The Other Mike wrote:
House is about 2 years old...we now realize the one thing we don't
like is the color of the stair handrails/spindles/balusters. I'd like
to restain them a dark red or brown color. My question is how to
prepare the existing rails and spindles to do this. I'm sorry but I
don't know the type of wood they are made of. They are a very light
tannish color with a shine to them (I'm assuming polyurethane). I'm
also assuming it's not an expensive wood...it's not a very expensive
house. So is this a elbow grease sanding job or is there a product I
can buy to better prepare for staining?

Two approaches.

Paint remover and or a lot of sand paper. This is going to be a lot of
work. Lots. ...

Use a colored finish. A clear finish with a stain in the finish. See
your local paint store.

--
Joseph Meehan

Dia duit