Finishing pine stair parts

lauraland

Just wondering what the best way would be to finish pine stair parts without them going that horrible orangey colour? I plan to paint the spindles but would like to keep the bannister wooden. There seem to be a few options - oil, wax or varnish,but I dont know which would be best? Have you guys any ideas?

TIA

thescouselander

Personally I'd go for varnish as I think it provides a smoother finish which is better for running hands along the wood.

lauraland

thescouselander wrote: »

Personally I'd go for varnish as I think it provides a smoother finish which is better for running hands along the wood.

Will it not turn orange eventually though? Or is it best to use a coloured varnish?

FreeBear

lauraland wrote: »

There seem to be a few options - oil, wax or varnish,but I dont know which would be best?

Throwing in a curve ball.... How about using soap - It is quite a popular finish in Scandinavia and gives you a matt finish without the colour change of wax or oil.
http://www.woodshopnews.com/columns-blogs/finishing/498776-soap-can-be-a-surprisingly-good-furniture-finish
ww.artichoke-ltd.com/articles/using-soap-to-finish-furniture/

I've been using Kreidezeit polishing soap from Mike Wye - Not particularly cheap, but dead easy to use.

keith969

lauraland wrote: »

Will it not turn orange eventually though? Or is it best to use a coloured varnish?

It's actually the wood that changes colour slowly due to light. A coloured varnish will mask the effect.

Furts

lauraland wrote: »

Will it not turn orange eventually though? Or is it best to use a coloured varnish?

I have handrails in my home were coated with Sadolin classic years back and remained fine - you pick a colour that meets your decor. It gives a semi gloss type finish.

I also have Johnstones varnish - oil based traditional - on other areas. It has gone darker where there are areas of high sunlight, in a sunroom. But this could be the timber changing and going darker rather than the varnish. Be aware this gives a gloss finish which is not fashionable. It is cheap to buy.

If you apply a clear coat of base stain then additional coats you should be well pleased. Numerous choices, for example Johnstones, Sadolin, Sikkens and also decide what finish - semi sheen, and so on.

lauraland

Thanks all! I think I'll plump for the easiest option and go for a tinted matt varnish. Hoping it will turn out well and tie in with my oak doors.