I want to change the color of my stair banister from natural varnish to a dark walnut that will match my floor. I plan to paint the spindles white. I have sanded the top of the railings and the base with a palm sander. I wiped the pieces down with a damp cloth twice, allowed it to dry well, then applied a coat of Minwax Wood Finish Special Walnut 224. I am not sure if it is the brush I am using or if it is the finish not properly done, but it does not look right to me. I only did a small section to see if it is going to work. First the color is not even; secondly, it is not dark enough. Do I need to re-sand it or do I need a certain brush or would a sponge applicator work best? The original color is about 15 yrs. Old. Any suggestions will be helpful as I have never done this before. Thank you.

I looked up the 224 and it says on the can Stain and Seals. I hate the one coat process. It blotchy as it goes on and to sticky. If you cut it down then it looses it sheen.

Can't tell you how much staining I have done but the Old fashion way is the best. A stain first using a old sock/rag to help control the amount of stain going on to achieve a more even hue. Then 2 coats of clear spar urethane satin or what ever sheen you want. Never use a brush to stain period...

Sand it down and start over. Use a stain only.

Steel wool the wood 00 and tighten up the grain. Now stain with sock. Then steel wool ooo just enough to knock down the raised grain from the stain. Now use a "tack rag" to get all dust off the railing. A can Of urethane with a good brush. Separate the urethane to another can because if you pickup any particles in the first coat on clear finish it won't contaminates the whole can. Now 000 steel wool again. Tack rag it real good. Last coat of urethane. This process is the "Best" way to stain and seal and get that beautiful deep look of richness in the wood.

Spar urethane is what should be used on a railing. Its very hard tough durable finish. I use it on boats also. Its interior and exterior sealer

I agree on both counts; don't use the 224 and you probably have not removed all of the old finish. That urathane is not like James Bond's martini, it likes to be stirred and not shaken.

Thanks 21 Boat. You provided a lot of info for me. Since it is only a very small area to redo, I shall follow your instructions and let you know how it turns out. Got to do the flooring this weekend, so it may be a while. Thanks again.
Renovatormom

Lets us know how it goes