I have a question about painting the stair or sealing the treads.

• What should I use on my oak tread coverings to seal them?
  We recommend three coats of an oil-based polyurethane on the top of the treads and two coats on the bottom (the side mounted to the metal tread). First, lay out all the treads so that the grain runs in the same direction. Then sand any marks clean and use a tack cloth to make sure the treads are dust free. Apply the first coat with a mixture of 50% polyurethane and 50% mineral spirits. When dry, sand treads smooth with a 400-grit sandpaper and tack cloth again to clean treads. For the following one to two coats use the polyurethane at full strength, sand and tack between coats, do not sand after the last coat of polyurethane.
  
  
• Can I paint my stair before installation?
  Yes you can, but please be aware that the stair parts will get scratched during installation, especially the center pole. This will make it necessary to touch up the stair after installation. For this reason we recommend painting the stair after the installation is complete.
  
  
• What is the best way to paint my stair and what type of paint should I use?
  For interior installations we recommend using a quality oil-based enamel, and for exterior installations we recommend using an oil-based enamel with a rust-inhibitive additive, such as Rustoleum. If you will be painting the stair a dark color, usually only one to two coats will be required. For light colors or white three coats are usually required to sufficiently cover the black primer. For exterior stairs three coats are recommended for rust protection. Please remember that for areas near water or in the rust belt we offer and recommend the use of our galvanized stairs. For the first coat of paint use a two-inch-wide roller with a tight nap and roll the entire stair. You will notice that there are certain areas that you will not be able to get to with the roller. For these areas use a one-inch angled brush and apply enough coats to cover. Then go back with the two-inch roller over the entire stair with enough coats to cover.
  
  
• Can I paint the black polyethylene handrail that was included with my stair?
  Sorry, but the polyethylene handrail will not hold paint sufficiently. If you want to paint your handrail, you need to order the optional aluminum handrail which can be painted.
  
  
• How do I paint the aluminum handrail?
  First, sand the aluminum handrail with #000 steel wool and wipe the handrail down with rubbing alcohol to clean the handrail. Follow up with one coat of an etching primer. Then finish off with two coats of a quality oil-based enamel in your choice of color.
  

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