Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Oct 31, 2007 11:07pm | #1

   Have you checked with the manufacturer of the pre-finished floor whether they sell pre-finished stair treads?  Some do.  This is likely to not only be a better match, but to be more durable as well. 

   The other questions are all answered best with "it depends".  You want the sheen to match the pre-finished floor.  Without knowing what it is, there is no way to say what to use.  Same thing with the issue of whether to use oil based polyurethane varnish or to use a waterborne acyrlic polyurethane finish.  So what you should do is to buy small quantities of the finishes and do some tests on similar wood as will be used on the stairs. 

   By the way, I'd look for the finish at the best paint stores in town rather than the big box stores.  There is a difference between consumer grade DIY products and those geared for commercial applications.  Also, this is not a place to try to save a few dollars since refinishing stairs is a job that is absolutely no fun. 

2. 
   Senomozi | Nov 01, 2007 02:05am | #2

   Hello south branch,

   As mentioned by Steve you need to match.  I personally would start with a test piece and the smallest can of oil-based, semi-gloss poly you can get.  Put at least two coats, three preferably, following the instructions and let cure at least 24 hours.  Sheen changes a bit as the poly cures.  Then compare your test piece with the floor.  If the test piece is too amber switch to water-based on a new test piece.  Match the sheen accordingly.  Note that the last coat you put on dictates the sheen.  Therefore you can use the "wrong" sheen for the first two coats and finish with what seems to be the right sheen.

   Regards,

   Senomozi    

3. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Nov 01, 2007 08:50pm | #3

   southbranch,

   As Steve says the best way is to check with the manufacturer.

   Here is a link that offers some suggestions as to what a manufacturer might have used. http://www.woodfloorsonline.com/products/finishes.html  If you go about ½ way down the page there is a section describing possible finishes a manufacturer might use.

   When I worked for a commercial flooring company we used Aluminum Oxide polyurethane finishes.  These floors were installed in retail stores across the U.S.

   Hope this helps.

   Regards,

   Bob @ Kidderville Acres

    

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!