A key refresh can turn a ho - hum staircase into a wonderful entrance . Here ’s how to do it right .
you may do a lot of updates in a house with good bones . morphologic focal point , such as build - inch and fireplaces , often want only a facelift to create an entirely different feel , as long as they ’re in decent shape from the start . Once you know how to paint stairs , it will be one of the most impressive surface - level update you’re able to do . And it does n’t take a lot of clip : bet on how many steps you have and how well they ’ve been observe , the project could be adone - in - a - weekend overhaulthat refreshen your space .
What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools
Materials
Instructions
How to Paint Stairs
" With the correct tools and materials , most DIYers will be able to take this projection on , " say Lowe ’s store manager Gary McCoy . But he ’s also quick to orient out a few proceeds that could complicate the cognitive operation , let in the age of the staircase , the turn of footfall , and whether thestairs are carpet . These thing should n’t stymie your plans , though . Even carpet is comparatively easy to care with if you have the right prick and information for removal .
Because of the clothing and tear on handrails and step , selectingpaint finishesthat will stand up to heavy function is essential . McCoy advises DIYers to choose a pigment specifically suit for wood trim and can be used to paint over wood grunge . A sealant is also necessary for heavy - use field , which can show get into more speedily if go away unprotected . Once you have selected your materials and are ready to bug out painting , read on for the best way to paint a stairway .
Check the Surface
Before you begin painting , check the condition of the railing , bannister , spare , and stair surfaces . If necessary , remove any rug and discard . If your steps were previously painted , reckon for areas where the finish is bumpy , scratchy , or flake . These are signs you shouldstrip the old paintbefore proceeding . If the existing finish appear legato and in good circumstance , you may simply paint over it .
Prepare the Staircase for Painting
Repair minor imperfection , such asnail holes , using wood makeweight , following the producer ’s didactics for app and dry out fourth dimension . Usefine - backbone sandpaperto lightly drag up the intact airfoil to be paint , which will help the rouge stick . sporty the surfaces with a degreaser to polish off dirt and buildup . Wipe them dry with a clean , lint - innocent cloth to remove any remaining dust .
Prime and Paint the Handrail and Trim
Start by painting the stairway railing and lop rather than the steps so you may avoid walk on freshly paint steps . Mask off the pace and surrounding areas with gravid butcher composition or throw away cloths and catamount ’s tape recording . expend a 2 - inch trim clash toapply primeron the handrail , starting at the top of the step . reprize with the stairway trim . allow the ground dry per the maker ’s specification .
start up again at the top of the stairs and apply your chosen rouge color to the banister and trimness . Work the brush carefully to cover all the surface evenly , and finish each plane section by brush with the grain . Apply two to three coating , wait a sufficient time between coats to allow each layer to dry .
Prime and Paint Balusters
If you be after to paint the balustrade a dissimilar color than the rest period of the stairway , mask them off carefullywhere they meet the stairs . If you ’re paint everything the same color , skim the magnetic tape , but keep a dampened cloth nearby so you’re able to pass over up splutter and dribble as you go . Any paint drop down will dry as lubber , giving your paint stop an untidy tone . Prime and paintthe balusters as you did the rest of the rail . allow the balusters dry out as you move on to painting the step .
Prime the Stairs, Alternating Each Step
comprehend or mask off any region around the steps , including at the top and bottom , where you do n’t want blusher . start at the top of the steps , apply primer on the bottom of the first nosing . go forward brushing primer onto the first riser , then the step pace . Continue down the footprint in this Holy Order , put on primer to every other step . Leaving alternating steps unpainted will allow you to apply the stairs while the paint dry . Allow sufficient time for the first step to dry out , then apply primer to the remaining steps in the same manner .
Paint and Seal the Stairs
reiterate this process with the rouge , usingsmooth brushstrokesand reaching into all corner as you paint every other stair . Wait for the first set of steps to dry before paint the alternate steps . To cue you which step are safe to ill-treat on , softly mag tape 4 - inch square toes of cardboard to the ironical single . Apply two to three coat , waiting sufficient fourth dimension to allow each layer to dry out . If hope , apply sealant or polyurethan to the steps to protect the conclusion .
When to Call a Professional
Some spot will require a professional . " scenario such as wood damage , stairs not being hardy enough , mould , and other findings could justify call a professional to assist or take on the job , " McCoy says . If there is old key that needs to be removed and it may contain lead , that ’s another cause to exit it to the professional . You may also bid to call on a professional if you require to apply specialty finishes or lend oneself a decorative paint pattern .
Credit: Brie Williams
Credit: Illustration by Rick Hanson
Credit: Mike Dvorak
Credit: Mike Dvorak
Credit: Mike Dvorak
Credit: Mike Dvorak
