There are about 4 layers of paint on the stairs in my 100-year-old house, the last color being deck gray. The stairs are sturdy so no need to replace, am having them sanded and will repaint - for some reason when looking at the underlying wood I don't think it would look varnished or stained as it is so smooth and worn. So I am looking for a paint color that resembles wood for the treads (the risers, spindles, etc. will be white). Any ideas? And can you believe they painted the beautiful handrail and newel posts black??? Am having that stripped and varnished - still in good shape. Thanks!

jkathlj