Wooden stairs look best when painted. The paint also decreases the daily wear of the steps and riser. Painting a staircase takes a weekend of work and a lot of attention to detail.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: The preparation
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Step 1. Remove the carpet or carpet
Grab a corner of the carpet with the tongs. Help yourself with other tools if you can't.
- Tear off the fabric, removing the staples.
- Remember to wear gloves and work clothes when doing this.
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Step 2. Move furniture and objects close to the stairs, both at the top and at the bottom
This can create a lot of dust, so try to isolate the area as much as you can.
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Step 3. Cover the doors with a plastic sheet
Secure the tarp with tape. Also cover surrounding floors and carpets.
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Step 4. Open the closest windows
You will need good ventilation to sand and paint the staircase.
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Step 5. Check that there are no protruding nails
If you notice any, hit them back with a hammer.
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Step 6. Tape the wall adjacent to the staircase
Part 2 of 3: Sand the wood
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Step 1. Find out what kind of paint was used
If it is heavy or thick paint you may need to use a chemical solvent. Apply it according to the instructions on the package, and remember that it is important to work in a well-ventilated environment.
- Chemical solvents usually spread over the surface and then scrape off the paint with a putty knife.
- If the paint is not too thick you can move on to the next operation, which is sanding.
- After applying the solvent, wipe the stairs with a clean cloth. You will need to sand with fine-grained sandpaper to remove any solvent residue.
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Step 2. Sand the wood surface with medium grit paper to remove old paint and smooth out any dents
You can use an electric sander, but sometimes in the corners it is necessary to work by hand.
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Step 3. Switch to a finer grain
If the stairs are not too old, a light sanding will suffice. You just have to remove the old paint, do not wear out the stairs.
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Step 4. Sweep the dust away
Vacuum the stairs and surrounding areas. Wipe a tacky cloth over the steps.
Part 3 of 3: Painting the wood
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Step 1. Buy some paint samples for testing
Choose an inconspicuous spot and apply two or three coats. Repeat this until you find the perfect color.
Use only floor paint for a longer lasting result
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Step 2. Apply the paint by brush or rag
Water-based paints require a brush, gel-based paints a rag. Read the instructions on the package.
Start at the top and work your way down. You won't have to climb stairs for at least a day
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Step 3. Let the first coat of paint dry
Then apply the second and third. The wood will darken more and more.
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Step 4. Sand the stairs with fine-grained sandpaper, then wipe with a sticky rag
This will make it easier to set the clear polish.
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Step 5. Apply a coat of clear polish, following the instructions on the package
Stairs are a high traffic area, so it is essential to protect them as well as possible.
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Step 6. Sand again with fine grit paper and brush away the dust
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Step 7. Apply a second coat of clearcoat
Let it dry for at least 24 hours before walking on it.