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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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