What kind of finish do you put on stair treads?
Apply a coat of polyurethane to the treads using a paintbrush. A good quality water-based polyurethane is recommended in lieu of oil-based. Water-based polyurethanes dry faster between coats and are easier to work with.
What finish should I use on wood stairs?
Polyurethane Varnish – a clear water based polyurethane varnish is the simplest to use. Apply it with a brush but bear in mind it dries quickly so make sure you work fast. The second coat can be applied within 24 hours and it dries to a hard and durable finish.
Do you use polyurethane on stair treads?
So, using a polyurethane finish will not only add to the appearance of the stairs but will also help to protect the wood from damage such as stains, water, scuffs, and scratches.
What kind of polyurethane should I use on stairs?
Generally speaking, oil-based polyurethane is a bit easier to apply. It is thicker as well, which means fewer coats are required. Depending on the type of wood and condition of the stairs, usually two or three coats of oil-based polyurethane are enough.
What is the most durable finish for stair treads?
Polyurethane (Surface Type Finish) Polyurethane is the best surface finish for stairs. Surface finishes do have some drawbacks. The main one is that they can cover up the natural charm of wooden stairs.
Will polyurethane make stairs slippery?
All that polyurethane that you coat your stairs with to make them so eye-catching and attractive can also leave them slippery, making them a hazard to those in stocking feet.
How many coats of polyurethane should I use on stair treads?
3 coats
Stairs are high-traffic areas, so you should apply at least 3 coats of polyurethane. The same is true for water-based and oil-based poly alike. If you applied a sealer coat, you may only need two coats of water-based polyurethane., but as always, keep going until you get a smooth finish.
Is oil based polyurethane stronger than water based?
THICKNESS AND HARDNESS: Oil based poly is a thicker poly, but it is also softer. Water based poly, an acrylic product, is a thinner, but harder coating. Oil poly can be more susceptible to dents, while water based poly can be more susceptible to surface scratching.
How long before you can walk on polyurethane stairs?
Length of time to dry for oil based polyurethane: Oil based polyurethane takes longer to dry than water based poly. Hours 24-48, you can walk on the floors with socks. Avoid shoes and bare feet. And, make sure your pets (who usually have bare feet) do not walk on the floors during this time.