Can You Just Paint or Stain Stairs?
If you want to create a new look for the stairs in your home, updating them with a coat of paint or stain is a feasible solution. Depending on your décor, you can choose from neutral or brightly colored paints. Your stairs can also be stained in whatever wood tone you prefer. An often used solution is to paint the risers and stain the steps. Some homeowners choose to create the look of a runner on the stairs with paint or add decorative stencils or painted objects. Your finished project requires your patience, time and a bit of imagination. Does this Spark an idea?
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Considerations
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Whether you paint or stain your stairs is up to your personal preference. Paint comes in a wide array of color choices allowing you more creativity. Select a paint that is suitable for floors for more durability. If stain is your choice, choosing a stain that complements the rest of the wood in your home is appropriate but not essential. Applying any type of finish to your stairs requires you to be off of them for several days to allow them to dry properly, so plan accordingly.
Preparation
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Sand wood stairs with fine grit sandpaper to remove old paint, varnish or stain. Vacuum sanding dust from the stairs and wipe with a tack cloth to remove all traces of dust from the surface. Fill any scratches, nicks or gouges with wood filler to create a smooth finish.
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Painting
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For a less traditional look, paint gives you more options. Your stairs can be painted in one color or in a selection of different colors to create a more whimsical appearance. After preparing the stairs, apply primer to the steps and risers. Begin with the top step and work downward, painting the steps and risers with your chosen paint. Apply two coats of paint for best results. Do not walk on the stairs until the paint is completely dry.
The choices for painting your stairs are only limited by your imagination. If a uniform color is boring to you, consider adding some decorative touches. Use stencils to add words, pictures or designs on the steps or risers. Or, paint a faux runner up the steps using either a solid color or a combination of colors to create a carpet design with patterns and borders in coordinating colors.
Staining
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Staining stairs creates a more traditional look. When staining, prepare the stairs by sanding and applying wood filler. Brush on the chosen stain with a paintbrush going with the wood grain. Wipe away excess stain with a soft cloth. Apply additional coats until you achieve the shade that you prefer. Three coats of clear polyurethane will seal the stained finish and protect the stairs.
Another traditional look is to stain the steps and paint the risers. To achieve this look, stain the step portion first using your choice of stain color. When the stain is dry, apply polyurethane to the steps for protection. Then, prime the risers. When dry, apply two coats of paint, typically in white.
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References
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