How to Restore Banisters

Lay down plastic sheets over the ground surrounding the banister. This project involves several liquids, some of which can stain both carpeting and hardwood floors. A plastic covering protects your floor from difficult-to-remove stains.

Inspect the entire banister for damage in the protective clear coat. This coating protects the wood from moisture. If you find exposed wood, continue to Step 3. If not, create a mixture of warm water and dish soap to remove dirt. Use a sponge to gently scrub off the buildup.

Apply naptha, a cleaner that removes oil-based buildup, to the banister and scrub with a clean sponge. Naptha works well in two situations. First, it removes oil-based grime that usually accumulates on banisters through regular contact with human hands. Second, naptha does not damage exposed wood due to cracks in the clear coat.

Sand down the banister wood to create a rough surface the wood stain can adhere to. Use sandpaper sheets for small banisters and a power sander for large banisters.

Apply the wood stain to the wood. Use a paintbrush to apply. Start from the top of the stairs and work your way to the bottom. This orderly fashion ensures you cover the entire banister surface area and reduces the chances of contact between you and wet wood stain. Allow the stain to dry.

Apply a layer of protective clear coat to the banister using a clean paintbrush. This coating protects the wood and the wood stain from scratching and general wearing caused by constant usage. Allow the clear coat to dry before using the banister again.