refinishing

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The finish has worn and the black is damage from dirt or moisture. Repair of the treads will require sanding, touch-up staining and a new finish coat of polyurethane. For this job, consider buying an electric palm or pad sander such as a Porter Cable 4-inch sander. Pre-clean the treads using paint thinner or mineral spirits. This should remove much of the dirt and discoloration. If damage and discoloration is still present, sand the treads. Depending on extent of damage, start with a medium 60 to 100 grit, and move to finer grit papers as you finish. A 150 grit fine paper should be fine. Remove all dust and perhaps clean again with the mineral spirits. Stain with a golden oak or best match stain, wiping off excess. Allow to dry. Use a polyurethane suitable for floors to apply a protective finish. 2-3 coats should do it, sanding lightly between coats. Buy your materials at a reputable paint store, and they can better advise on suitable products and the finishes they will produce. In general, water based urethanes are clear and dry faster, while oil based will impart some amber color. Both are tough and will withstand many more years of use.

The better your preparation and more complete the sanding, the better will be the final results. Its time consuming, but the stair can be fully restored with fairly simple techniques.