Step 2 · Prepare Stair Treads

After removing the carpet and padding, thoroughly clean each stair tread. Use a stiff brush or scraper to remove any old adhesive, paint drips, or stubborn dirt. For a cleaner finish, vacuum the stairs to remove all loose dust and debris. If there are any splinters, rough patches, or significant unevenness on the wood treads, use sandpaper to smooth them down. Start with a coarser grit sandpaper (e.g., 80-grit) for major imperfections and progress to a finer grit (e.g., 120-grit) for a smoother finish. Ensure the entire surface of each tread is smooth to the touch. Wipe down the treads again with a damp cloth to remove any sanding dust, and allow them to dry completely.