How to Paint a Staircase

Spread drop cloths below the stairs area to protect the floors., Clean areas you will paint with water and a mild detergent to remove grease, dirt and wax build-up., Strip old paint from the treads, risers and spindles by holding a heat gun on the...

18 Steps 1 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Spread drop cloths below the stairs area to protect the floors.

    Wipe the areas down with rag and clear water to remove the soap.

    For stubborn dirt, use a multi-purpose household cleaner.

    If the stairs are concrete or metal, you may also use a wire brush on set-in dirt. ,, Repeat until you have removed most of the paint. ,, Remove sawdust with a tack cloth. , Sand the area smooth.

    Sand the rest of the wood to smooth any rough surfaces. ,,, Allow it to dry thoroughly.

    Apply a second coat and let it dry.

    Apply a third coat, if necessary.
  2. Step 2: Clean areas you will paint with water and a mild detergent to remove grease

  3. Step 3: dirt and wax build-up.

  4. Step 4: Strip old paint from the treads

  5. Step 5: risers and spindles by holding a heat gun on the paint until it bubbles

  6. Step 6: keeping the heat gun moving to prevent scorching the wood.

  7. Step 7: Scrape the softened paint off with a scraper or chisel.

  8. Step 8: Remove remaining paint with a chemical paint stripper

  9. Step 9: following the manufacturer's directions.

  10. Step 10: Sand the wood to remove any remaining paint.

  11. Step 11: Fill any holes with wood filler

  12. Step 12: and let it dry.

  13. Step 13: Block areas on which you do not want paint with painter's masking tape

  14. Step 14: including adjacent walls.

  15. Step 15: Apply a coat of primer

  16. Step 16: and allow it to dry.

  17. Step 17: Paint the treads

  18. Step 18: risers and spindles with an oil-based paint that also contains a sealer.

Detailed Guide

Wipe the areas down with rag and clear water to remove the soap.

For stubborn dirt, use a multi-purpose household cleaner.

If the stairs are concrete or metal, you may also use a wire brush on set-in dirt. ,, Repeat until you have removed most of the paint. ,, Remove sawdust with a tack cloth. , Sand the area smooth.

Sand the rest of the wood to smooth any rough surfaces. ,,, Allow it to dry thoroughly.

Apply a second coat and let it dry.

Apply a third coat, if necessary.

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Sara Ruiz

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