how do you paint risers and stain stairs

How To Painting the Stair Risers?

Full Answer

What kind of paint to use on stair risers?

• Paint them a soft colour like gray, cream, or taupe to soften their appearance
• Use a matte or eggshell paint, rather than a high gloss
• Match the wall colour next to the stairs to blend the risers in with the wall

How to temporarily wallpaper staircase risers?

Wallpapering Our Stair Risers

1. Choosing the Right Wallpaper. Chances are, your staircase will be WIDER than the width of the roll of wallpaper. ...
2. Finding the right measurements. Determining how much wallpaper you need is always the challenge. ...
3. Cutting the Wallpaper. I started by cutting one panel of wallpaper long enough for each riser. ...
4. Wallpapering the Risers. ...

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 paint for wooden stairs?

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 protect a riser from stain?

How to sand a riser?

Can you paint stairs with stained treads?

Can you strip risers?

Can you paint stairs with dropcloths?

Can you paint stairs before staining?

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Should I stain steps or paint risers first?

The Strategy. Once the stairs are ready, it's best to start by painting the risers. That way, you can remove any paint you get on the treads before staining them; and painted risers are relatively easy to protect from stain.

What kind of paint do you use on stair risers?

Semi-glossSemi-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.

How do you paint stair treads and risers?

0:202:20How To Paint Stair Risers - Ace Hardware - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first thing we need to do is wipe the stairs with a damp cloth to remove any dust and grimeMoreThe first thing we need to do is wipe the stairs with a damp cloth to remove any dust and grime cleaning stairs will ensure you have a crisp paint line and a smooth and durable finish.

Do you have to sand risers before painting?

Sanding. The purpose of sanding the risers is to remove any existing paint or stain and prep the risers to receive the new paint. Painting will roughen the riser. When finished, use a good primer to fill and bind the small but noticeable irregularities in the riser.

What is the best colour to paint 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.

Can you paint stairs without sanding?

Step No. To refinish wood stairs without sanding, you need to cover the stair treads with the final touch. However, before that, you need to cover all the areas you don't want to get the paint on. This includes the sides of the stairs and risers as well.

What type of stain is best for stairs?

Polyurethane (Surface Type Finish) Polyurethane is the best surface finish for stairs. Surface finishes do have some drawbacks. The main one is that they can cover up the natural charm of wooden stairs.

Do stairs look better with white risers?

White risers look better if you want to give your home a more traditional, classic, and formal look. They provide a nice contrast between the white paint and the wood treads. White risers tend to highlight the natural wood of the tread. They also make the staircase and surrounding walls look more spacious.

How long before you can walk on stained stairs?

Well, you can't walk on stained treads for at least eight hours after application.

What's the best paint to use on wooden stairs?

Latex and acrylic paint is probably the most used paint for stairs. It is easy to work with and easy to clean. There are many advantages of using latex paint for painting your wooden stairs. One of the most common problems of wooden stairs is moisture penetrating them due to the weather changes.

Should you put polyurethane over 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.

How do you refinish stair risers?

Hardwood Stairs Refinishing ProcessRemove any carpeting from the stairs.Remove all carpet staples.Strip the stain from the treads.Sand the treads and risers using an orbital hand sander.Hand sand the spindles, banister and around the base of the spindles.Vacuum and wipe down everything until the dust is gone entirely.More items...

What paint to use on stairs steps?

When deciding which staircase paint to use, either a matt or eggshell finish would work equally well. Both fare hard-wearing and easy clean finishes that would stand the test of time in such an oft-used area. For painting wooden stairs, eggshell paint may work slightly better for a more durable finish.

What do you use for stair risers?

Stair risers can be made out of MDF, wood, tile, stone, glass, metal and carpet. White painted risers make the stairs stand out. MDF is the most inexpensive and commonly used product for stair risers. Because it's so smooth, it's a great surface for painting.

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 do you refinish stair risers?

Hardwood Stairs Refinishing ProcessRemove any carpeting from the stairs.Remove all carpet staples.Strip the stain from the treads.Sand the treads and risers using an orbital hand sander.Hand sand the spindles, banister and around the base of the spindles.Vacuum and wipe down everything until the dust is gone entirely.More items...

What goes on first treads or risers?

Stair treads are the flat surfaces that people step on as they go up and down the stairs. Risers are the vertical surfaces that go between the treads.

What is the paint to use on stair risers?

The paint to use on stair risers is typically a semi-gloss or high-gloss paint.

Can you paint stairs without sanding?

You can paint your stairs without sanding them, especially if they’re not high-traffic areas. … If your stairs are finished with polyurethane, use an oil-based primer. Once the primer is dry, use 100-grit sandpaper to slightly abrade the surface so the paint will stick better.

Do white stair risers get dirty?

While white stair risers do not get as dirty as other colors, they can still become stained and discolored over time. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help keep them looking their best.

Should You Paint Stair Risers?

Painting the stair risers in a brilliant, glossy white is a customary practice, while your stair tread is given a coat of stain protection. Despite its attractiveness in legal settings, this may not be the greatest option for every home.

What Kind of Paint Do You Use on Stair Risers?

Semi-Gloss paint was previously the best and most extensively used stair paint. They are easy to clean because they dry to a tougher finish and have a good amount of shine. Until recently. Treads can become combustible if painted with a satin or a semi-shiny finish, which has been reported.

What Color Should I Paint My Stair Risers?

The stair’s architecture can be accentuated with the use of the correct paint colors. Choosing the right color for your custom stairwell might be a problem, given the wide variety of paint options available. To begin, choose the appropriate formula.

Conclusion

Painting the stair risers should be fun because every portion of your house, including the foyers and halls, has a set of stairs. When painting the visible portions of your home like stair risers, your goal should be to enhance and not obliterate your home’s decor. The most neutral of all hues, black and white go well with anything.

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.

How long should I let stairs dry before staining?from semiglossdesign.com

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?from semiglossdesign.com

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 long do stairs last?from sharperimpressionspainting.com

Properly stained and sealed stairs and railings will last for decades under heavy wear and tear, even more so if you include protective treads or a properly installed runner.

How to get a stain out of a t-shirt?from semiglossdesign.com

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?from semiglossdesign.com

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 get stained treads off?from semiglossdesign.com

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?from semiglossdesign.com

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.

What kind of paint should I use for stairs?

The best and most widely used paint for stairs is a Semi-Gloss paint. Semi-gloss paints dry to a harder finish and have enough of a gloss they can be easily cleaned. Then I MUST recommend Valspar Signature Paint in Semi-Gloss at Lowe’s, if you are painting the risers white.

How to remove sanding dust from risers?

Vacuum ALL sanding dust with a brush attachment.Then wipe down each riser with a damp paper towel to remove any remaining sanding dust.

How to make a riser look dull?

Using a battery operated sander and medium to coarse grit paper, sand down the polyurethane or existing paint so a rough surface is present on the ENTIRE riser. It should look dull.

How to test primer for pulling up paint?

While primer is still wet, pull up tape at a 90 degree angle. It is a good test to see if the primer will adhere and prevent pulling up paint later!

What makes Valspar paint white?

I used to work at Valspar and know that this paint has the MOST titanium dioxide, which is what makes the paint white.

Why is my paint not adhering to polyurethane?

Paint will NOT ADHERE TO POLYURETHANE because it is slick and will peel right off! In order to create a surface the paint can adhere to, it must be “roughed up” by chemical or physical means.

How to clean paint lines?

Baby wipes can be used to wipe up any drops of paint or errors. Use a craft brush to touch up any areas that may have been damaged when removing tape to get a straight line. Let paint dry overnight, before any real foot traffic.

How to Paint Wood Stair Risers?

Poorly maintained hardwood stairs and stair risers can say a million words about how much you care about your property.

How Do You Keep the Stair Risers Clean After Painting?

Freshly painted stair risers, particularly those painted white, are susceptible to black scuff marks very soon.

What is a stair riser?

The stair risers are the visible vertical part of the step.

Why do you need poly coat on stairs?

The poly coat will help in protecting your stairs from heavy foot traffic that can cause the paint to crack and chip over time.

How do I paint a riser?

Using a foam brush or a mini roller apply two coats of paint to the risers.

What to do after cleaning hardwood steps?

After you have cleaned the stairs, cover your hardwood steps with some old newspapers or plastic sheets.

Why is it important to prepare a staircase before painting?

Preparing your staircase before painting is important to ensure the paint is applied evenly and smoothly.

How do I apply gel stain to stairs?

I suggest using a foam sponge brush to apply the gel stain. You will need several coats to get the look you want, we applied 4 coats of stain to the stairs and railings and it looked great, but we wanted a dark rich color. For a lighter color, 2 or 3 coats would suffice.

When you re-stain your stairs, do every other stair?

When you re-stain your stairs, do every other stair, so you are still able to walk up the staircase while it is drying.

Can you use satin stain on stairs?

After staining, you will also want to apply several coats of a high performance top coat, make sure to allow enough drying time between each coat. I would use satin so the stairs won’t be slippery.

What to do when staples are gone on a staircase?

Once all staples and nails are gone, vacuum the steps to ensure you clear all dirt and debris from the staircase.

Do you have to prep stairs before painting?

Before you begin painting the stairs, you must first properly prep them to ensure the paint goes on evenly and smoothly . If you had to remove carpet, remove leftover nails and staples before you get started.

Can you paint a staircase?

Today, many people are taking what would have once been considered a design risk by painting their stairs or using stair riser decals, making a bold and fun statement as soon as you walk through the front door. As evidenced by some bold staircases shared by Country Living, even if painting your entire staircase does not fit your home’s aesthetic, painting only the risers can still add flair while maintaining a warm and classic feel.

How to protect a riser from stain?

You can protect the risers from stain with masking tape, but if you're worried about the tape pulling off paint, use a 10-inch drywall knife to cover each riser while you stain the tread.

How to sand a riser?

Sand the treads with a palm sander and 100-grit sandpaper. Then hand-sand, going with the grain, using 120-grit sandpaper. Hand-sand the risers; even if they have a coat of paint, scuffing them is a good idea, to improve paint adhesion.

Can you paint stairs with stained treads?

You might find two-tone stairs, with stained tread s and painted risers, in small country homes, and the design can make a larger home with hardwood floors and wainscoted walls feel especially elegant. If the stairs are new, the task isn't a difficult one, but you may have your work cut out for you if the stairs are already finished. As with any other painting job, the key to impressive results is meticulous preparation.

Can you strip risers?

You can also strip the risers, but it's not entirely necessary, because you're going to paint them anyway. You can simply wash them with a solution of 1/2 cup trisodium phosphate and water to clean and etch the existing paint.

Can you paint stairs with dropcloths?

Preparing stairs for painting is a messy procedure -- especially if you have to strip a finish -- so cover the floors around the staircase with dropcloths. You should also cordon off the staircase -- you don't want anyone walking on your freshly sanded treads.

Can you paint stairs before staining?

Once the stairs are ready, it's best to start by painting the risers. That way, you can remove any paint you get on the treads before staining them; and painted risers are relatively easy to protect from stain. Choose semigloss or gloss paint -- both are easier to keep clean than flat paint.