How to Paint Stair Runners
Faux paint treatments can be used throughout your home to give it a look that's uniquely your own. A painted stair runner, for example, is an inexpensive weekend project that can increase the visual appeal of your foyer or entryway Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Medium grit sand paper
- Damp rag
- Broom
- Dustpan
- Blue painters' tape
- Paint tray (optional)
- Small paint roller
- Small paint brush
- Latex paint
- Primer (optional)
- Polyurethane
Instructions
-
-
1
Prep the stairs first by sanding any rough spots. Sweep up the dust and then wipe down the stairs with a damp rag. Allow them to dry completely.
-
2
Apply primer per the manufacturer's directions. Primer is available in an array of colors; you may be able to purchase a primer that can be the base color for your stairs. Check with your paint distributor to determine if the color you want is available.
-
-
3
After the primer has dried completely--usually 6 to 8 hours per coat--use blue painters' tape to outline the shape of your stair runner. You will be painting the runner color on the inside of the tape and the width of your runner will be determined by how you arrange the tape. To ensure perfectly straight lines and equal borders, use a ruler to measure and lightly pencil sketch where the painters' tape should be placed.
-
4
Once the tape is arranged to your satisfaction, apply the paint for the stair runner. Depending on your choice of colors, you may have to apply two to three coats to get the color you want. Make sure to let the paint dry between coats according to the manufacturer's directions.
-
5
Allow the final coat of paint to cure, typically for 24 hours, then remove the painters' tape to reveal your runner. To protect your new runner from wear and tear, apply two to three coats of polyurethane.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Primer is only needed on steps that have not been painted previously. If your steps are already painted a color that you like, you can prep the space and then skip directly to step 3.
Designs for a painted stair runner are limited only by your imagination. You can create a patterned runner with stencils; you can also use painters' tape to create shapes and designs. You can also add a border to your painted stair runner in a contrasting color by outlining a thin strip next to your main border.
Sometimes removing painters' tape can also result in chipped paint! Be sure to use blue painters' tape, which is created to be removed up to 72 hours after the paint dries without chipping. Also, after placing the painters' tape, run an old credit card along the edge of the tape to increase the bond so that paint does not seep underneath. Finally, to be absolutely safe, you can apply a clear glazing medium along the edge of the painters' tape.The glaze will act as a resist to the colored paint.
This project will take approximately 48 to 72 hours to complete. Be sure to create a plan for getting up and down the stairs. One way to do this is to paint every other step first so that you have dry stairs to use while the paint is drying. You can complete the alternate steps after the first set have completely dried.
As with any painting project, be sure to work in a properly ventilated area and wear protective wear such as goggles, a face mask and long sleeved clothing.
