Project story · matching a translucent wood finish
Restoring stair varnish to match the existing finish
The owner wanted to renew the worn treads of two larch staircases while keeping the visible wood grain. We matched a translucent white finish to the retained surfaces, which had become warmer in colour over the years. The renewed areas needed to sit naturally alongside the existing finish.
- 8 days
- working on site
- About 2 days
- additional workshop colour samples
- May 2026
- project date
- €1,000 on average
- per staircase on this project
- €2,000
- labour for both staircases
The cost of this completed project illustrates the work involved; it is not a current fixed quote. Materials are charged separately.
Matching the aged varnish colour
The translucent white finish had developed a warm tone. We prepared six closely related samples in the workshop and compared them with the retained surfaces on site. We selected the most suitable colour and level of transparency.
Protecting the surfaces we needed to keep
The house had recently been renovated. We covered floors, walls and furniture, and separately protected the junctions around balusters and other retained parts so the tools would not damage the existing finish.
Sanding the restored tread surfaces back to wood
We removed the old varnish down to bare wood on the tread surfaces being restored. Tight winder corners, edges and spaces behind balusters needed hand sanding where a machine could not reach.
Renewing the finish without hiding the wood grain
We applied the matched translucent coating. On this project, we also repaired small chips and worn areas on other components and refreshed their dark protective finish as an extra at our own initiative.
Why this varnish restoration needed more preparation
Work on site took eight days; preparing and matching samples in the workshop took about two additional days. Labour for both staircases in May 2026 was €2,000, averaging €1,000 per staircase on this project. Materials are charged separately. Protection, difficult access and careful colour matching all contributed to the work involved.
More about preparation and materials
We first protected the junctions with masking tape, then secured automotive protective film over it. The restored surfaces were sanded in stages with P80, P100 and P120 abrasives. This describes one particular project; preparation and products are selected for the condition of each staircase.
A previous project completed in Russia.
Other challenges we have worked on
More work by Koraci
See what else we have restored
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