Removing paint from stair rails
#1
10-12-14, 04:23 PM
Removing paint from stair rails
I have some stair rails with balusters that I would like to remove the paaint. Any ideas of a solution that I can accomplish this with?
#2
10-13-14, 05:01 AM
You'd need to use a chemical stripper and sandpaper. It won't be a quick easy task 
Do you know what type of wood the balusters are made of? While the handrail and other parts are often oak, painted balusters are usually pine or poplar.
Do you know what type of wood the balusters are made of? While the handrail and other parts are often oak, painted balusters are usually pine or poplar.
#3
10-13-14, 03:55 PM
bought a citrus stripper that got good reviews. Will give it a shot. Not sure on the type of wood though. It was originally stained a dark color but I painted it several years back.
#4
10-13-14, 06:22 PM
used CitriStrip. Left on for half hour. Came off with ease. 2 coats of primer and 2 coasts of paint. It did not remove the original stain though. I'll look for a stain remover or just sand down.
#5
10-14-14, 05:10 AM
Since the balusters were originally stained, they are probably oak [or whatever the handrail is made of]
Did your citrus stripper remove the varnish and leave the stain or is the varnish still there? You'll probably need a more caustic stripper to remove the varnish/poly. The stain itself can be difficult to remove as it has sunk deeper into the wood. What do you want for a finished product?
Did your citrus stripper remove the varnish and leave the stain or is the varnish still there? You'll probably need a more caustic stripper to remove the varnish/poly. The stain itself can be difficult to remove as it has sunk deeper into the wood. What do you want for a finished product?
#6
10-19-14, 05:36 PM
Sorry PC has been ofline due to painting. I used Strip X Stripper to remove some of the stain then sanded a little. I think it's pretty deep into wood. It's OK though I plan to satin a dark color so I should be oK.
#9
10-21-14, 03:24 AM
Sand the wood with 120 grit and see if that helps - just make sure you sand with the direction of the grain as that will hide any sanding scratches - sanding across the grain will highlight them
