Sand the Staircase

What happens in this clip

Once all risers, treads, and landing flooring are installed, it's time to sand the entire staircase. Begin with 80-grit sandpaper on a random orbital sander to smooth out any imperfections, remove glue residue, and level minor height differences. Work your way through finer grits, typically 120-grit, then finish with 220-grit sandpaper for a smooth, ready-to-finish surface. Use a detail sander or sanding block for corners and tight spots that the orbital sander cannot reach. Connect your sander to a dust extractor or shop vac to minimize dust, and thoroughly clean all surfaces with a tack cloth or vacuum before moving to the next step.

Goal: Achieve a smooth, uniform surface for finishing

What's used

Tools

• Detail Sander / Sanding Block
• Hand sanding with sandpaper
• edges
• and tight spots.
• Dust Extractor / Shop Vac
• Dust Mask
• Random Orbital Sander
• more aggressive)
• Vibrating sander
• Safety Glasses
• Tack Cloth

Materials

• 120-grit Sandpaper
• 220-grit Sandpaper
• 80-grit Sandpaper

About the full video

This project details the transformation of an old, carpeted staircase into a beautiful hardwood staircase. It involves removing the existing carpet and treads, precisely measuring and installing new risers and treads, laying matching hardwood flooring on the landings, and finally sanding, staining, and applying a durable topcoat for a polished, long-lasting finish.

Step 3 of 9: Prepare Metal Surfaces for Finishing

Using medium-grit sandpaper (e.g., 120-grit), sand all metal surfaces of the staircase, including the central pole, treads, and railing. Pay attention to any rough spots or existing imperfections. After sanding, wipe down all surfaces with a tack cloth or a clean rag dampened with mineral spirits to remove all dust and residue. Allow the metal to dry completely.

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 (this video)
   • 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