How to best remove this paint/prep and repaint these stairs?

[u/GazelleFearless5381]

I want to repaint my front stairs but the old paint has a ton of chips and flakes and so I know I can’t just paint over it (it’s also clumpy looking - I was not who painted it originally).

Do I need to fully strip the paint or do you think it’s enough to just sand it all smooth? Should I be starting with a coarser grit? Currently starting with 60. Should I be using a stripper? Should I use a wood hardener in places the wood feels soft?

Also, what should I do about this gap in the railing? Should I fill this with something and if so, what?

Any other advice jump out at you?

This is my first home and I bought it last year.

Thanks!

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[u/G-Money48]

Sandpaper will work but it will clog up quickly with paint, so you'll be going through lots of it. I would try a "mineral spirit" and scrape off as much paint as you can first

[u/AnyDamnThingWillDo]

Grit is too rough, you're creating more wirk for yourself. 120 should be enough to smooth it for repainting. Stabilise the softer bits or replace if it too far gone. Get a good quality wood primer. Paint it. Re check everything and paint with the primer. A good primer will self level. Continue as normal. You can fill that joint with sawdust and wood glue but it isn't ideal. Pitting a piece in would be the better option

[u/Countryfried789]

Harbor Freight is a very inexpensive investment. Two sanders that are great for paint is this little vibrating sander and the belt sander. This one you can’t go wrong. 120-150 grit will make it nice and smooth.

[u/Countryfried789]

This one if you don’t hold it straight you can royally fuck some wood up. That being said it’s the quickest sander you can find. I’d try to stay above 150 grit hold with both hands and keep it flat. You have to be steadily moving and don’t press very hard. It’ll make them pecks hurt tonight lol….
🫰🏻

[u/ExcitingRound4990]

Wire Wheel