How to Paint Basement Wooden Steps

Painting basement wooden steps is the best way to preserve their condition over a long period. Basement steps tend to be exposed to rougher traffic and damper conditions than steps in other indoor locations. Safety measures need to be taken into account, as basement steps are often used to carry objects up to the house and down to the basement. When painting your wooden basement steps, start at the bottom, unless you want to spend the rest of the day in the basement.

Things You'll Need

• Sandpaper
• Rags
• Oil-based or deck-quality latex paint
• Mineral spirits
• Paintbrush
• Painter's tape

Instructions

1. Lightly sand all surfaces. Include the sides of the treads and any supports or risers that touch the basement floor. Scrape and sand off old spilled paint or any other substances that will leave lumps under the new paint. Remove the sanded residue with wet towels or rags.

2. Mask any contiguous wall areas with painter's tape, to save on cleanup. Mask floor area around steps.

3. Apply an even coat of paint to all surfaces, except the top, tread surfaces. If stairs are free-standing, consider painting the underside of the stair risers and treads, especially if your basement tends to be damp. This will prolong the life of your stairs by shielding surfaces exposed to evaporating moisture, which rises as it dries. Let all painted areas dry thoroughly. Apply a second coat and let it dry.

4. Stir 1 cup of sand into paint to be used on stair treads, unless you have purchased sanded paint or non-skid deck paint. If there is any danger that finished paint will be slick or slippery, plan to add safety strips or rubber treads to protect those carrying laundry loads, tools or other objects up and down stairs.

5. Apply a coat of paint to the stair treads, beginning with the bottom step. Work your way up the steps. If this is too taxing on your back or bifocals, work top to bottom, painting alternate treads to permit an escape. Let the first coat dry thoroughly and apply a second coat.