Comments on: Staining an Oak Banister

By: Kristin

Kristin — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 15:39:28 +0000

Does anyone know that name of the finish in the last picture (the walnut/ebony finish)…

By: RebeccaMommy23

RebeccaMommy23 — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 01:15:02 +0000

Can I confirm that you used the polystain over the existing stain without sanding or removing the poly? Our contractor put in red oak newel posts and bannister and it is too brown, want a more mahogany look. thanks

By: Rhoda

Rhoda — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 00:26:39 +0000

Stacy and Michelle, I used Satin Bombay Mahogany on my railings. And nope, no sanding or prep at all. I just brushed it on. My railings were not shiny to begin with, so if you do have a bit of shine, I would suggest at least going over them with Liquid Sander, which you can find in a bottle at the home stores.

Michelle, after 4 years, my railings look exactly the same as Day 1. No chipping or rubbing off at all, I promise. You can still see the wood grain through the finish, it’s just darker.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 18:48:01 +0000

Amazing job! I’m glad I found your blog! Like some other posters, I’m wondering if you wouldn’t mind on commenting on how the finish has held up over the past couple years, particularly in spots that get a lot of touching and hand traffic. With kids, I’m a bit concerned that the staining right over my old varnish wouldn’t last long, and then I’d be stuck doing it again in a year or two.

By: Stacy K

Stacy K — Tue, 04 May 2010 20:38:57 +0000

Hello Rhoda,

Awesome job on the banister. It looks amazing. I too have been inspired by your DIY project and plan on doing the same to my dated oak banister. I had a couple of questions though before delving into this project. First, just to be clear, you did not do any sanding or prepping of the banister at all??? Also, did you use satin Polyshade or gloss. I bought Bombay Mahogany Gloss and am now afraid it may end up looking too glossy. Also, how has this banister held up since the project completion? I purchased all the items to remove the varnish, stain and then varnish. However, if your banister has held up (no chipping, cracking, wearing etc) I would be willing to skip that process. Thanks so much for any information.

By: Johnna

Johnna — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 21:56:07 +0000

Hi Rhoda, I’ve been reading your blog for a few weeks now…it’s so much fun and so many ideas! I read your DIY about staining an oak bannister. I’ve never restained anything and I’d love to send you a picture of a piece that I’m considering doing to get your opinion. Could you please email me back with a way to send you a pic? I don’t know alot about blogging and this was the only way I could figure out to contact you. Thanks so much!!

By: Centsational Girl » Blog Archive » From The Beginning

Centsational Girl » Blog Archive » From The Beginning — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:02:38 +0000

[...] and there, for example by my friend Linda at Restyled Home, Sarah at Thrifty Decor Chick, Rhoda at Southern Hospitality, Rachel at One Pretty Thing, and the SITS girls. THANK YOU LADIES !!! My [...]

By: Brianna

Brianna — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 02:53:13 +0000

I was just curious if after time the stain rubs off and if you have to re-apply? I’m just curious because I’d rather go through the extra step of sanding if it would ensure the color staying on the wood and not my kids hands or whatever else.

By: Reid

Reid — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 01:41:27 +0000

So, I took your advice and bought this stain b/c I hate my oak railings. I tested a spot and it is very sticky. It’s only been 2 hours so maybe I need to let it dry like the label says??
How long did yours take to dry and was it sticky? And one of my dilemas is the backside of the railing. It’s screwed to the wall and it’s pretty tight between the rail and the wall.
What are your thoughts, if you have a second???
Thanks,
Reid

By: Michelleigh

Michelleigh — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:51:29 +0000

Seeing both yours and Kate's dark handrail against a lighter hardwood floor has really calmed down the constant anxiety I've been feeling since we decided on a hardwood color. We want light hardwoods (like yours) and our handrail is stained darker (somewhere between yours and Kate's). Love your blog! Keep up the great inspiration!