Paint a Staircase Stunning!
If your staircase is looking a bit worse for wear, or you have removed the carpet, here's how to give your staircase a stunning update with paint.
07/07/2020
Image credit: Pete Helme Photography / Rust-Oleum
If your staircase is looking a bit worse for wear, or perhaps you have removed the carpet and it needs an instant update, then you will love this project for painting a staircase to give it a brand new look. You will find a simple set of step-by-step instructions below that you can complete in a weekend and won't require too much effort on your part.
Using Rust-Oleum Chalk Paint for this project eliminates the time spend sanding the entire staircase and speeds up the process with chalk paint's quick drying time.
GOOD TO KNOW: The best time to tackle this project is when you're on your own and the kids have gone out so you don't have to worry about anyone wanting to go up and down the stairs until you're done. Also, take note to factor in drying time for the paint, the longer you can leave it to dry - the tougher the finish. If you have an evening or two spare after the kids have gone to bed, even better. You can leave the paint to dry overnight.
YOU WILL NEED:
Rust-Oleum Chalk Paint
Clear, matt polyurethane sealer or Chalk Paint Top Coat
Wood filler
Heavy-duty cleaner / stripper
Painter's tape
TOOLS:
Multi- or Orbital sander and assorted sanding pads*
Paint scraper
Dust mask
Paintbrushes
Paint roller and paint tray
*Do yourself a favour - use a sander that has a microfilter or attachment to connect to your vacuum cleaner or dust extractor. You don't want to have dust settling all over the house.
HERE'S HOW:
1. Before you start painting, you need to attend to any fix-ups or repairs that need to be done. Any holes, dents, dings or cracks can be filled with wood filler, left to dry and then sanding smooth. That way the finish will be in good condition for painting.
2. Rust-Oleum Chalk Paint is a very easy paint to apply; it doesn't require that you do any heaving sanding beforehand and you can apply with a paintbrush or paint roller. Use a paintbrush to do the edges first and let this dry.
3. If you are using 2 or more colours to paint the staircase, make use of painter's tape to mask off areas where you want to apply different colours - but only once each colour is thoroughly dry. Applying tape on wet paint will definitely spoil the finish!
4. When applying to paint, try to avoid drips and runs. Check along edges, as this is where excess paint tends to accumulate. Change to a paint roller for the flat surfaces being painted.
GOOD TO KNOW: At all costs, avoid thick coats of paint. The finish will be more durable if you apply a couple or three thin coats of paint and always waiting until each coat is completely dry before applying the next one.
5. Once the entire staircase is painted, apply 2 to 3 coats of clear, matt polyurethane or chalk paint top coat to protect the finish.
