Oak Banister Makeover | Gel Stain With No Stripping

Oak banister makeover.This tutorial demonstrates how to stain and paint a banister without stripping and minimal sanding using General Finishes Gel Stain and water-based primer and latex paint.
Link to my Orb Light (I get so many questions about it!) - rstyle.me/+O2E...
Products used:
General Finishes Gel Stain Antique Walnut - amzlink.to/az0...
General Finishes High Performance Top Coat Flat - amzlink.to/az0...
Zinsser Bulls Eye 2 primer - Available only at Lowe’s
Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 primer (alternative option) -amzlink.to/az0...
Sherwin Williams ProClassic Semi-Gloss - www.sherwin-wi...
Mineral Spirits - amzlink.to/az0...
Denatured Alcohol - amzlink.to/az0...
Spray Bottle - amzlink.to/az0...
3M Final Stripping pads - amzlink.to/az0...
Nitrile gloves - amzlink.to/az0...
Wood filler - amzlink.to/az0...
Putty knife - amzlink.to/az0...
Sanding block 220 Grit -amzlink.to/az0...
Paint rags - amzlink.to/az0...
Foam brushes - amzlink.to/az0...
Painter’s tape - amzlink.to/az0...
Pre-taped painter’s plastic - amzlink.to/az0...
Drop cloth - amzlink.to/az0...
Wooster Shortcut brush - amzlink.to/az0...
Disclosure: These links contain affiliate links. I will receive a commission for items purchased through these links. I appreciate your support. Please read all labels and follow all manufacturer safety recommendations when working with paints, stains, and other equipment. This video is not sponsored.
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[@melissapierson708]

We recently had our outdated orange oak floors restained to an espresso color which we love. However, we then needed our orange banister in the front of the house and the two back staircase railings stained to match. The hardwood floor contractor that stained our floors begrudgingly agreed to $1500 to stain the 15 railings that we needed completed. The morning he was supposed to start the railings, he backed out on us. I then spoke with another contractor who said he wouldn't stain them, only paint them because he knew how much time and effort it would take. So, my husband looked up how to do this ourselves. He came across your video. I watched it and told him I could do this myself! He fought me on this for two days telling me to have a professional do it because I am not a skilled DIY'er but then he finally gave in. Well, 5 days and 50+ hours later (and lots of sweat), we now have the most beautiful railings that match our espresso floors. It cost me about $200 all in instead of $1500+. I can't thank you enough for your detailed step by step DIY video. I never could have done this project without you!

[@davidparadis490]

I did miles and miles if staining and polyurethane work back in the 80's as a job, when it was popular...I was taught to use steel wool to sand between the coats of polyurethane...creates a silky smooth finish...didn't scratch at all

[@Jason-mz8xw]

600 grit sandpaper works well. Sanding is just to get rid of little sand grain-sized imperfections sticking out. I suggest running your hand over the finish first to see if it's required. If there are not little picks sticking out, don't bother.

[@fireandfrost]

So a couple years later, how is it holding up? Just watched your video today, my floors are being laid down right now. My banisters are the same yellowed oak which I hate, but can't afford to replace. Enjoyed your video and am going to give it a try, just wondering how yours is holding up.

[@rougebaba3887]

As a professional painter/finisher I think you deserve a thumbs up. I may have done a few things differently than you, but the end result would NOT have looked any better than what I saw here. Good job, it looks fantastic!

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Thanks 👍

[@Its_asiaaa]

What would you have done differently? Open to tips

[@emphyrean]

Damn you just saved me a lot of time and money! I owe you!

[@cindyg5969]

I followed this exactly. Thank you it looks great. It took me 6 weeks doing evenings and weekends with drying times and respecting traffic times with my kids. I ended up using a sock to get the primer and paint on the spindles. It improved the coverage.

[@johnhamilton1098]

Excellent tutorial.... You did a great job of covering all the steps to do this project. I think yours turned out great! You are a natural in front of the camera....looking forward to more videos........

[@sydneyshinshi]

Nice job. I am a painter and it is good to see that if you take your time and prep well you can get some good results. Most people are a bit lazy and try and go to fast. That's what lets them down.

[@BeasleyStreet]

wise words....

[@bobboob713]

Hey ! Quick question, for a pro👍🏼……I did this this weekend. The stain still feels tacky. Is that normal or should it feel dry to touch. Can I go ahead and seal it while it’s tacky ?

[@sydneyshinshi]

@@bobboob713 I dont know what you used but anything should be thoroughly dry and not feel tacky before applying and top coat. Hit a bit of it with a heat gun or hair drier ( be careful not too hot) and see if if dries. If it does just give it some more time.

[@edwardbaker1331]

I've watched numerous professionals work. I never observed better quality work.

[@dbabyjames]

I'm so happy you mentioned how much time it took to get the results you desired. Sometimes I think Im gonna get a project done in a weekend and a month later I'm still in it!

[@melenalopez0531]

Beautiful job! You have a lovely home! Perfect video editing, no unnecessary "blah, blah, blah"! Good luck in the future with your home improvement tutorials! Ill be watching.

[@samanthahernandez6620]

I don’t even have stairs in my home and I watched this lol 😂You have a beautiful home.

[@ChristinaMuscari]

😂 Thanks for watching anyway!

[@susanemilligan2415]

Hahaha@no stairs in my house....

[@ChristinaMuscari]

🤣 We have moved and no longer have a banister. Our staircase is hidden, so I'm glad I won't have to do this again.

[@marlenemiera8370]

Ha! I don't either.

[@raycrooks5583]

@@ChristinaMuscari Can you tell me why you chose the flat top coat finish? My wife and I have followed your tutorial and are im the midst of finishing our bannister. It's coming out great. But, we're slightly hesitant regarding the top coat finish. So, again, why did you choose the flat finish? And, will the flat finish prevent the bannister from having any shine at all or change the color? Thank you!

[@debbymccormack6525]

Your work is gorgeous! And it's funny, thus just popped up in my feed and it's exactly what I want to do to my oak bannisters! Thank you for sharing 😊

[@clydefrog8711]

That's probably because google knows more about you than you do.

[@simoelghandour1474]

@@clydefrog8711 kjrlvenitdkek

[@JD-wm4uv]

I personally would have worn a respirator mask I only say this cause I used wood stain ended up messing up my lungs. Other than that awesome job with the stain banister look great 👍

[@TheJgulati]

exactly what I was looking for. One of the best howto videos out there.

[@shivesja]

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[@rdpj7791]

You are very articulate and thorough in this tutorial! Love the tips too.

[@joshauth9975]

Looks great! Have been painting and refinishing for about 15 years love the GF products. Gel stain is not my favorite being it’s more of a topical stain vs. penetrating. Maintenance with another coat every year or two. Water based poly needs more coats then a oil poly due to the mil. Build up. Try general finishes stain blocking primer on oak when going white and you will avoid any tannin bleed or yellow streaks that come through.

[@karens1918]

Thanks! Can I use it on a railing with mold?

[@amandafrumkin6772]

I have 52 balusters…I am tired just watching you complete this job! It looks sooooo good though! I am very impressed with your work and your skill!! Thank you for the tutorial!

[@ChristinaMuscari]

It is tedious work but definitely worth it!

[@amysmiles9751]

Thanks for the inspiration. I just have to decide on a color. And thanks for your honesty in saying it took 2 months. I wont feel like a big loser when I dont finish in one weekend!

[@edwalker3271]

After watching your tutorial, I did my banister and LOVE it! Thank you, it was so easy to follow and I had So much fun doing it, I am now following your tutorials for chalk painting a dresser!

[@Student____2025__1]

Should have left the banister as it was. Was better before.

[@suzibarlow3611]

I have been to any number of paint stores with NO ONE able to tell me how to restore my 1880 stair rail to black. They do it every day in Europe, caring for the old buildings. Here, not at all! This video is perfect. Thank you!!

[@kimberley4758]

It’s utterly perfect! I was literally just looking up at my banister rail thinking how outdated it looks and how there is no other honey color wood in our house to really match it! This is the perfect solution and I’m totally going to try this look! Lovely video!

[@janeromnicki6598]

This time I'll use stodoys instructions to make it by my hand :)

[@Frankiez220]

Just a little tip, COVER THE CARPETS before any work commences.

[@kittenpawsbb]

This is exactly what I’ve have been wanting to do. I prefer the darker look, and I was worried about how much sanding I would need to do. Thank you 🤗

[@dianeseber5615]

Do you kilz the wood with clear kilz before straining

[@ChristinaMuscari]

No I did not

[@homechoicehk]

👍🏻 nice. Thanks for sharing

[@doratiscareno5856]

I WOULD HAVE REMOVED THE TOPPERS THE BULBS AT THE TOP OF THE BANISTER.... SAWED THEM OFF SAND THEM DOWN FLAT THEN PAINT THE BANNISTER..... THAT WOULD GIVE IT A MORE MODERN LOOK YOU STILL CAN DO IT.....👏👏👍

[@heatherjsalt]

Hi Christine, Thank you for this awesome video. I think someone has asked this question before, but on my 30 year old rail it has a very shiny surface. I really don't have to sand at all, right? Just follow all the instructions to prepare the surface as per your video. Thanks very much.

[@annhogan2274]

I was wondering the same thing. How does the gel stain penetrate the wood grain if there is polyurethane still on there?

[@sandyagins7805]

thanks for all the great info. I can't wait to makeover my staircase!

[@TheToddbart]

How did the water based top-coat go with the oil based stain?

[@KrlsB33]

Late comer here, lol. Thank you! This is exactly what I needed. I have identical honey oak railings and want them to end up exactly like your “after.” I’ll be following your instructions to a tee!

[@jamiek8934]

I just had new wood flooring installed and my bannisters/railings are oak and white. I wanted t paint them all white but thought the project would be too much for me. This video is wonderful! I love the step by step instructions and product descriptions. I’m going shopping for supplies tomorrow. Wish me luck!!

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Go for it!

[@catriniasadler9658]

Thank you so much for sharing this! I have the exact two rails in the exact original color in my home and I have been wrestling with what I wanted to do with them.

[@tambij]

Loved it!! Thanks for sharing all your tips & information 👍👍

[@ersindeger5155]

Almost fainted when I heard "almost two months" 😁... Great work. It looks beautiful

[@kl6204]

Wonderful job! Excellent video; tips, product techniques & information. Thank you!

[@ChristinaMuscari]

You are so welcome!

[@robd4526]

nice work. btw it doesn't hurt your very attractive , smart and resourceful

[@praxioshman773]

Hood afternoon Kristen, I'm considering doing my banister and so de steps so I have a couple of questions. 1- Do I use the same stain from the banister for the steps or do I need a heavier stain considering the constantly walk. 2- Do I use water based top coat for the steps? 3- Do I use brush or roller for the steps? Appreciate any feedback.

[@79dhughes]

Thank you for this video. I just finished my banister yesterday and it looks amazing. I never would have done this without watching this How to video. It was very easy but what a difference. Goodbye old oak banister!!!

[@dancestar1018]

You can’t put water based HPTC over the oil based gel stain right away. The gel stain needs at least 72 hours dry time after the last coat and maybe longer depending on temp and humidity when applied.

[@danah.320]

That is a very impressive banister! We have the exact honey oak and I'm considering doing this...at some point ....over a long slow winter! Thanks for sharing all the details and tools used!

[@Julie_home_Interiors]

Wow So nicely done

[@colleendallmeyer5327]

I have watched your video about 100 times! I'm in the staining process and my color is not getting that dark compared to yours. I already put down 3 coats. Any suggestions?

[@toddj893]

I live in California and can't find the Mineral Spirits to clean banister or the Denatured alcohol for the spindles and base. Do you have any other recommendations for these cleaning/prepping products? Thanks!

[@aarynjennings6563]

Trying to decide how much stain to buy. Does a little go a long way? I'm wanting to stain 13 steps, a banister that is 12 ft long with 23 spindles, and a handrail that is 10 ft long.

[@arthurrford]

I have a beautiful pine armoire that someone wants to buy, but it’s too light. I just watched your excellent video on U Tube and I wondered if it could be gel stained? It has Finish on it.. Thank you.

[@GirlyHobbies]

Thank you for writing out all the items used in this video, that is very helpful :)

[@matthewtaylor8719]

Finished my orange oak railings to match the new wood flooring we had installed last year and followed this technique and it worked perfectly! I was afraid to get the “painted” look and wanted to be sure I still could see the wood grain. I used Minwax gel stain in coffee and then a second coat in black...it is a perfect match to my floors! I opted to do oil-based primer for the white spindles as I’ve found it covered the “orangey” wood tone better. Thanks for sharing this. Very helpful!

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Nice work! Thanks for the feedback! If you would like to share pictures of your finished work you can send them to [e-mail].

[@carlmonzyk419]

Thanks for the well done instructions. Can I ask why you selected your stain topcoat finish to be Flat vs. a Satin or even a Semi-gloss? I thought a glossier finish is better for future cleaning

[@maureenmaureen3099]

Beautiful job! Thank you for the video and your very specific instructions & tips. I plan to do this for a few clients. This tutorial helped A LOT! 👍🏻👏🏻

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Glad it was helpful!

[@heatherfarrimond7127]

Hi! Question i just wanted a little clarification. When you say do all of the day one steps at the beginning of the 2nd application do mean all the sanding too? So your lightly sanding each time before you're readding and wiping the stain for the 2nd and 3rd applications? Thank you for your help

[@DeathB4Dishonor]

Video is not helpful for me. We're going dark to light. We also won't paint the base of the rails white- we don't want to be constantly cleaning dust/dirt/pet hair, etc.

[@Dog4lv2d]

Great job!!! I have the same color and am looking to possibly change the color to a more neutral finish.

[@mndylwsn]

What a huge impact this made to your space! You did a great job and it really looks good! Thank you for the video! So helpful!

[@dianemcmillan2012]

I'm about to start this project next week. After the first coat of stain, are you saying the next day to all the cleaning and scuffing steps again before staining the second (and third) coats?

[@rajjie100]

Looks amazing! Have your tried those mini microfibre rollers , it goes really fast and saves your hand from cramping, it's easier to roll then go back and touch up and smooth out with brush .

[@ChristinaMuscari]

That sounds awesome! I'll have to look into that. This project took me forever! I'm glad my new home does not have a banister. 😂

[@TheChrisJaynes]

I'd love to know how you handled painting your banister sill on the catwalk without painting the carpet too. Did you pull up some of the carpet?

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Chris Jaynes Nope. I got a thick painters tape like 2” I think and layered it up the carpet.

[@kathyy4361]

After watching all the other wood stripping videos, I am surprised at how there wasn't hours of stain removal and sanding involved and it appeared that the right stain color was achieved. I was almost going to spend a lot of money to have the banister replaced but decided against it. Hope mine will turn out as well as yours. Thanks for the encouragement.

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Good luck! I was really happy with how mine turned out.

[@hothatchpa]

You did a fantastic job. Great choice of stain. Additionally your detailed instructions and tips make this an A+ tutorial. Thank you for taking the lead on making this video when there were no others around.

[@micheallemitchener9840]

This was really pretty! Thanks for all the tips, you seemed to cover all the bases. So this gel stain can go over any finished wood, no matter what was originally used?

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Yes, it can go over previously finished with stain and poly. Check out @generalfinishes channel for even more details.

[@amberchristensen2268]

Use a steel wool between coats of top coat and it won't take stain off. The sanding is important to get a smooth finish.

[@ChristinaMuscari]

You are correct! I learned this after I finished this project. 🤦‍♀️

[@ourflawedhaven2262]

You are a life saver!

[@hollywood191]

Looks great but I'll be hiring someone...

[@ruW95BO]

looks great, but what advice for painted stairs. I would like a diff look. Thank u

[@praxioshman773]

I love it❤❤ I'm looking to do something like that. I would love to send you a minute video of my staircase maybe you can give me some ideas.

[@777lorri]

came out beautiful. holy cow I'm a working mom with two kids....this will take me an eternity. lol

[@marybetholiver6510]

This was so helpful! My stairway looks so much like yours, and I was ready for a change too. It's sanded and ready for the stain...now I feel confident in doing it!

[@ML-ce6zz]

If you sanded more, you probably wouldn't have had to do three coats of stain.

[@ninamelsted8702]

Thank you Chritina for your straight forward voice over instructions and overall fast yet comprehensive delivery. Very helpful and beautiful results.

[@bevy814]

beautiful finish. I love General Stain products. You are so right about the clear finish coat.

[@blackhawk32b4]

The zip lock bag probably cost more than the foam brush

[@ChristinaMuscari]

With the amount of coats I did over multiple days I think it still saved me money. I would have used like 15 foam brushes. 😂

[@rpredoli]

Thank you so much for this tutorial! This is exactly what I needed to see, and thanks for the links to the materials.

[@brianconnolly1587]

How much did you have to sand to get enough of the finish off to absorb your stain and what strength paper did you use?

[@NicholasIzzo-yq2me]

Advantage of gel stain is u dont have to wipe off like traditional stain. So instead of doing 3 coats wiping down inbetween you could have done 1 coat at the thickness you wanted and left it at that.

[@LESLIESANDRA1014]

This is hands down the best instructional video I have ever seen!!! Not only do you clearly show the products that you use... you also include many helpful time saving tips. You should start a busines training others on how to do videos. Thank you for your attention to detail and sharing it!

[@ChristinaMuscari]

You are so kind! Thank you.

[@delightfuldesignsbydenise9710]

New Subbie...TFS. I need to do this to my banister also.

[@carynchester8284]

I've got large honey oak EVERYWHERE, which I would love to update... door frames, window trim, baseboards, banisters, etc. The 90's were in full force here! LOL I'm assuming I could use the same process for everywhere I mentioned, correct?

[@egaaskd]

I just used this tutorial to refinish my banister that I have been wanting to update for 10 years now, but I had no idea where the start. I just finished and I am SO Happy with the results. Thanks you!!!

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Yaaaaasssss! Send me pics. [e-mail]

[@deltafay1981]

2 months...wow!!...what a lot of messing around....no thanks

[@terikoziel882]

What is your opinion instead of staining railings paint railings black & white on banisters ?

[@seedsofhappiness153]

Why u wipe out color all the time

[@jflo7674]

What a big difference it made. Good job!.

[@baloochness]

Your banister looks great. I wish I saw this video when we were refinishing our banister. We hired someone to do it but it’s not the shade I wanted as I wanted it darker like yours. I wonder if I can redo I again to the dark stain I want.

[@melodykey5393]

I did all my honey oak darker just by cleaning it thoroughly with a TCP type product & then using a Minwax stain with polyurethane - I recommend the Satin Finish, not glossy - I did wipe as you would a regular stain but more just to make sure the stain was even

[@bassfishingwiththeantichri2921]

Christina, a 3m hand masker M3000 dispenser really lets you appreciate the plastic. You can get good at masking windows, doors, whatever with a little practice. I wish this video involved stripping. You could be a model. I will try another application of two. Thanks!

[@fooled_twice4668]

i love this! Re-doing my cherry or almost "natural" banister/railings to match my walnut floors has been on my wish list for a while. i love doing things myself. did you strip the original varnish from the banisters? i think it would make the stain work better- so just not sure if you did? or were they un-finished before you finished them? thanks for your answer.

[@ChristinaMuscari]

I did not strip the original varnish.

[@mattzabita8399]

Great video! I didn't realize the amount of work it takes to do this. I'm starting to stain our new railings this weekend!

[@michaels6239]

Water base top coats are very thin. I would wet sand lightly after each coat....LIGHTLY , then apply second coat, still wet sand gently being careful on edges to not send through. . Use 400/600 wet sandpaper. I put a drop of liquid dish soap for lubricant. Gently sand over entire surface. This should go very fast as your really only gently going over any bumps, dust. Wipe clean and dry. Each additional cost you put on will be like glass. If you have a bad spot, sand a bit more being careful not to go through all the top coat. Then reapply top coats untill your happy with it..

[@scotweishaar8195]

So we need to sand between coats of stain. We do not need to use mineral sprits between coat though, correct?

[@klutman2870]

I don’t know what I did wrong, but I followed the directions exactly, and after two coats of gel stain, neither the post nor the handrail look AT ALL different. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@K9SARHeather]

This was really helpful. Thank you. I'm going to attempt my staircase now. Any tips on not getting the carpet if you have to stain all the way down? I'm also wondering if you think its possible to lighten a dark piece of wood with a white glaze and have it look good. I have a very large bed and I can't move it but I'd like to lighten it.

[@zamzammrfixit3113]

Nice Video .. you are beautiful too .. Love from Guyana , South America .

[@echavez397]

Thanks for sharing this is exactly what I was looking to do to my stairs. Question can I use krud kutter product to clean the banister? We don’t have mineral spirits in Canada (or at least I can’t find it). Will the krud kutter work for both stain and latex paint. Also what do you think about using the BIN shellac primer instead of the Bullseye. It’s what I have on hand and I have a ton of it and would prefer not spending more money on primer. Thanks for tour advise. I love watching your furniture flip videos.

[@jennifereubank4704]

Good job I did the same thing, but I use gel stain. It did take me two months also because I’m busy as a grandmother of four. I still have to put my topcoat on, but I’m not sure what I want to put on there if I want satin or semi gloss or gloss or matte. JENNIFER from Colleyvill, Texas.

[@karentowery2191]

Hi Christina! @ChristinaMuscari. I see that this video was done several years ago. I really need to do this to my home. Would you do anything differently today, after three years of experience? Thank you SO much!

[@shure46]

you should have clearcoated the stained parts before priming/painting the other parts .....

[@twellsby690]

Your video pic says no sanding or stripping and your entire video is sanding and stripping.

[@GScott-jc1lv]

Thank you for the video. Starting my project in December, will drop a before and after when done...thanks again!

[@morabeshara8821]

Hello, I’m about following your steps to redo my honey oak stairs , please let me know if you would change anything if you would back doing this again! Thanks

[@normavasquez-virgen9808]

Thank you! Well done.

[@brittaneethompson1130]

Does it matter what order you apply the mineral spirits compared to lightly buffing the finish? For example, I have sanded and patched holes, now I’m goin to do mineral spirits, then stain.