Finishing advice on stairs

[Anthony Mason]

Hi Guys,
I've been following this forum for ages (a great source for advise and help) but never posted before

I have recently stripped the carpet of a staircase and found the treads to be a Mahogany type wood, I actually think they are Sapelle but no expert in identifying timber, after a lot of sanding and filling old nail holes etc got the stairs looking great but my question is what to finish the tread with? The effect I am trying to achieve is the colour they are now, if I use a Danish oil or even a Urathane finish the tread will go darker and richer and pop the grain lovely, (that I would do if it was a piece of furniture or jewellery box or something) but the duller lighter colour they are now is the effect I am after as it is more suited to the decor of the house.

I hope I am making my self clear in what I am trying to say, and thanks for any help and advise you guys can give

Anthony Mason

 

[Harbo]

Osmo have brought out a new varnish that’s not supposed to darken.

Rod

 

[MikeG.]

The more important part of the equation on a stair is of course how slippery the finish is. I suggest you don't try beeswax! Frankly, stairs aren't a place for experimenting with finishes, and I'd take some serious advice direct from the manufacturers before proceeding.

 

[Flynnwood]

Try OSMO Technical Advice helpline: 01296 481 220

 

[mrpercysnodgrass]

As Mike G said, you don't want to be slipping down the stairs. This is the stuff you want.... Osmo Polyx Oil Anti-Slip

 

[ED65]

Wanting to keep a wood as close to its current colour as poss sounds like a job for a water-bourne finish. So have a look at this floor varnish Anthony:

In addition to being quite a bit cheaper than an Osmo product there's every likelihood this will turn out to be significantly harder wearing.

 

[custard]

In addition to being quite a bit cheaper than an Osmo product there's every likelihood this will turn out to be significantly harder wearing.

There are nearly as many fatal accidents in homes as on the roads, and about half of all home accidents are due to falls on stairs.

Use a specialist stair finish from a reputable manufacturer, such as the Osmo product.

 

[Anthony Mason]

Thanks all, some great advise! I have never heard of the Osmo product before, sounds like it is designed to do exactly what I am after also the advise on safety as it is a staircase is a important choice I didn't want to use a wax for that reason, so I have decided to go for the Osmo anti slip
Hopefully this should be the best option for me
Thanks again
Anthony