03/01/2022
A grind of a restoration of an old antique stairway that has started to burst, crack and chip.
Intresting enough these steps over 50 years old where compiled from 4 different types of wood ranging from Oak, Pine, Oregon Pine and lastly Pear wood.
So the sanding process was the bulk of the work as the steps had a thick multi-colored layer of varnish, bursts and chips that had to be removed before continuing and then underneath old varnish was stain that had drawn directly into the wood and started to fade in blotches. So I got started using a heat gun, a putty knife and 80 gritt sanding paper to work down the bulk and gradually worked my way up to 220 gritt.
Once sanding was complete it was a breeze. I taped up the edges, gave the stairs a nice mineral treatment leaving the stairs looking like fresh cut wood. It was a shame to have restained such beautiful wood, but as my job request I decided to go for it and match the old stairs as much as I can. After figuring out the correct stain I needed to replicate the old colour I mixed it in directly with my varnish and applied 5 layers of matt polyurethane wood sealer. Obviously leaving ample time between each coat to ensure for a proper cured layer before applying the next so you can assume the time it takes to do this right.
So now left with a reinforced face lift and essentially a mineral bath, these steps are now in a great condition. With the addition of a nice thick sturdy coating ready to take any beating coming its way. I'd would reckon they will look great for years to come.
