How to Paint Stairs With Packed Risers
A staircase that has packed risers (as opposed to open risers) includes a surface on the back of each stair above the tread. This means that if you want to paint your stairs, you will have two surfaces to consider, including the tread and the riser. For a more interesting look, you can choose to paint each of these surfaces a different color, such as a dark tread color and a light riser color. No matter which color or colors you choose, the process for painting stairs with packed risers is the same. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Power sander
- Sandpaper
- Face mask
- Paintbrushes
- Oil-based primer
- Oil-based paint
- Foam brush
- Glossy polyurethane
- Matte polyurethane
Instructions
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Use a power sander to rough the surface of the stairs, including the tread and risers. Sand areas such as corners and overhangs manually.
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Open any windows or doors that you can to ventilate the area. Also, put on a face mask when working with oil-based primer or paint.
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Apply a coat of oil-based primer using a new paintbrush. Always paint in the direction of the wood grain. Coat both the tread and the risers of the stairs evenly. Wait for the primer to dry for approximately 24 hours.
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Add a coat of oil-based paint. Instead of using a paintbrush, opt for a foam brush for a better finish on the stairs. Wait for this coat to dry for another 24 hours.
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Brush on a coat of glossy polyurethane to both the tread and the risers of your stairs. The tread is the step itself, while the riser is the part of the step going straight up. This will help protect the painted surface. Wait for the polyurethane to dry for approximately eight hours.
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Apply a coat of matte finish polyurethane to the tread only, which will protect the high traffic area. Meanwhile, leave the glossy finish on the risers since they won't be getting stepped on like the tread.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
