|
If you can pull the treads completely out without breaking them, that will make the job 10000x easier. Most of the time that is impossible.
When I do stairs, I usually start with 60 grit edger, followed by 60 grit orbital, 80 grit, 120 grit orbital. Take a very sharp chisel to shave the nasty old finish off the corners, and prepare to finger sand the piss out of them.
When doing the final finger sand in the corners, remember to blend your sand marks together by bringing it out at least 3-4 inches past where the orbital sand ended. If you are worried, just hand sand the entire tread to final grit.
Filler putty before the 60 grit orbital, or you will be changing out orbital pads constantly. Invest in some stainable filler at your local hardware since the homemade stuff can be messy and if done improperly will leave "glue streaking". That occurs when the stain doesn't take to the wood because of glue residue seals it off.
Good luck, and get ready for a wood dust storm!
|