When refinishing stair treads, it's difficult to clean up the underside of the nosing. Quite often the process involves leaning way under, twisting your neck around to see what needs to be cleaned off and then blindly scraping off a little bit of old finish or paint. This must be repeated numerous times before even one tread is cleaned up. Preparing an average of 12 to 15 treads can be hard on your neck and your body. Here's a solution: Go to your local hardware store and purchase a mirror approximately 4 inches wide and 15 to 25 inches long. (They often have scraps that can be bought for as little as $2.) By laying the mirror on the tread tight against the riser, you can see exactly what you are doing at all times. It's not only physically easier, but it helps create a more efficient and detailed job. It also works well when applying stain and finishes.
Thanks to Jim Punt of Northland Hardwood Floors LLC in West Olive, Mich., for his tip. Do you have a Trick of the Trade to share? Email it to WFB.
