Changing hand rail on banister

[kiwidreamer]

Is it possible to remove the top handrail of a banister and replace it? Ours is currently painted white and shows every grubby mark from the kids, I've noticed a few friends have a wooden varnished handrail which might do the trick.

Or would we need a whole new set up with new rails / pins (whatever the upright bits are called... have brain freeze!!)

What type of paint is it? If its kind of Matt, gloss will be harder wearing.

we need to replace some of our bannister so need to know this too.

Neville Johnson are now doing stair replacement - no idea what it costs or how good it is - as only seen their advertising campaign ...
Might be worth trying to strip the paint and then see what's underneath first ( unless you have loadsamoney!! ) as you may be able to stain and varnish the existing rail !

Google local joinery firms and take a look online on the type of handrail you like to look of. You might even consider changing the spindles if applicable too. It will be hugely less than the likes of Neville Johnson.