How to Paint Your Stair Spindles
There are many ways to revive tired stair spindles. But if you’re looking for a cost-effective transformation, a fresh paint job can do the trick. Freshly painted stair spindles may just give your home the refreshing feel you want.
To tackle this job, you’ll need the following supplies, most of which can be found at StairFurb, one of the most affordable DIY stores selling kits and installing quality stairs since 2001.
If you are looking to renovate your staircase with a new glass balustrade, check out what StairFurb can supply with a free mailed brochure.
PAINTING YOUR STAIRCASE
PREPARING YOUR STAIRCASE
What you’ll need:
- Sandpaper (100 and 220 grit)
- Hot soapy water and a rag
- Painters tape
- Small and large paint brushes
- Primer
- Quick-dry paint.
If you’re painting your spindles, cover up any of the floor or carpet directly underneath.
Thoroughly clean the spindles with warm soapy water.
Wipe down every part of the staircase being painted with warm, soapy water or all-purpose cleaner and allow 5 minutes to dry.
Once spindles are dry, next, place a drop cloth around the bottom of the stair spindles and use your fine-grit sanding sponge to smooth any surfaces that are going to be painted.
If your spindles are in good condition with no peeling paint, use fine sandpaper to go over the surface roughly.
If the paint is peeling away or is damaged, use a flat scraper to peel and remove the sections of damaged paint first. Then, use medium-grit sandpaper to sand down to the bare wood.
Vacuum and wipe away any sanding dust with a Stair Furb cleaning Kit. The StairFurb cleaning kit is ideal to clean all dust.
Before getting started, remember that you’ll need to avoid touching the stair spindles until the product is dry, so be sure to schedule accordingly. Then you’ll need to prime your stair spindles using All-Purpose Primer on all surfaces, you’ll be painting.
From the top of the staircase, work your way down each spindle using a small paintbrush for fine detailing and a large brush for flat areas.
Be sure to wait for the primer to fully dry before applying the next coat. And now we’re ready to paint.
PAINTING YOUR STAIRCASE
PAINTING YOUR SPINDLES
Once the primed surfaces have fully dried, apply an even second coat of paint using the same method as before. Starting at the top of the staircase, using a small brush for fine detailing and a large brush for flat surfaces. Remember to leave any paint to dry for 6–8 hours before applying a second coat.
After the paint has dried, apply your top coat to the spindles. It’s best to use a couple of coats to ensure longevity. Wood topcoats help protect the paint’s finish and usually dry within minutes.
Remember tape can damage wood surfaces if left too long, so be sure to remove it immediately after you’ve finished your final coat. If you are painting the bannister along with the spindles, it’s best always to paint it last so that you won’t constantly have to lean over or hold on to the rail as you prime/paint the other sides of the bannister (this can be especially helpful if you suffer from back issues).