How to Paint a Staircase

How to Paint Your Staircase

Painting your staircase can make a huge difference to your space. Whether you opt for white to brighten, black to make a statement, or want to blend your stairs in with your wall colour, preparation and execution are key.

Your stairs are a high-traffic area, so the paint needs to withstand heavy footsteps and dirty hands. If you prepare the area and do it correctly, the paint could last for years with only needing an occasional touch-up.

But if you rush or don’t take your time, the paint could easily chip and wear away in just a few months.

Below is our guide on how to paint your staircase, including the steps and the bannister and spindles.

 

What you need:

• Heat gun
• Sander
• Paintbrush
• Paint roller

Always wear PPE when sanding and painting in your home. A dust mask, gloves, and eye protection will be needed. You should also wear work boots and protective clothing.

 

Step 1: Prepare the area

You’re going to want to cover the flooring around your stairs to prevent paint drips. Use a drop cloth and some painter's tape to cover carpets and protect the walls of your stairs.

If painting the steps, remove any nails or carpet tacks on the steps.

 

Step 2: Remove existing paint

To ensure proper coverage, it is vital to remove any existing paint. A heat gun will be able to strip any old paint away, which will be especially handy if you have many layers of gloss paint to remove.

If there is only a thin layer of paint on the staircase, just sanding it with a coarse 80-grit sandpaper could work.

 

Step 3: Sand

Sanding will help to remove any leftover paint, and also smoothen any bumps. It will also give your wood a perfect texture to ensure paint sticks.

Opt for around 120 grit sandpaper, which should be coarse enough. A small handheld sander will get this done quickly, and you can use a small sanding block for any smaller areas.

 

Step 4: Fill holes

Fill any holes from removed nails and tacks with a wood filler. There may also be small gaps between the steps which need to be filled.

Allow to dry, and then sand with sandpaper around 180 coarseness. Once sanded, check the filler is completely smooth. If not, fill and re-sand again.

 

Step 5: Clean & remove debris

Brush and vacuum the stairs to remove loose dust and debris, before using a damp cloth to wipe the wood. Sugar soap can help wipe down any rough areas or stubborn dirt.

 

Step 6: Prime the wood

Start at the top and move down, covering all bare wood which will be painted with primer. Use a small brush and go from one side to the other.

Follow the manufacturer's guidelines on drying times. Don’t touch the primer during this time, to ensure it dries. Once dried, lightly sand down with fine sandpaper and vacuum the stairs once more.

 

Step 7: Paint

Use thin coats of paint and layer up; this is better than one or two very thick layers of paint, as it is less likely to chip.

You can use a foam roller to paint the larger areas of the steps. A small brush will paint any spindles or bannisters.

Ideally, leave the paint for around 24 hours to ensure it is fully dried. You may want to leave every other step unpainted to ensure you can still use the stairs and split the work over a few days.

SPEEDY TOP TIP: If absolutely everything in your hallway is covered with a drop sheet and tape, or you’re decorating a bare house with no other décor, you could use a paint sprayer to paint the entire staircase for ease

 

Step 8: Finish with a varnish

Once it is all painted, add a varnish to give your stairs an extra layer of protection. Wait around 72 hours after painting before varnishing for the best results.

 

 

FAQ’s

How can I paint bannisters and spindles?

The smaller the area, the smaller the brush you should use. Paint the spindles of your staircase before the bannister, so the bannister can still be used for safety.

Spindles can be really intricate designs, so if you’re going to struggle using a small brush, a sponge or flat cloth dipped in the paint will do a better job.

An old sock can also work really well, as you can get your hand into it to properly work around the spindle!

 

What paint should I use on my stairs?

Semi-gloss or eggshell paint is ideal for wooden stairs and bannisters. It is hard-wearing and will last, as it is easy to clean.

Always use a primer and allow it to dry completely before using.

If there are muddy footprints or greasy handprints, just wipe them away with a damp cloth and some cleaning product.

 

Can I fit a runner on my stairs after painting?

Yes. Always paint first, as it not only will ensure your stair runner doesn’t suffer from paint splashes but will also save you some time and work painting.

If you will be fitting a runner, there is no need to paint the middle section of your steps. It is just a waste of paint, plus leaving the middle section bare will make it easier for you to use the stairs.

Want the runner style, but want to avoid carpet? Paint your stairs two-tone. Paint the outside of the steps and bannister first, before allowing it to dry and using masking tape to paint the centre of the steps.

Or you could paint the spindles a different colour if you want to mix things up.

 

How can I clean a painted staircase?

Whether the steps or the spindles, just use a damp cloth to wipe your stairs. Regular cleaning will ensure no dirt builds up and will keep your stairs looking new.

You may want to implement a no-shoes policy for the stairs to keep them looking their best.

 

 

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