We're completing a renovation project, and I've decided to re-stain the stairs before we move in in a month. I've actually almost done the rough sanding.
It's 13 stairs total and we're doing both the tops and rises. We are pretty sure it's maple.
I think I have a preference for water-based stain due to smells, and ease of cleaning. We'd choose a reddy-brown stain.
I know I need a pre-stain (as maple), a stain, and a water-based top-coat. Could you help me with amounts as well as products for a staircase? Which is the best for water-based products? Is it best to just accept the dings - or is there a filler you recommend that would likely absorb similarly to the stain?