Hand Scraper Tools to Refinish Hardwood Stairs

Paint Scraper

• Although generally used to scrape peeling paint from a surface, hence the name, a paint scraper can be useful in the restoration of hardwood stairs as well. If the hardwood has flaking on the surface, or if many splinter-like protrusions have appeared on the stairs, rub across the surface of each problem area with a paint scraper to scrape off the wood pieces in one go. Be careful if you go over a large crack on the stair, though, because a paint scraper may catch the edge of the cracked wood and cause more damage.

Sandpaper and Sanding Block

• One of the simplest and most effective means of refinishing hardwood stairs is through sanding. If the stairs that you want to refinish are in bad shape, with many large splintered and rough patches, begin the sanding process with medium-grit sandpaper on a sanding block. Sand over the rough and splintered areas in wide, sweeping strokes until the issue is gone, but be careful not to make a divot in the stair from sanding. If you do make a divot in the stair, fill it with wood filler until it returns to level with the stair's surface.

Scraping Picks

• Many of the scraping tools that may be used to refinish hardwood stairs have large surface areas, which make it difficult to get into the smaller parts of the stair. If the hardwood stairs that you want to refinish have carvings or ornamentation, a wood-scraping pick can help get into those hard-to-reach spots. Stick the sharp end of the pick into the small area of the wood, and scrape down the wood to remove any splinters or peeling pieces.

Paintbrush and Stain or Paint

• Once you finish scraping hardwood stairs for refinishing, you can cover the stairs with many different types of finishes. If you want to maintain the traditional hardwood look of the stairs, go over the stairs with stain. If you would like to add color to your stairs, apply paint to the stairs in the color of your choice. When selecting paint for hardwood stairs, choose a floor paint that can hold up to the constant traffic.