How to Paint a Staircase

Chipped paint on old staircases can be repaired.

Staircases can be covered in unattractive carpet, chipping paint or outdated runners. Painting the staircase is an easy and inexpensive way to update an area and match it to your decor. Once you've removed the unwanted carpet or paint, you should be able to paint the staircase over a weekend. You can select any paint color you want, but keep in mind that lighter colors will show scuffs from shoes more quickly than darker colors.

Things You'll Need

• Claw hammer
• Paint stripper
• Putty knife
• 150- and 220-grit sandpaper
• Tack cloth
• Oil-based primer
• Paintbrush
• Interior oil-based paint
• Paint stirrer
• Foam paintbrush

Instructions

1. Remove the previous covering on the staircase. Pull out old carpet and pry up the tack strips with a claw hammer. To remove old paint, apply a paint stripper according to the directions on the package, and scrape off the melted paint with a putty knife.

2. Sand the staircase with 150-grit sandpaper to remove any rough spots. Sand the stairs again with 220-grit sandpaper for a smooth finish. Follow the grain of the wood when sanding. Remove the dust with a tack cloth.

3. Apply a coat of oil-based primer to the staircase with a natural-fiber paintbrush. Follow the grain of the wood. Paint the treads and risers, and do not forget to paint the bottom of the tread if it has a lip that juts out over the riser.

4. Let the primer dry according to the package directions. Rinse the paintbrush in clean water. Open the can of oil-based interior paint and stir it with a paint stirrer.

5. Apply the paint to the staircase with a foam paintbrush, starting at the top of the stairs and working toward the bottom. Use even, overlapping strokes to apply the paint. Let the paint dry, and then apply a second coat. Wait 24 hours before using the stairs.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the area is well-ventilated; oil-based primer and paint give off heavy fumes.

• You are working on a staircase were you slip and fall as you come down the stairs. Always keep an eye on your footing as you come down backwards painting.

References

• Apartment Therapy; White Stair Risers; Leah Moss; May 2010