic approximately 16 hours after the final coat.

Safety note: it's crucial to note that oil-soaked cloths can self-combust - after use, always soak them in soapy water and lay them flat outside to dry on a non-combustible surface.

Common challenges and solutions

Even with careful preparation and high-quality products like Armourflex® Hard Wax Oil, certain challenges may arise during your staircase finishing project. Here's how to address common issues effectively:

Uneven absorption

Some areas of your staircase might absorb the hard wax oil differently, particularly if the wood wasn't properly prepared. If you notice patchy absorption, sand the entire surface back to bare wood, ensuring uniform smoothness with 120-150 grit sandpaper. Remove dust and then apply a single, thin coat.

Different wood species can also absorb product at varying rates - tight-grain hardwoods typically require less product than softwoods, so adjust your application accordingly.

Dealing with colour variations

When working with natural wood, colour variations are common, particularly in older staircases or those made from different sections of timber.

While Armourflex® Hard Wax Oil will bring out the natural beauty of the wood grain, you might want to achieve a more uniform appearance. In such cases, consider applying a wood dye before the hard wax oil. Always test compatibility on a scrap piece first and ensure the dye is completely dry before applying Armourflex®.

Removing previous finishes

Removing old finishes can be particularly challenging on staircases with intricate details like carved balusters or decorative elements. When stripping previous coatings, ensure every trace is removed through thorough sanding.

Any remaining old finish can affect the absorption and adhesion of the new coating.

If dealing with particularly stubborn finishes or paints, you may need to use a chemical stripper before sanding, such as Paint Panther. This gel-based formula clings to vertical surfaces, making it ideal for removing paints and finishes in hard-to-reach areas.

Temperature and humidity

Environmental conditions significantly impact drying times and finish quality.

While Armourflex® Hard Wax Oil typically dries in 4 hours under optimal conditions (23°C, 50% humidity), higher humidity or lower temperatures will extend this time.

For optimal drying time, ensure adequate ventilation and consider using dehumidifiers if necessary. Avoid application if the room temperature is below 10°C or above 30°C.

Tackling high-traffic areas

Stair treads, handrails and landings bear the brunt of foot traffic and require special attention. For these areas, consider applying an additional thin coat of Armourflex® for extra protection.

Remember to maintain thin, even applications - multiple thin coats provide better protection than one thick coat. Allow adequate drying time between coats and ensure the final coat is completely cured before resuming normal use.

Maintenance and care for lasting beauty

Once your staircase is finished, establishing a proper maintenance routine will ensure its lasting beauty. Regular vacuuming or sweeping prevents debris from scratching or damaging the surface.

Address any spills immediately by wiping with a dry cloth to prevent staining. For scuffs or marks, spot treatment is simple - clean the affected area, ensure it's dry, lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper, and apply a thin coat of Armourflex® Hard Wax Oil.

Unlike traditional varnishes, this product allows for easy touch-ups without visible joining lines or the need to refinish the entire surface.

To maximise the lifespan of your finish, avoid dragging heavy furniture across the surface and keep pet claws trimmed. Never use steam cleaners or excessive water when cleaning, as this can damage both the finish and the wood beneath.

Finishing a staircase: purchase Armourflex® Hard Wax Oil from our stockists

Ready to transform your staircase?

Barrettine Armourflex® Hard Wax Oil is available through an extensive nationwide network of stockists, including retailers such as Wickes.

Our professional-grade formula is backed by years of expertise in wood protection and finishing. Whether you need advice on preparation, application techniques, or aftercare, our technical team is ready to support you throughout your project.

If you'd like to find your nearest stockist or require expert advice on your specific project, please get in touch. You can complete our online contact form for detailed information, speak directly with our knowledgeable team by sending your enquiry to sales@barrettine.co.uk .

For professional results that stand the test of time, trust Barrettine's expert solutions for finishing your staircase.