Best stain and finish for stairs

[Coles]

Hi,

I have finished stripping my early 1900's pine stairs and about to do a final sand.

What is the best type of stain and finish to use for stairs? There will be a runner on them.

My main worry is the time they would be out of use, so quicker drying times the better.

 

[fernicarry]

I use Morrell's water based stains. Recoat time is 2 to 4 hours and dry enough to walk over within an hour. Up to 4 coats depending on how light the board is. Then Fiddes shellac sealer, dry within 10 minutes, 2 coats. Finish with Fiddes floor polish, but warning that leaves it like a skating rink for days so may not be ideal for stairs.

 

[Coles]

I use Morrell's water based stains. Recoat time is 2 to 4 hours and dry enough to walk over within an hour. Up to 4 coats depending on how light the board is. Then Fiddes shellac sealer, dry within 10 minutes, 2 coats. Finish with Fiddes floor polish, but warning that leaves it like a skating rink for days so may not be ideal for stairs.

Thank you. How slippy is shellac? I have an elderly dog who is managing the current unfinished stairs but don't want her to go head over paw on them. It will be fine once the runner is fitted but that is going to take a bit of time.

 

[mardinor]

Surely you can leave an unfinished strip along the centre where the runner will go? That was what was traditionally done and solves the drying time and slippiness issue?

 

[Coles]

Surely you can leave an unfinished strip along the centre where the runner will go? That was what was traditionally done and solves the drying time and slippiness issue?

Thanks, that is an option. I just liked the idea of having it all done. Getting the carpet could take a few months, but that would work.

Are there real downsides with a waterbased laquer?