Before:
After:
My tips...
- Spend the extra $10 and buy the conditioner. This helps limit the blotchiness that can happen while staining.
- When staining and using the polyurethane – move quickly. Both these products change consistency quickly when they start to dry, making them more difficult to work with. Because of this, I felt more comfortable using a smaller brush, because I had more control of it – so I could be fast and not so sloppy.
- Second coats doesn't necessarily make things darker – time is the biggest factor. It's better to do 1 15-minute coat instead of 2 10-minute coats.
Projects for later...
- Paint the handrail
- Tear out the carpet in the hallway and stain away.
looks fabulous!!
ReplyDeletelooks great!
ReplyDeleteI really like the wood/paint combo! They look great!
ReplyDeleteIt looks great! I just happened upon your blog from Better After. I have plans for a similar treatment for our stairs...What color stain did you use? Thanks! Great job!
ReplyDeleteLara
Thanks! I used Minwax products, and the stain finish is provincial.
ReplyDeleteYour tips will come in really handy. Did you remove the steps when sanding and staining them, or just do it right there? I am trying to figure out how to do mine. Luckily, My steps have no carpet runner... they're just old and worn down.
ReplyDeleteLooks fantastic... awesome job... love the new look much better.
ReplyDeleteWow, that is gorgeous!! Great job!
ReplyDeleteI found your blog off of the DIY showcase and I loved this project. Can you tell me what stain color you used? Love your blog... you have great taste!
ReplyDeleteLindsey – Thank you so much! Here's a link to the products I used:
ReplyDeletehttp://decoratingobsessed.blogspot.com/2009/11/stairs-day-3.html
The stain color is Provincial.
looks great! thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDelete