Quick Answer

The gloss comes from the sequence, not from any single pad. Burnish stair treads with small 3–5 inch pads on a variable-speed grinder, working the same grit stage sequence as the landing, and stopping at a honed (400–800) finish on the walking surface. Abrade the nosing with coarse metal, then stage through resin to blend with the landing.

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Key Features of Stair Polishing

The practical details.

• Small tools: hand grinders fit tread depth and riser faces.
• Slip safety: treads should be honed (400–800), not mirror-burnished.
• Nosing: the rounded edge requires coarse metal and careful abrading.
• Blend: match the landing's final grit stage for a continuous look.

Crews that rush this part rarely get a mirror finish.

A Practical Guide to Choose the Finish by Location

Key points for the polishing sequence.

This stage decides how much reflection the floor finally shows.

Use It: Step-by-Step

What matters most in this stage.

• Abrade the nosing edge even with coarse metal, working evenly around the radius.
• Keep the tread at a honed finish for grip; burnish the nosing slightly more for detail.
• Stage through fenix burnish pads or standard resin pads from 100 to 800 on the tread.
• Industrial vacuum risers and clean each tread before moving to the next.

Miss this step and the gloss will not come up evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I polish stairs with a floor machine?

A: The practical answer is, No — use a hand-held variable-speed grinder with small pads for treads and risers.

Q: What makes stop at 800 on treads?

A: For most jobs, Honed treads resist slips and look consistent with most commercial stair specs. High mirror finish on stages is a hazard.

Q: In what way do I match treads to a glossy landing?

A: In short, Burnish treads to 800, then blend the nosing and first few inches of the tread with the landing's higher grit stages.

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Conclusion

The finish is the sum of the stages - stay disciplined and the floor shines. Abrade the nosing, stage through resin to a honed tread finish, and blend into the landing.