Brushing Bonakemi Mega on stairs?

[Darl Bundren]

Hey, all,

We have a new flight of stairs in our house, and we are going to finish them. I purchased Bonakemi sealer and Mega water-based finish. All of the instructions and literature indicate that I should use an applicator to apply the sealer and finish. I have high quality brushes already, and if those work I'd rather not foot the bill for the applicators.

Will brushing on the finish be okay?

[Scott Holmes]

Not familar with the products you plan to use.

Natural brushes tend to go limp with water-borne finishes. A synthetic brush should do well.

[Jason Roehl]

I do it all the time--nothing wrong with using a good nylon/polyester blend brush, but for steps, I do like to use a cheap foam/mohair paint pad of the appropriate size. They hold more finish than a brush and it's easier to get an even coat quickly on each step and/or riser.

Working quickly (but methodically) is important with waterborne finishes...

Applicators are made for doing large areas where you pour the finish on the floor and "snowplow" it around--it's quick and it helps you keep a wet edge, plus it helps pick up any snarf that may have gotten past your vac or tack.