What is the best paint for indoor stairs?
- If you are choosing to paint your risers and stain your treads, risers almost always look best painted white, no matter the color of stain
- Dark stains are better for hiding imperfections on these heavy-traffic areas
- Stains are generally more durable than paint, and lighter tread paints may begin showing scuffs and marks before stains or darker paints
What kind of paint do you use on interior stairs?
Use high-quality paints with a durable sheen, like Benjamin Moore Floor & Patio for the treads and ADVANCE ® for other surfaces, to withstand the constant traffic that stairs receive. When you are ready to choose color for your stairway, lean on the free Benjamin Moore Color Portfolio ® App, which empowers you to test out different color ...
What is the best way to paint stairs indoors?
What Kind of Paint Do You Use on Interior Stairs?
- A Slippery Topic. Durable, slip-resistant porch and floor paint is ideal for stairs. ...
- Shine Equals Durability. Paint sheen matters about as much as color. ...
- Color Counts. Dark treads help to hide wear and dirt, while light risers create visual definition. ...
- Stepping Up in Style. ...
How to paint high walls over stairs?
Method 1 Method 1 of 3: Making a Scaffold
- Cover the stairs and railing with drop cloths. No matter how careful you are, there’s a good chance a few drips will fall on the stairs when you paint.
- Place a step ladder at the top of the stairs. ...
- Prop an extension ladder against the wall at the bottom of the stairs. ...
- Lay a 2- by 12- inch (5.1-cm x 30.5-cm) board between the ladders. ...
What kind of paint do you use on stairs?
How many coats of paint do I need for stairs?
How to make a smooth finish?
Is satin paint safe for risers?
Can you use wood paint on a staircase?
Can you paint over an old staircase?
Can you paint a staircase?
See 2 more

What kind of paint do you use on stairs?
Semi-gloss or satin paints are typically preferred for risers but can prove dangerous when used on the stair treads. Always opt for floor paints when you can, as they're designed to be non-slip and more durable than other kinds of paints.
Is it a good idea to paint stairs?
Staircases actually present a good opportunity to get creative with paint, colour and pattern, adding character to these small spaces that first welcome you into your home. With that in mind, we've found some of the best, tried-and-trust and most creative staircase ideas using paint to inspire your project.
Can you just paint your stairs?
Freshly painted wooden stairs can look stylish just as they are. Or alternatively can provide the perfect fresh canvas on which to lay a striking carpet runner. Either way, a fresh coat of paint on the stairs is a simple yet effective staircase idea that will elevate the decor.
Can you paint wood stairs without sanding?
Some people paint their staircases in different colors, which also tend to leave a mark behind. If you have recently come across a staircase with ugly blotches, don't worry. You don't have to strip and sand the surface of the wood to get rid of them.
What is the best color for stairs?
Classic White. For a crisp, clean stairway that will work with an assortment of décor styles and stand the test of time, Wadden suggests choosing a pure white paint for your staircase. "Pure White SW 7005 is the perfect color if you're going for a classic painted look," she explains.
How slippery are painted stairs?
Are Painted Stairs too Slippery? One problem with painted stairs is that they can be slipperier than carpeted stairs, or even plain hardwood steps. This doesn't need to stop you from doing it, however, because you can add a slip-resistant additive to the paint.
How many coats of paint do I need for stairs?
How many coats of paint do I need for stairs? For the best results and longevity when learning how to paint a staircase, apply two coats of paint after a good quality floor primer and undercoat.
Is it better to stain or paint stairs?
Stains are generally more durable than paint, and lighter tread paints may begin showing scuffs and marks before stains or darker paints. Painting over dated, stained wood on spindles, risers, and handrails is one of the most cost-effective ways of transforming your staircase or stairwell.
How long before you can walk on painted stairs?
24 hoursBe sure to let your stairs dry completely (at least overnight, ideally 24 hours) before walking on them.
How do I prepare my stairs for painting?
Step 1: Check for Nails and Lay Dust Sheets. ... Step 2: Sand the Stairs. ... Step 3: Fill Holes. ... Step 4: Ensure Stairs are Free of Debris and Dust. ... Step 5: Painting Stairs With Primer. ... Step 6: Undercoat Treads, Rises and Sides. ... Step 7: How to Paint Stairs With a Top Coat.
How do you paint interior stairs?
1:132:41How to Paint a Staircase Walkthrough | Benjamin Moore - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo be sure to schedule. Accordingly then you'll need to prime your staircase. Using fresh start highMoreSo be sure to schedule. Accordingly then you'll need to prime your staircase. Using fresh start high hiding all-purpose primer on all surfaces you'll be painting from the top of the stairs.
Should I paint stair risers white?
Homeowners and business owners primarily choose to paint risers for aesthetic reasons but regardless of the type of wood used for the stair, the painting process remains the same. White risers tend to highlight the natural wood stairs but also make the staircase and surrounding walls look more spacious.
Is it better to stain or paint stairs?
Stains are generally more durable than paint, and lighter tread paints may begin showing scuffs and marks before stains or darker paints. Painting over dated, stained wood on spindles, risers, and handrails is one of the most cost-effective ways of transforming your staircase or stairwell.
How do you protect painted stairs?
Polyurethane is supposed to protect any painted or stained surface. Plus, it makes it easier for you to wipe down the protected surface in the future. Please note that when you apply this, it has a cloudy appearance but it dries completely clear.
What is the best paint for wood stairs?
Semi-gloss paint is one of the best options when it comes to floor and stair paints because it's incredibly durable and looks great even when faced with heavy foot traffic. Some people opt for eggshell or matt finishes as these too are able to withstand foot traffic and general wear and tear to a high degree.
How long before you can walk on painted stairs?
24 hoursBe sure to let your stairs dry completely (at least overnight, ideally 24 hours) before walking on them.
What kind of paint do you use on stairs?
When painting stairs, you need to use a suitable floor paint to ensure a long-lasting, hard-wearing finish. Choose a water-based floor paint that can be applied directly to wooden floorboards and concrete flooring, and directly over old paint or varnish.
How many coats of paint do I need for stairs?
For the best results and longevity, apply two coats of paint after a good quality floor primer and undercoat. To keep painted stairs from chipping, make sure you apply a clear water-based urethane varnish, like Rust-Oleum Varathane, available at Amazon.
How to make a smooth finish?
For a smooth finish use a small roller but cut in with a paintbrush (see our pick of the best). Start early and preferably when everyone is out for the day. You need to factor in drying time which will be at least a few hours to be touch-dry and longer before you should be walking on it.
Is satin paint safe for risers?
However, remember that floor paints are designed to be less slippy. Gloss and satin might be fine for risers, but could prove dangerous if used on the tread itself. For the best wood paint head over to our guide and we have a round up of the best washable paints too.
Can you use wood paint on a staircase?
Choose suitable paint for your staircase. While you can use any wood paint, those designed for floors are best as they are designed to be more durable. It needs to be walked all over of course. If you do choose to use wood paint, a satin finish may be more forgiving. However, remember that floor paints are designed to be less slippy.
Can you paint over an old staircase?
While paint is perfect for making over an old staircase, you need to make sure it is in good nick before you start. Repair any loose or broken parts, and fill any dents.
Can you paint a staircase?
Whether you want to paint the whole staircase, just the treads or just the risers, a lick of paint will bring maximum impact to your space.
How to make a graphic look on stairs?
To do this, use the same tape technique as for the runner, but place the tape on each step and riser in the desired width of your stripe. Paint, let dry, then replace tape and paint the background color.
Do you need to prep stairs before painting?
Before you paint, you'll want to thoroughly clean and sand your stairs.
Do you need to paint stairs before top coat?
Since the stairs will likely be getting a fair amount of wear, a good primer is key. Paint this on and allow it to dry before you start on your top coat.
Why do I tape the stairs above and below the landing?
The reason I did it that way is so that when I went to tape the landing, I could match up the runner from the stairs above the landing and the stairs below the landing.
What color to paint over tape?
Go back and do a light coat of base color (in our case white) over top of the tape, everywhere. This seals the tape edges so that you won’t end up with any paint seeping under your tape job!
How to smooth out gash in wood?
If you have any HUGE gashes/divots/etc, you might want to try to sand those out or fill them with wood putty or Bondo to smooth them out a bit.
Can you paint a gray stripe with frog tape?
Once you have your two lines of Frog Tape in place, remove the blue tape so that you’ll be able to paint on your gray stripe in that location. Remember: under that “inside” yellow tape is where your white “stripe” will be once the tape is removed.
Can you paint basement stairs?
This part of painting basement stairs isn’t really any different in terms of suppli es or technique than other paint jobs you’d take on.
Can you paint over tape?
You can see in the image below that we didn’t hold back with the gray paint. You really want to go all the way to the tape, and then paint OVER the tape as well so that you won’t have any unpainted little spots.
Can you use a palm sander to sand oak flooring?
We were able to use the old nosing piece to finish the edge of the landing, but we had to raise it up 3/4″ with plywood to match the height of the new oak flooring. Once the oak flooring was installed, we used the palm sander to sand the floor until it was nice and smooooooth.
When painting, do you have to work in a well ventilated space?
Always work in a well ventilated space when you are painting. If possible, wait until moderate weather arrives so you can open basement and upstairs windows.
Can you mix Shark grip paint?
Ask the hardware store to add a slip-resistant additive, like Shark Grip, to your paint. They can mix this well with their paint mixer. You can also mix it using a stir stick at home. However, it may not be as uniform.
Can you paint basement stairs?
If your basement stairs are in need of repair, consider replacing carpet or vinyl with paint. Basement stair paint can be durable, requiring only occasionally touch ups. Slip resistant additives can also be added to ensure that stairs are safer. Make sure you clean the stairs well and use a porch or floor paint.
Can you paint cement stairs with a roller?
You may choose to use a large bristle brush with wood stairs, so that you can follow the grain. You can use a roller or a foam brush on cement stairs. Painting every other stair allows you to sit on 1 stair while you paint others. It also allows you to exit the area in either direction during your project.
Can you paint stairs in a different color?
Decide if you want an unconventional design on your stairs. You can simply paint your stairs in a single color, or you can paint the riser a different color than the top of the step. The following are new styles of stair painting: Paint the front of the stair and the top in a single color.
How long should I let stairs dry before staining?
Let dry for about 8 hours before using the stairs. I let my stairs dry for a full day before applying the coat of stain on the rest of the treads. In the picture, you can see where I considered staining the risers as well. It was also an easy way to see the color of the stain from far away.
Why did I stain every other stair?
I stained every other stair so that our staircase was still usable. It was easier to work on a day where my kids were at school and I started early in the morning to give it plenty of time to dry.
How to get a stain out of a t-shirt?
Mix the stain well and apply with a foam brush. Let it sit for a few minutes and wipe off the excess stain with a clean rag or old t-shirt. The longer you let it sit, the darker it will be. Let dry for about 8 hours before using the stairs.
How to get rid of a stain smell outside?
If weather permits, place a box fan in a nearby window facing outside to blow all of the stain fumes outside. It’s not perfect, but it really helps cut down on the smell. The smell was the worst part about the process.
How to remove poly stain from wood?
I’m installing runners on my stairs, so I skipped the 2nd coat. To remove stain from your hands, wash your hands with a bit of olive oil mixed with soap. Add sugar to the mix if it’s really bad.
How to get stained treads off?
Tape off the stained treads. I only taped the bottoms because I’m decent at cutting in at the top. If that makes you nervous tape the top too. If your trim needs to be repainted, don’t worry about taping it off either. After you apply your tape, rub the edges well to create a seal.
How to get rid of dog hair on stairs?
Start with very clean stairs. I vacuumed up dog hair and kept a microfiber cloth with me to wipe away any stray hairs that I missed.
Why do I paint stairs?
Why? A couple of reasons: 1. I prefer the look of having some shine. 2. The higher the sheen (more glossy), the easier it is to clean the painted surface. I figured since stairs were a highly-trafficked surface, ease of cleaning would be key .
When was the painted stairs project completed?
But the project was actually completed in mid-late 2015.
What is patio paint?
Porch and patio paint is a special type of paint that is specifically made for floors! So, it shouldn’t be any wonder that it works well, really. We used Behr, but it is made by every major paint brand. Porch and patio paint, just like paint for your walls, comes in different sheens.
Can I paint stairs with a runner?
In short? YES. Absolutely. If you are looking to update some stairs, but don’t have the budget to install new stairs, treads, etc. or even have the budget to carpet, then I’d highly recommend this update. It takes some elbow grease if you’re going to add a painted runner, as we did. If you just want a solid coat of paint, then that makes it easier.
Is stained hardwood slippery?
Stained hardwood or painted hardwood do tend to be more slippery than carpet (perhaps adding a carpet runner would be a good fix if you’re concerned?)
Do painted stairs have dings?
these stairs have seen a lot of foot traffic. And despite that, the painted treads (and risers) have held up beautifully! Sure, there are a few scuffs and dings. But the paint has not flaked or chipped AT ALL. The dings are due to the wood being soft, not a defect in the paint. Overall, I’d say that the painted stairs have more than proven themselves to be highly durable. And I couldn’t be happier with how they’ve held up over the years.
Can you use latex paint on stairs?
A Slippery Topic. Durable, slip-resistant porch and floor paint is ideal for stairs. If you plan to use standard latex paint, however, top it with a few coats of water-based polyurethane to increase its durability. Comparatively, oil-based polyurethane is longer lasting, but yellows with age, takes longer to dry and typically contains more ...
Do you paint risers on treads?
Paint only the risers to define the treads aesthetically and visibly.
What color are the stairs in Remodelista?
Pale pink and olive green have been a trendy decor pairing for a few years now, and these stairs from Remodelista make us want to jump on the bandwagon. The blush wall and the deep green stairs work well in the otherwise all-white space while adding a bit of character.
What color are Maison de Pax stairs?
They may not be a crazy bright color, but the crisp white and black contrast adds dimension and gives off a luxury feel with little effort.
What color are the stairs in Pufik?
We can't think of a better way to return after a long, hard day at work than being greeted by these bright blue and yellow stairs from Pufik. We love the faux carpet runner look created by the deep blue block coloring. Plus, the deep color is a great way to hide marks and dirt without a lot of elbow grease.
Can you paint a carpet runner?
A carpet runner can be nice, but these nautical-inspired stairs from theothersideofneutral prove you can create the same effect with paint. Stick to the same guidelines you'd use when selecting a carpet runner, and you can swap out your "runner" for a lot less money than real carpet.
Can a wide staircase look bulky?
If you have a small space, a wide staircase can look bulky and oversized. These half-white stairs from _three_little_birds are the perfect solution. By splitting the stairs in half with paint, it creates an illusion of a narrower staircase that works well with the rest of the space.
Can you paint banisters?
Already love the way your stairs look? You can still mix things up by adding a coat of paint to your banister, as seen in these stunning stairs from kimbahills. We love how the bold teal banister matches an accent door in the entryway, creating a cohesive look.
Can you paint stairs with self adhesive wallpaper?
Unless you're a trained artist, creating elaborate murals on your stairs may be out of reach. These gray stairs from kos.home use both paint and self-adhesive wallpaper to create a designer look. It's easy to find budget-friendly wallpaper that will create a luxury feel without a lot of money.
What kind of paint do you use on stairs?
When painting stairs, you need to use a suitable floor paint to ensure a long-lasting, hard-wearing finish. Choose a water-based floor paint that can be applied directly to wooden floorboards and concrete flooring, and directly over old paint or varnish.
How many coats of paint do I need for stairs?
For the best results and longevity, apply two coats of paint after a good quality floor primer and undercoat. To keep painted stairs from chipping, make sure you apply a clear water-based urethane varnish, like Rust-Oleum Varathane, available at Amazon.
How to make a smooth finish?
For a smooth finish use a small roller but cut in with a paintbrush (see our pick of the best). Start early and preferably when everyone is out for the day. You need to factor in drying time which will be at least a few hours to be touch-dry and longer before you should be walking on it.
Is satin paint safe for risers?
However, remember that floor paints are designed to be less slippy. Gloss and satin might be fine for risers, but could prove dangerous if used on the tread itself. For the best wood paint head over to our guide and we have a round up of the best washable paints too.
Can you use wood paint on a staircase?
Choose suitable paint for your staircase. While you can use any wood paint, those designed for floors are best as they are designed to be more durable. It needs to be walked all over of course. If you do choose to use wood paint, a satin finish may be more forgiving. However, remember that floor paints are designed to be less slippy.
Can you paint over an old staircase?
While paint is perfect for making over an old staircase, you need to make sure it is in good nick before you start. Repair any loose or broken parts, and fill any dents.
Can you paint a staircase?
Whether you want to paint the whole staircase, just the treads or just the risers, a lick of paint will bring maximum impact to your space.
