How to Paint Stairs

A good option for adding color or renewing an old set of stairs is to paint them. When you paint a set of stairs you can restore the original color or use different colors for contrast. Learn how to paint stairs by following these steps.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Sand the wooden stairs to remove any old paint or stain. Use an 80-grit sandpaper for getting rid of the paint and stain and a finer grit for finishing them. A fine-grit sandpaper smooths out rough areas and makes the wood ready for paint.

2. Decide on a color and type of paint for the stairs. You can go with the original color, a neutral color such as white, or use bright colors and patterns. Patterns can be painted on stairs using masking tape. This can add brightness and life to the stairs. Use paint specifically designed for floors on the stairs. This paint lasts much longer than ordinary wall paint under foot traffic.

3. Apply a coat of primer on the stairs to seal them and to stop the wood from soaking up the paint. Primer also helps on the wear of the paint.

4. Paint the stairs with a good-quality brush that does not show brush strokes. Allow the paint to dry completely before adding another coat. If using patterns, mark off the areas to be painted a different color with masking tape.

5. Add any additional coats of paint or paint the other colors of your chosen pattern on the stairs. Allow the paint to dry completely before walking on the stairs.