What is the best way to finish a wood spiral staircase?

It is important to finish a wood spiral staircase in order to get the look of grandeur that is deserves, rather than it looking like a temporary construction for the workmen. If you are using wood to create a staircase, you are likely to like the wood look, therefore the best finish would be varnish to enhance the natural wood. However, if you have moved into a property with a wood staircase and you want to make the best of it, then painting will disguise the wood. When doing either type of finish, it is important to sand the wood thoroughly first to give you a smooth base canvas.