Trim update

[PaPa Jay]

My house is approaching 40 years old and I am updating the insides. 

I want to update the looks of the trim work.  I have been told to use a 50/50 mix of stain and polyurethane. 

Is this correct and should I do any sanding before I begin applying?

If so what grain of sandpaper should I use?

[Isaac]

The trim is currently stained? How about sharing a picture of what you have and an idea what look you would like to have. That will help us give some advice. 

[PaPa Jay]

We just had our maple wood floors refinished and the trim stained in Golden Oak looks dull.

[Isaac]

So you want the trim to be lighter, like the flooring?

How much are you talking about? You might just replace it rather than attempting to refinish. 

[drzaius]

Mixing stain with poly doesn't always work well. I did that once & the poly never really cured properly, staying soft & almost sticky.

Better to use a compatible colorant. 

[PaPa Jay]

31 minutes ago, Isaac said:

So you want the trim to be lighter, like the flooring?

How much are you talking about? You might just replace it rather than attempting to refinish. 

I am not wanting to change the color.  I just want it to look newer and maybe even shinny.

30 minutes ago, drzaius said:

Mixing stain with poly doesn't always work well. I did that once & the poly never really cured properly, staying soft & almost sticky.

Better to use a compatible colorant. 

Thank You

[Isaac]

ok, in that case, try using just a little poly urethane in a discrete location. You can get it in a variety of sheens. Gloss will most likely be too shiny/tacky. Satin is probably what you want. Maybe Semi Gloss if satin doesn't have enough shine. 

[PaPa Jay]

1 minute ago, Isaac said:

ok, in that case, try using just a little poly urethane in a discrete location. You can get it in a variety of sheens. Gloss will most likely be too shiny/tacky. Satin is probably what you want. Maybe Semi Gloss if satin doesn't have enough shine. 

Thank You

[Minnesota Steve]

I think what you want is a wipe on poly.   That's a 50/50 mix of mineral spirits and poly.  First clean it with a rag with just plain mineral spirits.   Like Issac said, try a satin first.

I would try it in a test area first to see how it works.

 

[wtnhighlander]

+1 to wipe-on. Using light applications makes it easier to build up to the sheen and thickness you want. Clean cotton rags (t-shirt matetial) are great for this. 

[Ronn W]

If I were uncertain about the sheen that you wnat, (satin, semigloss, gloss) I would start with the shinier one.  YOu can dull down the glossier finish with a duller finish over it but not the other way around.   Use test pieces first.