Baluster finish

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Originally Posted by rabbit33

Murphy's Oil Soap is worthless garbage.

To remove grime from years of hand contact, go over it with 0000 steel wool and mineral spirits. All you've got to cover is the railing and that first post. This is unagressive enough that the basic finish/stain will still be retained.

I'd probably give it two coats of spar varnish after that and declare victory.

Probably 903 different things you can use with 0000 steel wool... and Murphy's is one of them. For over 100 years, a vast number of consumers disagree that it's 'worthless garbage'.

[Maple47]

Murthy's Soap has been used. It took 15 minutes to clean the whole thing.
What if I treat it with Howard Restore & Finish plus wax now?

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If you got the grime off without sanding or otherwise destroying the finish altogether, that product might be worth a shot. Try it one one area. If the result is disappointing, at least you'll know quickly that you need another solution.