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AA3...There's a lot of discussion on Varnish and varnish alternatives on this board and if you do a search you can access it.
But...to answer your specific question on hand rails and assuming you will varnish and the old stuff is bad...
1. Use 100 grit to take off the old stuff. Be as gentle as you can and try not to take any more WOOD off than necessary.
2. Use 200 grit to obtain a smooth bare wood finish.
3. Wipe down with a tack cloth.
4. Get a quart of EPIPHANES or other fine varnish and a good 1" bristle brush. Apply your first coat of varnish and let dry.
5. Rough up finish with 400 grit paper and wipe down with tack cloth and apply another coat of varnish.
6. Repeat 5 or 6 times.
It helps to tape off the rails with BLUE scotch masking tape.
Paper is cheap...a little palm sander makes the job go easier and quicker...and when you get tired of varnishing you can come over to the dark side....CETOL!!! <g>
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