[mrssp]

We have a split entry home with unfinished birch nosing at the top (and side) of the stairs for the main level. At the side, we will need a guardrail.

What is the best approach? Should we stain and put poly on, then install the baluster spindles and newel? Or should we install all of it, then stain afterwards? Does it matter?

I was planning on staining the nosing to match the wood floor (gray), painting the spindle's white, and staining the handrail and newel a java colour.

 

[mako1]

I prefer to prime& paint first coat or stain and apply first top coat on anything I can before it's installed .Then after install fill any nail holes and apply the last coat of finish.Much easier and cleaner that way.

 

[mrssp]

I prefer to prime& paint first coat or stain and apply first top coat on anything I can before it's installed .Then after install fill any nail holes and apply the last coat of finish.Much easier and cleaner that way.

Nail holes? What nail hoes? I thought the newels and spindles are either being installed by drilling out the nosing to fit the dowel in them, or by putting screws in the bottoms and screwing them in the nosing?

 

[mako1]

I was broadly speaking of any kind of trim work.

 

[mrssp]

Would you guys install a base rail? Or not?

 

[woodworkbykirk]

any time its stain grade its best to stain and clear coat before hand , atleast with one or two coats of poly,, then you can lightly sand joints and cuts then touch up with poly when installed