Prep Day: Cleaning and Sanding

What happens in this clip

Begin day one of the makeover by thoroughly cleaning the staircase surfaces. Use 'Krud Kutter' degreaser, a stain remover, and a microfiber cloth to remove all oil, grease, and grime. After cleaning, use 100-grit sandpaper and a sanding block to sand the entire railing, spindles, and any other wooden components. This step is crucial to remove the existing varnish, dull the glossy surface, and create a matte finish that allows new products to adhere properly. Wipe away all dust with a damp microfiber cloth to prepare for the next steps.

Goal: Clean and sand all wooden surfaces of the staircase to prepare for staining and painting.

What's used

Tools

• Microfiber Cloth
• Sponge
• Sanding Block (120-grit) Norton ProSand Dual Angle Sanding Sponge
• Detail sander
• Sandpaper (100-grit) Norton ProSand

Materials

• Krud Kutter Degreaser Krud Kutter
• Heavy-duty household cleaner
• grease
• and grime from the staircase.

About the full video

This project details a DIY budget-friendly makeover of a 90s-era orange oak staircase, transforming it into a modern two-tone look with dark walnut stained railings and white painted spindles, aiming to achieve a cohesive aesthetic with the rest of the home's dark wood accents. The process involves extensive preparation including cleaning, sanding, and meticulous taping, followed by multiple coats of gel stain and primer, and finally painting the spindles and applying a protective top coat.

Step 2 of 9: Clean and Degrease Components

Use a degreaser and a stiff brush to scrub all metal parts, including the central pole, treads, and railing. For wooden treads, use a wood cleaner. Rinse all components thoroughly and allow them to dry completely before proceeding. This ensures proper adhesion of any new finishes.

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 (this video)
   • 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
   • 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