Bought a new house I'm starting a remodel. The railing on the stairs is typical honey oak, and I'd like to refinish it so everything is white with dark railings:
I'd like to refinish to this:
I still have to test the finish, but I suspect it is lacquer due to it being glossy, thick, and in some places has hairline cracks:
I understand the best course of action is to sand to bare wood, but time constraints have me considering finishing over the lacquer. Assuming it is lacquer, tell me if this is reasonable. For the base, spindles, banisters: scuff sand, seal with dewaxed shellac, prime, then typical interior paint like Sherwin Williams Cashmere. For the railing: scuff sand, then shellac with Transtint until it is the shade I like, clear coat with lacquer.
Does this sound reasonable? Do the hairline cracks require a full sanding to wood?