Step-by-Step to Finishing Steps

Remember when the Momplex stairs used to look like this?

Good news! We can officially put the white can of paint down because all the painting is done on our quest for the ever popular wood-treads-white-risers staircase.

You know what I'm talking about.

One of my favorite parts of the wood on white staircase is the contrast between the white moulding and risers against the stained treads - making the steps easy for Mom to see. It’s also super functional this way - the crisp white will stay crisp white, while the wood treads will take years of use without showing paint chipping or scratching.

I have to admit, I didn't hate the reclaimed wood stair treads we've been using durning the consturction phase. But they aren't Mom's favorite, so I'll have to find another use for them. They are going to be replaced by finished wood treads.

But before we get to actually pulling the construction treads out and replacing them with wood treads, we have to finish the wood treads.

To get the wood treads to last through years of use, we partnered up with our friends at Minwax, using their stains and special polyurethane designed for floors.

Read on, and I’ll show you step by step - literally - how we finished these steps!

Shopping List

Minwax Pre-Stain in Oil Based

Minwax Wood Finish in English Chestnut

Minwax Polyurethane for Floors

Step 1

Preparation

We started with store-bought stair treads, that are pre-sanded. We’ve got trust issues, so we went ahead and sanded each tread anyway, with fine sandpaper, and then removed all sanding dust with a vacuum with a soft bristled brush attachment.

Step 2 Instructions

Pre-Stain Application

Pre-Stain helps prevent blotchiness, and just takes a second to apply. It’s cheap insurance.

We use those inexpensive foam brushes, and just apply it in the direction of the wood grain. After the pre-stain penetrates for about 5-15 mintues, excess is wiped off. Then within 2 hours, the stain is applied.

By the time we got done with pre-staining all of our stair treads, we just moved on to staining.

By we, of course, I mean the Ram - although my midwife has approved me doing some staining in a well-ventilated area, I have been taking a break from finishing throughout this pregnancy.

Step 3 Instructions

Stain Application

After testing several different stain colors, we choose Minwax Wood Finish in English Chestnut. It has a warm, rich reddish undertone that we just loved, and it also complimented the existing flooring.

Using a natural bristled brush, the stain is applied in the direction of the wood grain.

Isn’t it a beautiful color?

After each tread was stained, we allowed the stain to penetrate for about 15 minutes (the longer you allow the stain to penetrate, the darker and richer the stain, but no longer than 15 minutes),

And then wiped off excess.

And then just moved on to the next tread.

After the first coat of stain dried (about 4-6 hours), we went back over it with a second coat to deepen the color.

Now the stair treads are the right color, but we need to protect them.

Step 4 Instructions

Top Coat Application

To seal and protect the treads, we choose Minwax Polyurethane for Floors. The treads are on the floor, and will get used like a floor, so we need to protect them like a hardwood floor. This is the perfect product for the job.

We just finished staining and there is no sanding residue on the treads, but if you have any sanding residue, you’ll want to remove it and then wipe down your surface with mineral spirits and allow it to dry.

It’s an oil based product, so we used a natural bristle brush. You can also use lambswool or a synthetic pad applicator.

And then just carefully applied the Minwax Polyurethane for Floors, working in the direction of the wood grain. To prevent lap marks, keep a wet leading edge on the brush.

After the first coat was applied, we waited about 4 hours (depending on humidity and temperature) until the treads were no longer tacky.

Then a second coat of Minwax Polyurethane for Floors was applied. Since we stained the treads first, that’s all we needed - but without stain, you’d want to apply a third coat.

NOTE: If you allow more than 12 hours of dry time between coats of Minwax Polyurethane for Floors, you will need to lightly sand between coats with 220 grit sandpaper, and then wipe down with mineral spirits to removed sanding residue.

Once the finish was complete, we allowed the treads to fully dry for three days.

Next up, we'll be installing the treads!!!

Thanks Minwax, for sponsoring this tutorial, and helping us get a beautiful - and durable - staircase!

PS - It's Knocktoberfest Week in Blogland!!!