Stair & Banister Restoration
Restoring Your Stair & Banisters
It’s time to liberate your staircase from decades – or longer – of paint. Over their lifetime, Georgian and Victorian staircases tend to have many accumulated layers of paint – particularly on the treads and risers. Its removal is the first part of the renovation process before sanding can take place.
The process is similar to that of restoring a floor: through stripping, sanding, and sealing the treads and risers. Yet given the nature of a staircase and all its components, it’s not quite as straightforward a task…
Effective Methods for Restoring Stairs and Banisters
Process Of Paint
As older paint, especially the primers, were lead-based, this job requires due care – with good ventilation and the use of carbon filter masks.
The paint is completely removed with a liquid chemical stripper and by rubbing with various grades of wire wool.
Apply Three Coats of Lacquer
The finish requires at least three coats of lacquer – with light sanding between each coat. This is the same process as with sealing and protecting a wooden floor.
Depending on the nature of the staircase, some parts may require a degree of dismantling.
For example, a sharp bend is very awkward to work in between for the removal of old sealant. Banister spindles of elaborate design may need to be removed to enable us to strip and sand them down to the degree required. And a high stairwell may require us to erect a tower.
A tough job – but the result can be a feast for the eye and one of the most impressive features of your property. The banisters can be repainted or left to their natural wood; while the risers and treads may be stained to the shade desired.
Lacquered Stairs
Another popular option is lacquered stairs with the skirting and risers painted white. There are a few more striking and classy views as your guests enter.
The staircase can then be fitted with a stair runner – or left uncovered.
We have restored all kinds of stairs for over twenty years. So draw on our ideas and experience. We can advise on a sensitive period restoration that retains the character of the original feature. Or break convention by bringing a more modern stairway into the 21st century by fitting the stair risers with fibre optics or recessed LED lights.
As far as your stairs are concerned, we’re happy to assess the practicalities of your interior design ambitions. So call us today: to turn that dream of a new staircase into reality.
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