Sand All Exposed Surfaces

What happens in this clip

Begin by thoroughly sanding all exposed wooden surfaces of the stairwell, including the handrails, newel posts, and balusters. The goal is not to remove all of the existing finish, but rather to 'scuff' it using a fine grit sandpaper. This creates a surface that the primer can properly adhere to. The video creator used a sanding block, emphasizing the utility of a V-shaped sanding block for getting into the various nooks and crannies of the balusters and posts. This process can be time-intensive, taking a couple of hours for the entire stairwell.

Goal: Scuff the existing finish to prepare for primer adhesion

What's used

Tools

• Fine Grit Sandpaper
• Respirator
• Sanding Block
• Detail sander
• especially useful in various shapes like V-shape for detailed areas.

About the full video

This project transforms an outdated honey oak stairwell into a modern, bright white feature. It involves thorough preparation, including sanding, cleaning, and taping, followed by applying a primer coat and multiple coats of durable enamel-based paint suitable for high-touch areas.

Step 2 of 5: Lightly Sand the Surface

Using 150-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge, gently sand all surfaces of the banister. The goal is not to remove the existing finish, but to scuff it up. After sanding, wipe down the banister with a tack cloth or a slightly damp cloth to remove all sanding dust. Ensure all dust is removed for a smooth finish.

Open this step in the guide

Other videos for this step

• Sanding the Banister
• Lightly Sand the Surface