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We recently had our outdated orange oak floors restained to an espresso color which we love.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!

[@edwardbaker1331]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!!

[@rxmw40]

Thank you. I am overdue (18+ years) to stain our bannister mostly bc ours is ALOT of work just like yours with a catwalk. But also all the tutorials use Java and basically look like black solid paint. Yours is the first one that uses a lighter stain AND removes it. This actually looks just how a darker stained wood should look vs the dark painted on black color the rest of the DIY'ers have been doing. Thank you so much for the inspiration to do something different yet exactly what I have been searching for. I am ready to finally confidently tackle the behemoth project.

[@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]

[@ilenedickamore1832]

This video was the catalyst and motivation I needed to tackle a makeover of the stairway railing in my formal entry, second floor loft and basement entry--a HUGE project. I started at the height of the COVID-19 quarantine so it really forced me to stay home (bonus). I restained the newel posts and hand rails using a java gel stain, repainted the existing white balusters and painted the stained oak shoe railing white to match the balusters. It was my very first project but definitely not my last. Took me four solid weeks and more than 160 hours. (What was I thinking?!?) I have watched most of your videos and love how concise and informative they are. I went back to this video over and over to make sure I was using best practices and hadn't forgotten anything. I have been a painter for 40 years and my husband and I have built four new homes ourselves, so I felt I had the necessary skills; still, it was a daunting and exhausting project that turned out beautifully!! I could not be happier with the results. It is elegant and fresh and I love it. It has transformed my entry in a dramatic way. Thank you, thank you for your expertise and for sharing your knowledge with these informative videos. I'm now starting a makeover of eight Ethan Allen dining chairs, which feels like a piece of cake compared to the stairway project. Again, you have inspired me. Thank you.

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Wow- that is amazing! Glad the video helped you tackle such a large project!

[@OldSchoolHacker]

Thank you for putting so much time and editing work into this tutorial. I am in the middle of this process and the first railing I did came out perfectly. I scuffed up the old poly finish with fine sanding pads, wiped down the wood with some Jasco deglosser and finished with a tack cloth. I used the General Finishes Java gel stain on that railing and it went on like a dream. The General Finishes stuff is magic in a can. I’m getting ready to do the rest of the railings and would never have even attempted it had I not watched you do it. I even copied your zip lock bag trick to keep my foam brush from drying out in between coats. My wife is happy and that’s a WIN! Kudos to you!

[@ChristinaMuscari]

So great! Thanks for sharing.

[@rachelbennett3860]

Steve, did you use the deglosser instead of the mineral spirits?

[@OldSchoolHacker]

Rachel Bennett I used the deglosser. IIRC, it has less smell than mineral spirits and I was trying to keep the fumes to a minimum. It worked out just fine.

[@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!

[@bfoles506]

Great job! And when you showed the pre tapped painters plastic my jaw dropped!!! I painted the entire inside of my 1500sqft house, baseboards, crown molding, trim, windowsill, ceiling - everything!! I wish i used that plastic with the tape attached!!! 😍

[@dawnelverkler2237]

Great job! I have watched many videos on using gel stains and yours is the most detailed and accurate, especially the time frames and not getting in a hurry.

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Glad it helped.

[@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!!!

[@Ladyofknown]

Finally! Someone who used Antique walnut to refinish! There are so many tutorials using Java and I just thought it was too dark for what i needed. I'm glad I was able to see the finished product in the color I want. Hopefully it comes out just as good!

[@prestigehair5133]

Ladyofknown Yes my same thought. I didn't want anything way to dark.

[@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!

[@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.

[@kristinfredriksson1212]

I am stripping and staining and old oak honey colored banister that was actually painted over probably three times with high-gloss paint. After a couple decades it was icky sticky and I’ve never liked it since we bought the house. I watched several videos about the staining process it was really disappointed with the consistent use of dark colors there for they only do one coat and they’re done they don’t even rub it in with the cloth. Yours is exactly what I was looking for and you were very thorough and presenting it. Thank you so much for doing this. It’s my third time watching it because I am getting ready to do the banister tomorrow.

[@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.

[@rdpj7791]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@bsantosvi2411]

The only thing I gotta say is that you are awesome! I refinished my handrails and they look AWESOME. The difference is I used wood stain. It looks amazing! Thank you

[@TheJgulati]

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

[@shivesja]

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[@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.

[@jodivasquez7716]

We couldn’t decide what to do with our banisters when we switched out our floors and this is such a practical fix. Got all the materials now and going to start tomorrow.. hopefully it doesn’t take us months because it’s going on the market in 3 weeks! Thanks for all the details you put into this, I look forward to trying it out!

[@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].

[@nukapuka]

Painting is so therapeutic. I also go off on the smell. Need to be careful not to sniff 2 much of the paint or gater hide. Loooove it 😍.

[@ninamelsted8702]

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

[@mikeshajuanagreen7164]

Great video and right on time. I'm in this process right now and couldn't figure out how I wanted to tackle this process and you put me at ease.

[@marymargaretscott4437]

I've been wanting to makeover my banister which is honey color and out dated. I found your video and felt inspired that I could do it! Your tutorial was great and I appreciated the step by step. I took lots of screen shots and notes. I loved your beautiful results. I CAN do it!!😊

[@tracygallo761]

I always love when someone warns me about being realistic about my expectations because I am a person who wants to see results lickety split. Thank you!

[@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........

[@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?

[@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.

[@mesmerizer1]

Can't believe I watched this one completely !!! Well you made it interesting......plus you were easy on the eyes and detailed...loved the demeanor and the work of course!!! I didn't realize how much of material one needed .... Im doing this....Thank you Christina~

[@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 🤗

[@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.

[@kendrawindemuth8548]

Love the bit at the end when you said it took you two months because you're a stay at home mom. I just skimmed and painted the textured walls in my husband's and my bedroom and it took me over three months! Can totally relate. Im about to tackle our staircase so was looking for inspiration. I imagine that will also take me a few months :)

[@ChristinaMuscari]

😂 Good luck!

[@handbagaddicted]

WOW, I have the EXACT same banister set up AND color and I’m so sick of it. I just put in dark walnut floors as well and I want to just do something more budget friendly than replacing the banisters yet. Thank you so much for showing this!!!! You’ve encouraged me to do this too!! I am so excited to be able to do this transformation as I will have to live with my current (honey oak) banister for a couple years until I can replace them with a more modern aesthetic. THANK YOU!

[@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!

[@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!

[@keithcastleberry3993]

Excellent work. I am sooo dreading this project but that is the look we need with our new floors and paint schemes

[@JohnSublette]

We had to use Citristrip to remove the poly top coat. We've been in this house for 22 years - so I guess it had set in stubbornly. We also only used one coat of stain - which may mean we pulled off more poly in our approach and more stain was sucked into the wood. I did wipe off the excess stain right after application too. We put on 3 coats of the top coat. General finishes gel stain and flat water-based finish are both awesome products - thanks for the recommendation!!

[@Gareth96v1]

Very well done. This was the second video I watched to try to figure out what to do with my banister and handrail, and I don't need to look further..

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Thank you.

[@helenegiordano3834]

I love reusing my dated oak pieces and refinishing them to my liking. My three story oak banister was giving me anxiety because I didn't want to strip it and I also didn't want to paint the entire thing. I was also confused as to what I wanted to do and how it would look. Then I found your video and saw what it would look like! It's July and i am pretty much still in self quarantine, so I'm and going to attempt this! Thank you!!

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Good luck!

[@bethfuller9902]

Thank You so much! Bought house a few years ago that was a flip. They had re-stained cabinets and steps, but left the banister the lighter oak. So excited to be able to 'Fix' this on my own. I've watched your video several times and will probably re-watch again once I get started. Ordered my stain yesterday.

[@heatherjsalt]

Wow!! Thank you for all the details, I am going to try this. I really appreciate you mentioning how long it took, understandably being a stay at home Mom! Looks awesome, thanks.

[@francesnierenberg6774]

we are considering doing this in our home, and found your tutorial so informative! thank you

[@derrickhughes1863]

Great job and tutorial. When we moved into our house a couple years ago there was golden oak everywhere! We did our stairs with General Finish java and satin white spindles. Our master bath vanity got hit with java as well and the kids bathroom we used General Finish gray gel stain and that turned out just as good!

[@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

[@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!

[@emphyrean]

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

[@robinotto8273]

This is such a helpful video!! I must have watched two dozen times while making over my own banister! I did have to remove brown paint from the banister and hand rail though, which added to the work. The tutorial is so helpful and informative, and easy to follow. I'm so glad I found you and your channel! I used all your recommended products and once I was done stripping paint, it ended up looking beautiful!

[@garyparker6812]

Thanks for the instruction!!! It paid huge dividends when my wife and I took on this project!!! Turned out great!

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Gary Parker Awesome! Please send me pics! [e-mail].

[@aracelihernandez3374]

I watched a ton of videos and chose this one! Got all exact same products. I’m starting today and super excited!

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Good luck!

[@fooled_twice4668]

how did it come out? i started mine tonight! got to the wood filler/sand stage and hope to stain the top and bottom parts of my banister tomorrow! already 3 hours in on work... but it wil be SOOO worth it!

[@englishvietnamesewithmimi6983]

Rebuilt the banister in our new home, and following your video because I like it. THANKS

[@Patonfamily]

This popped up today and it is JUST what I needed. I've wanted to redo our banister to match our floors since we moved into this house almost 3 years ago. AND I also need to redo the trim in a few areas. Learned how to do both things in this one tutorial. Thanks SO much!!

[@jm7804]

So nice. I have a banister that has a whitewash finish and I was thinking I'd have to sand or strip down to the wood in order to stain and/or paint it. Looks like I might have other options. I love that you emphasize taking your time with each step. People rush through these DIY projects and it looks the part afterwards. Excellent work. If you had hired a pro it wouldn't have come out any better.

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Wow-thank you!

[@jeanneduran1995]

Great video! Your directions are clear and easy to follow! Last summer I did most of my bannisters, and this summer I'm doing the rest. I used TSP on the spindles to clean them and it worked fine. Also, I tried paint thinner to clean the wood areas on one segment of bannister, and it worked better than mineral spirits. However, there were lots of fumes and it could be dangerous without proper ventilation.

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Good feedback!

[@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!

[@VFDirector]

this is pretty much exactly what I need to do to my 31 year old Oak railings/balusters...except I want to use a Gray stain as my new flooring is gray! Thanks for all your tips!!!!

[@ChristinaMuscari]

You are welcome!

[@cathyledbetter6715]

Wow Christine. Glad my stair railings are bracketed to the wall.

[@beverlycollins4283]

Your home is very beautiful. I am very pleased that you made this video because you answered a question that I had about a table that I own and it does need some work, but I don't want to put a lot of work into it. Thank you and I hope you have a wonderful Christmas. ❤

[@ChristinaMuscari]

You are welcome. Check out this video too! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWrYdJZsiL2kaqc

[@collef1136]

Thank you. Great video. Next time try a stain sponge for the clear coat. I forget how told me but the greatest invention. It’s foam which moulds and it’s covered in cheese cloth. Worth the extra price. I used this for furniture and someone suggested an old sock for general finishes stain and that was s winner too. Great job. Looks fabulous. Makes me think I can do mine.

[@paulacurran3978]

You have done an amazing job with the two projects I watched. I was searching for ideas on painting a wooden headboard when i found your channel. Thank you for all the tips on getting a professional finish. Beautiful work!

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Thank you so much!

[@melindagibbs6506]

Thank you! I’m wanting to paint an old piano with gel stain on top and latex paint on the rest, so this is exactly what I needed. The cleaning information was especially helpful. No way I’m moving a heavy piano in the garage so it was important to find a way to do this painting indoors.

[@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!

[@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!

[@physiotherapistpaulina9340]

I am new to your channel. I love the result! You do a great job, your lighting, and instructions, and details you provide are really helpful. This is the answer to my dilemma at home, we replaced carpets with wood flooring, and now I have to update/modernize my bannister and spindles. The cost is way too high to replace, so I like this idea of changing the stain, even though it does look labour-intensive. Thanks for motivating me. Watching you do it, knowing how long it will take, will allow me to try it out for myself! Pretty and talented!

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Good luck!

[@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.

[@sandyagins7805]

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

[@gilbertcampos4360]

Thank you! I learned a lot about something that seemed so difficult. You're a great teacher. I wish you continued success!!!

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Thank you.

[@latoyamcfadden3199]

Learned from a you tube painter when painting wood to avoid brush marks is to paint with brush then use any dry roller afterwards. Love your work.

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Thanks for the tip!

[@ersindeger5155]

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

[@traces2807]

Christina that was a fantastic tutorial, thank you. I was afraid to attempt this in my own home, but with the proper materials as you've demonstrated this project is completely do-able!

[@ChristinaMuscari]

I totally agree! Good luck!

[@kl6204]

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

[@ChristinaMuscari]

You are so welcome!

[@elizabeththomas9723]

This is a huge help. I am starting my 3 sets of stairs. Thanks

[@Balanced-Strategies]

Watched you video and starting my wood banister project now. Thanks.

[@cfaz6763]

This chick is so awesome she really does it all.

[@hannahkufuna4657]

Thank you for for the video and the last part you mentioned it took you two months. Thank you for being realistic

[@ChristinaMuscari]

You are so welcome!

[@sharimorris4219]

I did this!! Thank you sooo much for your detailed instructions! Our banisters look amazing!!!

[@ChristinaMuscari]

You are so welcome!

[@bevy814]

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

[@patriciaterrito1645]

Your video was the ONLY one that showed how to simply paint dark wood to white. I wasn't interested in the staining portion because I wanted a all white staircase but I wondered why you did not use a final top coat in the white portion. Good video explaining everything and product use.

[@ChristinaMuscari]

The paint is self sealing.

[@cityvegetablegardener2638]

Great Video. The best one I have seen for this type of work and you are a stay at home mum! Well done!

[@777lorri]

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

[@GirlyHobbies]

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

[@jenniferfitzgerald1796]

Very informative video, moved along quickly. I already have a nice stained staircase but will update the spindles and stair side pieces.

[@billgamble9520]

Thank you for adding realistic expectations

[@rmta5115]

I watch a ton of your videos & love them but if I could make a request, u sometimes say “this takes a while to get the hang of it” (u also say it when your waxing furniture), it would be helpful, if you explained what about the technique takes a while to get the hang of. It might help us newbies know what to watch for. Keep the great videos coming. You’re my “go to” in saving furniture

[@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 👍

[@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.

[@maryr3236]

What a huge impact , looks amazing .

[@caldrm1]

I would not have the patience for that. It turned out beautiful!

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Yep, it was a lot. But it was so worth it. I think it helped us sell this house quicker!

[@jflo7674]

What a big difference it made. Good job!.

[@Your-Boi-Shane]

This was great information thank you so much. I am doing one post on my staircase taking off all pain and re-staining the original post. Just that was a lot of work, well done on your whole staircase.

[@Zurkan-pc6ot]

I was just starting my banister Now I have an idea, New fan here