Stain New Stair Treads

What happens in this clip

Apply a wood stain to the new stair treads. The video shows Minwax Wood Finish Penetrating Stain in Jacobean 2750 being applied. Ensure even coverage by wiping the stain onto the wood with a rag or cloth, then wiping off any excess after a few minutes. Allow the stain to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions. Wear gloves to protect your hands from the stain.

Goal: Color and protect the new stair treads

What's used

Tools

• Rag/Cloth
• Work Gloves

Materials

• Jacobean 2750 Minwax
• Minwax Wood Finish Penetrating Stain Minwax
• Rust-Oleum Wood Stain

About the full video

This project details the renovation of an old, carpeted kitchen entry staircase in a 100-year-old home. The process involves removing old carpet, padding, and damaged wood, replacing it with new wooden treads and risers, staining the treads, painting the risers, and finishing the surrounding walls. A notable discovery is a hidden compartment in the bottom step, which is ingeniously preserved with a removable cover secured by magnets.

Step 7 of 9: Apply Finish to Wood Treads

Apply your chosen stain to the wooden treads, following the grain. Wipe off excess stain after the recommended time. Once the stain is dry, apply two coats of a durable polyurethane or varnish to protect the wood. Allow adequate drying time between coats.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Update a Spiral Staircase

1. Step 1: Assess Existing Staircase Condition

   • 1:02–1:35 Visually Inspect for Staircase Wear and Damage
   • 0:00–0:53 Assess Damage & Prepare for Repair
   • 0:15–0:30 Initial Inspection and Hazard Identification

2. Step 2: Clean and Degrease Components

   • 2:29–3:41 Prep Day: Cleaning and Sanding
   • 1:52–2:08 Scrape Loose Paint Flakes
   • 0:34–0:40 Mechanically Remove Loose Rust and Flaking Material

3. Step 3: Prepare Metal Surfaces for Finishing

   • 0:37–0:41 Sand the Staircase
   • 0:07–1:27 Sand and Prime the Staircase
   • 0:32–1:08 Clean, Sand, and Tape the Staircase

4. Step 4: Prepare Wood Treads for Finishing

   • 0:20–0:25 Sand and Finish Treads
   • 0:21–1:25 Prepare Treads (Sanding and Cleaning)
   • 2:06–2:52 Sand Stair Treads and Risers

5. Step 5: Apply Primer to Metal Components

   • 0:20–0:23 Apply Rust-Inhibiting Primer
   • 2:51–3:32 Apply Oil-Based Primer
   • 0:32–1:06 Apply Rust-Inhibiting Primer

6. Step 6: Apply Finish to Metal Components

   • 3:22–4:09 Paint Metal Frame (Top Coat)
   • 0:14–0:28 Apply Oil-Based Enamel Topcoat to Iron
   • 2:25–2:48 Apply Top Coat Paint

7. Step 7: Apply Finish to Wood Treads

   • 4:29–5:04 Stain New Stair Treads (this video)
   • 3:22–3:28 Stain & Seal Stair Treads
   • 3:41–4:00 Seal Stained Treads

8. Step 8: Reassemble Staircase Components

   • 0:47–0:50 Reinstall Metal Railing
   • 0:22–0:31 Secure All Treads and Joints
   • 13:30–15:00 Install Stair Treads with Mechanical Fasteners

9. Step 9: Final Inspection and Touch-ups

   • 1:08–1:37 Final Assembly and Inspection