staircase handrail protection.

[mrspask]

I have just fitted a pine handrail in the staircase.For best results do I paint it,stain it,varnish it or wax it?

[heathfield]

Don't wax it! Some wax could come off on your hands whenever you use it, and if you ever decided later to paint it, you'd have a real job getting rid of the wax first. Staining it won't provide a sealed surface, and eventually your hands will turn the wood dirty. Painting or varnishing is best. Which you choose would surely depend on the colour scheme you want to end up with. Either will provide a sealed surface that will be easy to keep clean.

[carlton23]

Paint, but buy a good one that won`t chip.

[mrspask]

thanks Heathfield and Carlton-good advice

[bednobs]

we have just beeswaxed ours. Unfortunated it makes it a bit slippy, and it just looks dirty

[magicmerlin]

The last thing you want is a slippy handrail. The handrail is there to assist with use of stairs. If you were to trip or lose balance you need to be able to get a firm grip on the handrail.

[Jemisa]

My husband fitted our rail too, he varnished it with yaught varnish lovely to look after just a quick wipe over with a damp J cloth.

Aunty Jem.