
- 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. High-gloss paint is more washable and durable than matte finish, but it highlights imperfections.
- Color Counts. Dark treads help to hide wear and dirt, while light risers create visual definition. ...
- Stepping Up in Style. If your design preferences include bright colors, wildly vivid abstract art or hipster edginess, think of the stairs as a blank canvas.
What kind of paint do you use on interior stairs?
What Kind Of Paint Do You Use On Interior Stairs? In the case of stairs, durable, slip-resistant porch and floor paint is perfect. For superior durability, you should coat latex paint with some water-based polyurethane after applying normal latex paint.
What is the best paint for indoor steps?
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. ...
What is the best paint for exterior wood stairs?
Things You Will Need
- Soap
- Bleach
- Stiff-bristle brush
- Wet vacuum
- Two-part epoxy wood filler
- Scraper
- Orbital sander
- 50-grit sandpaper
- Plastic sheeting
- Knotting compound
What is the best paint for stair treads?
What is the best paint for stair treads?
- Prepare new or bare-wood steps by sanding them lightly.
- Open the paint can and stir the paint thoroughly with a stir-stick.
- Apply paint to the stringers first using a brush or a painting pad.
- Combine an anti-skid additive to the paint for the final coat on the treads.
- Things You Will Need.
- Tips.
- Warning.
- References (3)

What is the best paint for wooden stairs?
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.
Which paint is best for stairs wall?
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 use regular paint on wood stairs?
You can paint both bare wood and painted wood, but if the stairs are very old and have many layers of paint on, you might want to strip them back first. This can be done using paint stripper, a heat gun or sanding – but take care as old paint may be lead based.
Do you use a brush or roller to paint stairs?
If your stairs are made of wood, you should use a large bristle brush to apply the paint in the wood grain direction. Rollers are suitable for use on cement stairs and allow you to cover a large area quickly.
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.
Which color is best for stairs?
According to Vastu Shastra, a staircase always needs to be painted in light colours as they induce positive energy in the space, are soothing to the eye and also don't dominate the other social areas in your house. Some colour choices can be pastel pink, yellow, light blue, light grey, off-white, green and brown.
Can you use wall paint for steps?
ByBrittney. You can paint your stairs with durable, slip-resistant porch and floor paint. Latex paint can be enhanced by adding a few coats of water-based polyurethane to increase its durability if you intend to use it. You should wait at least a few days after painting before using the stairs.
Is painting stairs a good idea?
Painting your wooden stairs is a fairly inexpensive and easy way to completely change the look of your staircase! There are lots of different color options, and it can be exciting to try something new. You can give it a timeless, classic look, or go for something more modern and trendy.
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.
Should you prime stairs before painting?
Prime. 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.
Can I use eggshell paint on stairs?
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.
Do you paint stairs or 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.
STEP 1: Prime and tape
I decided to go with a low-luster enamel paint. I chose the Porch and Patio Floor paint from Behr ( available from The Home Depot) and had it color-matched to go with my furniture. After first priming and painting the stairs in my base color (which happens to be the same color as the house’s trim), I went to work on taping.
STEP 2: Measure
After getting the first piece of tape on, I marked the width of my trusty DVD case (we were watching The Lion King, so why not?), made a straight line with the angle, and applied this next line of tape parallel to the first (making sure again to seal the edges well). Then I did it all over again on the other side of the stairs.
STEP 3: Paint
Once I had finished the stripes, I then painted the tread of the stairs. You may want to paint every other step, giving yourself a dry place to step up and down, but I chose not to do that, since there was enough dry room on the sides.
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.
Can you leave stairs unpainted?
Leaving alternate steps unpainted will allow you to use the stairs while the paint dries. When the paint is dry, lightly tape 4-inch squares of cardboard to the painted stairs and paint the remainder. The cardboard will remind family members which treads they can step on.
Can you paint stairs?
Stairways can pose painting problems different from other projects—chiefly those associated with height. Use ladders to reach outside surfaces. Don't hang over the railing to paint one side. It's dangerous and you're bound to miss spots.
Painting Tools
Go with high-quality painting tools to ensure your DIY project is the best it can be.
Home Interiors Ideas and Inspiration
Find your next DIY interior painting project with our ideas and guides.
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.
1. Prepare the steps
Remove any old carpet from your wooden stairs. You need to make sure the surface is in good condition before you start. Repair any loose or broken areas, fill any dents with wood filler and sand any rough patches to prepare the floor for painting.
2. Choose the correct paint
Whether you’re sticking to the same hallway colour scheme all over or painting a striking stair runner, choose the right paint. Rust-Oleum Chalky Finish Floor Paint is ideal.
3. Start painting
Apply the Chalky Finish Floor Paint ensuring there are no drips. Use a brush for any details and angles where stair riser and tread meet. You can use a small foam roller for any larger, flat surfaces.
4. Take off the tape and clean
Remove any decorator’s tape. Once completely dry, give a final brush or vacuum. Then stand back to admire your handiwork!
Video Of The Week
A freshly painted staircase makes all the difference, especially in hallways where first impressions count. Of course due to the heavy footfall on the stairs they will require a fresh coat of paint every few years, depending on how well they are looked after to prevent excessive wear and tear.
