Which Paint Type Is Best For Interior Stairs?

Stairs and floors require more prep work than walls, as they get more traction. Before painting, thoroughly clean and sand the stairs. Durable, slip-resistant porch and floor paint is ideal for stairs, but standard latex paint should be topped with water-based polyurethane to increase its durability. DIYers should be familiar with the parts of a staircase, including the handrail and support beam.

To paint stairs, choose a suitable floor paint to ensure a long-lasting, hard-wearing finish. Choose a water-based floor paint that can be applied using a roller and brush. The Rust-Oleum Interior Floor Coating kit is the best paint for stairs, consisting of a tinted base coat and a top coat. Most people opt for satin or semi-gloss finishes, as both are durable and look good on hardwood floors. High-quality paints with a durable sheen, like Benjamin Moore Floor and Patio for the treads and ADVANCE for other surfaces, are recommended for withstanding constant traffic.

Semi-gloss paint is one of the best options for floor and stair paints because it’s incredibly durable and looks great even when faced with heavy traffic. Oil-based paint for durability, acrylic paint for easy application, and non-slip paint for safety are the best types of paint for wood stair treads.

In summary, proper planning and choosing the right paint for stairs and floors is crucial for a long-lasting, hard-wearing finish.

Should banisters be gloss or satin?

Banisters are a high-traffic area, so it’s recommended to use a gloss paint like Farrow and Ball Full Gloss. This paint is washable and wipeable, providing a glamorous, high shine finish for interior and exterior wood and metal. It’s durable and versatile, resisting water, flaking, peeling, and fading for up to 6 years. Available in 148 colors, it’s also available in white. This versatile paint ensures your banisters look fresher for longer.

What is the best color to paint stairs?

Stairway color ideas can be a versatile addition to any home, allowing for a variety of interior themes and effects. Popular choices include cheerful yellows, classic black chic, retro pastel shades, gorgeous greiges, earthy organics, timeless terracottas, dark and moody, and modern charcoal. These colors can be used to bring personality to your staircase, enhancing its appeal to both modern and minimalist homes. The choice of colour for your staircase wall depends on your overall mood and overall interior theme.

What is the best paint for pressure treated wood stairs?

In order to paint pressure-treated wood, it is recommended that high-quality exterior latex paint be used, with the avoidance of oil-based paints. This water-based paint is optimal for use on pressure-treated wood. Select a color that is appropriate for the project at hand, and do not be constrained by conventional notions of what is possible. Professionals are available to assist in selecting the appropriate type and color for your outdoor project. It is advisable to paint the exterior of your house at the optimal time.

Should stairs be gloss or satin?

Satin or semi-gloss finishes are commonly used for stairs due to their durability and aesthetic appeal. These paints are also commonly used as floor paints. The choice of varnish, gloss, matt, or other paints depends on the paint’s ability to withstand floor traffic. To choose the best paint for stairs, it is essential to prepare the staircase, including the bannisters and handrails. If the staircase has seen wear and tear, it is necessary to lightly sand it using 60 grit sandpaper on the bannisters, handrails, risers, and stair treads. This will help achieve the desired finish and prevent any potential issues with the paint’s adhesion to the floor.

Do you need to prime wood stairs before painting?

To prepare your wooden stairs for painting, start by sanding down any wear and tear marks or rough areas with sandpaper or a sanding block. Clear any remaining dust or debris with a damp cloth. Prime the stairs with a wood primer designed specifically for wood, which is predominantly oil-based and provides a solid base for paint to stick to. Allow the primer to dry on the treads and risers before applying top layers. If your wooden staircase hasn’t been painted before, consider using a mist coat, a watery paint that can be created using any paint by adding water.

A 70:30 paint to water ratio is recommended. Paint the stairs at a time when you won’t need to use the stairs to allow for drying time, usually in the early morning. Start from the top with an oil-based brush and work your way down to the bottom, starting with smaller brushes for corners.

Do I need special paint for pressure treated wood?

Water-based exterior latex paint can stick to pressure-treated wood, but it’s best to apply a latex primer first. Although paint can be applied directly on pressure-treated wood, a protective primer is recommended to increase its absorption and longevity. Sealing pressure-treated wood before painting is generally not necessary but is advised to protect it from water damage and other potential issues.

What is the best paint to use on stair banisters?

To paint stair railings, it’s crucial to choose the right paint type, such as hard enamel-type in satin or semi-gloss finish, as they are high-traffic surfaces. Avoid matte or flat paints as they are harder to keep clean over time. Before starting, wipe the staircase clean with a moist rag and use a microfiber tack cloth and degreaser to remove dust and debris. If using carpet, vacuum the area to prevent dust from returning.

Sanding is a crucial step, ensuring smooth surfaces and removal of varnish for better paint adhesion. After sanding, wipe down the surfaces and allow them to dry before painting. This process ensures a smooth and clean surface for the new paint to adhere properly.

Is eggshell better than satin for stairs?

A satin finish offers superior durability and scuff resistance, rendering it an optimal choice for high-traffic areas such as living rooms, family rooms, dining rooms, children’s rooms, and entryways where molding and walls are painted.

What is the best paint for indoor stairs?

The paint sheen plays a crucial role in the aesthetics, cleaning effectiveness, and resistance to damage. The best type of paint for staircase steps should have a semi-gloss or high-gloss finish, which covers imperfections well but is easily scratched and dented. Glossy finishes create a hard, protective coating for maximum durability and are easy to wipe clean. Washability is especially important for white paint, but is necessary for any coat of paint.

Benjamin Moore Floor and Patio is a premium floor enamel for high foot traffic areas, offering superior color retention and durability. It can be recoated in 4 hours and withstands light foot traffic after drying overnight. Benjamin Moore Command Paint is an ultra fast-drying finish that can be recoated in 24 hours and an hour. It requires careful application to avoid brush and roller marks. Benjamin Moore Smoke 2122-40 is an ideal type of paint for walls and stair rims.

What paint do I need to paint wooden stairs?

In selecting a staircase paint, it is advisable to consider either a matte or eggshell finish, as these are durable and easy to clean, rendering them suitable for frequently used areas. In the case of wooden stairs, eggshell paint may prove to be a more durable option.

What do you coat painted stairs with?

Before painting steps, ensure the surfaces are clean and dust-free. Wash the steps with regular soap and water, rinsing and drying them. If the steps have a glossy finish, rough them up with sandpaper or liquid deglossers. After the paintwork is complete, protect it with clear water-based urethanes, which stay clear for years. Oil-based urethanes may develop a golden patina, but they are stifled by laws controlling volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Apply no fewer than four coats of urethane due to the abuse of steps. Water-based products have a quick dry and re-coat time, and it may be possible to apply all coats in one day if you assist the drying process. Read the instructions on the urethane can for the best results. Practice is crucial when using stencil patterns, as uniform results on each step should be achieved by developing a technique to repeat as you work your way up or down the steps.