It’s almost spring and you (or your clients) are in the mood for a home renovation. And what central piece of millwork needs special attention? The stairs! Painting your wood stairs is a relatively inexpensive and easy way to completely change their look. There are many different color options, and it can be interesting to try something new. You can give it a classic, timeless look, or opt for something more modern and trendy.
However, painting a wooden staircase can be laborious because of its actual appearance, all the nooks and crannies and the structure of the pieces that make it up. Whether it is done manually or mechanically, there are a few basic rules for a colorful renovation.
Image source: Pixabay.com
Is it necessary to strip the stairs?
In the best case scenario, your stairs are in good condition, with no carpet and a thin coat of wood stain. Then you can probably just apply the new paint without too much difficulty. But let’s be honest, if you want to renovate your wooden stairs, there’s a good reason, namely that they are damaged or already painted an ugly color… so you’ll have to sand them.
With some sandpaper and a little elbow grease, it is possible to give an old wooden staircase a whole new look. When it’s time to refurbish a wooden staircase, the first task is to remove the old finish. Whether it is painted or varnished, it must be removed. Although technically an entry-level project, this task takes time and patience. Be prepared to spend several hours getting this task right.
What type of paint to use for stairs?
Wooden stairs require a good coat of primer, a base paint and a coat of oil to nourish and shine the wood. Because stairs are subject to wear and tear, a good primer is essential. Apply it and let it dry before starting the top coat.
Most people opt for satin or semi-gloss finishes when it comes to renovating their stairs, as both types of paint are durable and make hardwood floors look good. These types of paint are also commonly used as floor paints.
If you want to keep the natural look of the wood, you can apply linseed oil, which is the healthiest and most environmentally friendly way to lubricate all interior and exterior woods. However, make sure that the surfaces have absorbed all the oil so that your stairs don’t turn into a giant slide!
Use a brush or roller to paint a wooden staircase
Use a brush for details and corners where the riser and step meet. You can use a small foam roller for larger, flat areas. Don’t be tempted to apply thick layers of paint. The coverage will last much longer if you apply several thin coats rather than one thick one.
Start early, preferably when everyone is out for the day. You need to consider the drying time, which will be at least a few hours to be dry to the touch, and longer before you can walk on it.
This may seem obvious, but start at the top and work your way down – especially when painting the steps – so you don’t get stuck upstairs (unless you’re painting from a basement, of course).
You’ll also need to mask the walls and floors – if you’re looking for a good masking tape that won’t rip out and is a good value, we recommend our Airless Discounter Gold tapes that you’ll find on our online store in 5 different sizes.
Image source: Pixabay.com
Paint a wooden staircase with an airless sprayer
If you only have the staircase and its railing to paint, a small airless pump is sufficient. For example, you can use a Graco GX FF, which allows you to spray only a few liters of paint thanks to its integrated hopper. The nozzle (Graco FF LP 210) and the gun filter (#100 mesh) supplied with the new pump are also designed for the treatment of lacquers and varnishes.
However, if you have other renovation projects such as the other rooms of your apartment, it is also possible to apply varnish with the Graco GX21 sprayer.
As each project is different and we always want to check with you which accessories and machines are suitable for your needs, we always invite you to contact us directly for a personalized advice before purchasing.
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