Hi Terry We do this often.When the paint is coming off they can,t be ignored cuz ther sooo ugly.So far what we,ve done is sand them with fine paper to smooth things out .Takes bout an hr. sorry.I think original substance was shellac or varnish.I suggest a coat of sanding sealer first ,this helps seal up the ends which always seem to resist taking in the finish.Then we spray black laq. (yes a spray gun) but you could use spray can laq. or enamel . I don,t like enamel but have used it.Oh, two coats laq. should do and sometimes one will do.Let dry a day then rub with steel wool, yes it takes bout an hr.Please you all feel free to share any quicker methods cuz its a little tedius but they do look nice when done.Best Dale Erwin
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