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How to paint stairs and bannisters

Q: Which color is best for a staircase?

. A classic white or off-white can make a staircase feel bright and open. For a modern, dramatic look, consider a sophisticated dark grey or black, which can turn your staircase into a stunning architectural feature. You can also paint the risers and spindles a different colour from the treads for a stylish, two-tone effect.

Restore your stairs back to their former glory with a new coat of paint.

Give yourself plenty of space to work by clearing the area around the stairs and removing carpet or runners. Cover any surfaces that you don’t want painted in newspaper or dust sheets and secure with masking tape if needed..0
Can you see any protruding nails or carpet tacks? If so, use a hammer to knock them about 2-3mm into the wood surface and cover them with a wood filler so you have a nice smooth surface to work on.
If you’re painting over varnish, lightly sand all of the woodwork with a fine sandpaper to create a rough surface. This will help the new coat to stick. (If the existing paintwork is in poor condition, use paint stripper instead of paper to remove old paint.)
Go over your stairs and banisters with a vacuum and a damp cloth to remove any dust and dirt, then wipe dry.
Time for priming! A good primer will ensure better adhesion of paint to the surface and increases paint durability. Use a specialist wood primer and undercoat Dulux Speed Undercoat on all the bare wood surfaces and exposed filler.
When your primer is completely dry, you’re ready to paint. Start at the top of the staircase and work your way down, making sure to work your brush into the grain of the wood. Wait 6-8 hours before applying a second coat.
If you are using a different colour for the stairs and the banisters, paint each section separately and leave plenty of time for them to dry before moving on. Use masking tape to get a neat finish where the two colours meet.
Once all the paintwork is dry you can reattach the runner – or leave your stairs bare for a clean, classic look that will really show off your paint job.

Conclusion

Painting your stairs and banisters is an effective way to breathe new life into your home and enhance its overall aesthetic. With careful preparation including sanding, dust removal, and priming combined with high-quality products like Dulux Speed Undercoat and Dulux wood paints, you can achieve a smooth, durable, and professional-looking finish. Whether you choose to match your banisters with your stairs or create a bold contrast, following the proper steps ensures a long-lasting result. A freshly painted staircase not only restores beauty but also adds charm, elegance, and a sense of sophistication to your Singapore home.

FAQ

1. Do I need to remove carpet runners before painting stairs?

Yes, it is essential to remove carpet runners before painting. This allows you to properly prepare and paint the entire surface of the stairs, ensuring a clean, professional, and even finish. Removing the runner prevents accidental paint splatters and guarantees a complete and durable paint job for a flawless look in your home.

2. What kind of paint do you use on stairs for banisters?

For high-traffic areas like stairs and banisters, you need a highly durable paint. A hard-wearing enamel or a specialist floor paint is ideal as it resists scuffs, scratches, and daily wear. These paints ensure your staircase remains beautiful and well-protected, even with frequent use in a busy Singapore household.

3. Which color is best for a staircase?

A classic white or off-white can make a staircase feel bright and open. For a modern, dramatic look, consider a sophisticated dark grey or black, which can turn your staircase into a stunning architectural feature. You can also paint the risers and spindles a different colour from the treads for a stylish, two-tone effect.

4. What type of primer should I use on stairs and banisters?

For wooden stairs and banisters, use a specialist wood primer and undercoat like Dulux Speed Undercoat. This ensures strong paint adhesion, increases durability, and provides a smooth base for your topcoat. Priming is a crucial step for achieving a long-lasting, professional finish on these high-contact surfaces in your Singapore home.

5. What paint finish should I use on stairs?

A semi-gloss or gloss finish is the best choice for stairs. These finishes are extremely durable, easy to clean, and resistant to the scuffs and knocks common on staircases. The slight sheen also adds a polished look, highlighting the details of your banisters and creating a hard-wearing surface that stands up to daily foot traffic.