What is the best way to finish off the newel posts and handrail for my new banister? I used oak newel posts and an oak handrail with wrought iron balusters. I have already stained the oak with an oil-based stain and applied several coats of oil based poly. Am I done? They look great, but I don’t know much about finishing and not sure if I should apply a paste wax on top of what I have already done. Is there anything else I should top coat it with or is the poly my final step? I am sensitive to how frequently these will be touched and want them to look good for a long time.
Thanks!
Replies
If they look great, they're done.
leave the paste wax for the furniture. If the poly looks good, and there's at least three coats, then it's Dos Equis time.
I won't be laughing at the lies when I'm gone,
And I can't question how or when or why when I'm gone;
I can't live proud enough to die when I'm gone,
So I guess I'll have to do it while I'm here. (Phil Ochs)
I'd say you're done.....
If you want a smoother top finish I'd forego any wax and simply sand with 320 grit to get all the imperfections out, then a top coat of oil poly thinned 50% with mineral spirits.