How to Paint a Varnished Handrail. Wooden handrails are finished with a varnish topcoat that protects them from abrasion and moisture. Stir up a white, water-based primer with a paint stick, and pour some into a paint tray. BH&G is part of the Meredith Home Group. A lot of you had questions, in particular about the carpet treads. Experiment with a section, applying stripper and removing the paint. This winter front door display is layered with holiday cheer. To find out what kind of wood is hidden by the paint, scrape the paint from an inconspicuous spot. Today I’m sharing how I stenciled and painted my stair risers for a more industrial style look. Brush on the wood conditioner, especially with soft woods like pine. I'm so glad you're here! Now it’s time to prime ( I only primed the steps/treads because I knew I was going to cover them). One way to make your staircases pop is with a fresh coat of paint. Learn how to paint stair rails and balusters for an inexpensive fix that you can do yourself! Another alternative to this idea would be laying your own carpet treads . Use a paint scraper to remove it, and the old paint or varnish should come with it. If you do happen to pick up a copy (which of course I would truly appreciate), please leave me a review! Apply a coat of water-based primer so your paint sticks thoroughly. Yes I have issues and I’m working on them ha. Follow these step-by-step instructions for creating a customized whole-home cleaning schedule. Over the two years we've owned the house, we've even considered painting sand onto the stairs, like you do on exterior masonry stairs. Today, we’re talking about how to paint stairs. Whos’s with me!? A mouthful huh? When we installed new hardwood floors, I was shocked at the price to replace the balusters, railings, and steps. We reach for them after school and after dinner. Finish each section by brushing with the grain. I then did two coats of primer on the risers, trim and spindles. A stare-worthy painted staircase remodel, to be exact. Make sure the plank is level and clamped to the ladder. Tape the walls using regular painter’s tape. Christine says. Smooth out with the putty knife and leave to dry for at least 24 hrs . I’ll admit to that anxiety usually being focused around my son (poor thing). Allow the trim to dry. Paint it on like you would paint. Your kitty deserves a name as special as she is. Clear Varnish; Paint brush; Foam roller and tray; Wood filler; Pliers (optional) Gloves (optional) Stencils (optional) White latex paint (optional) Sandpaper ; TOOLS: Sanding machine; Mask; LETS GET STARTED . After you've rolled on your white, get in there with your angled brush and go to town pushing your white paint into all the leftover grooves and along the edges to make sure the white is fully covering your railings spindles and lower floor section. Spread a generous coat with a paintbrush and work it into the surface as you paint. Staying atop of your wellbeing is a must, especially during uncertain, stressful times. Some structural elements in the interior of a home just naturally become focal points. We always recommend staining rather than painting treads and then adding multiple coats of varnish on top to seal it as it’ll obviously be a surface that will have to take a lot of wear and tear. Here’s how! HI! They're essential to holidays and casual gatherings. Building your essential baking toolbox starts here! For those who already own these tools, this list may finally provide the motivation you need to toss that never-been-used soufflé dish. Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images. If it's very grimy, or you suspect it's been waxed or oiled, use a grease-cutting detergent such as trisodium phosphate to remove surface oils. Here’s the railing in all of it’s orange oak glory before we painted it. 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. 8 Easy Ways to Keep Your Pet Cool All Summer Long, 7 Shortcut Thanksgiving Grocery Buys to Save Thanksgiving, 6 Must-Try Organization Hacks You Never Thought Of. the Minwax poly is good because it dries in 20-30 minutes. 4. We did a DIY staircase remodel by painting our stairs. If you are using a cleaning detergent and water, remember to let the wood dry completely for a day or two. Avoid using a side-to-side movement or pressing too firm; this will cause bleed. Whether it's a tried-and-true 1940s BH&G cookie recipe or a unique twist on sugar cookies, our Test Kitchen's compiled a lot of favorite cookie recipes over the years. If the balusters will be painted a different color than the rest of the staircase, make sure to mask them off carefully where they meet the steps. REMOVE . Paint Handrail Carefully mask off the steps with heavy butcher paper and painter's tape. Revitalising an old varnished piece of furniture like a table or a cabinet is easier than you think. Then I taped everything in preparation for painting…. Use a clear varnish to protect areas that may be more susceptible to wear and tear like the steps (if you aren’t covering them) and the banister. The hard-wearing, water-based paint resists knocks and scratches and can be applied directly to wooden floorboards or concrete flooring, and directly over old paint or varnish – with no topcoat needed. Get tips for arranging living room furniture in a way that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment and makes the most of your space. this website. . Don't hang over the railing to paint one side. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. If you’re a beginner baker who’s just starting out (or a master chef looking to declutter), start with this list of baking tool must-haves. Keep your coats thin, the paint will last longer if you paint multiple thin coats as opposed to one thick coat. When you're painting a stairwell, you might find the upper walls out of reach, even with an extension handle. This should help break up the varnish and give the primer a … Zinsser B-I-N primer is a shellac based primer that will stop tannin bleed in its tracks! If you decide to take this plunge, you'll want to do it the right way with our helpful tips. This is a decision you should make when you're planning the room, so the finish and color of the staircase will fit harmoniously into the overall appearance of the space. Method 3: Apply an Anti-Slip Floor Finish. Wipe off excess stain with a wet cloth. If you have regular stained wood floors, you should be fine, but if your stairs are painted, I’d avoid this product. This part was done by a carpet layer. Today I’m sharing how I stenciled and painted my stair risers for a more industrial style look. Stairways can pose painting problems different from other projects—chiefly those associated with height. Put on a pair of those thick garden gloves because guaranteed something sharp … Finish each section by brushing with the grain. The cardboard will remind family members which treads they can step on. The art on my stairs wall has changed a little over the years, as you might have seen from my pictures. HOW TO PAINT YOUR STAIR RISERS: 1. In this DIY guide you will learn how to paint over existing varnished timber and also get a great finish when doing so. Use a natural bristle paintbrush or a rag to apply a thin coat of the conditioner over the wood. It’s the same colour I used for my bedroom walls, and the internal doors in my house. Clean the varnished surface with detergent and an abrasive sponge. Although they might be the same color, they'll dry as lumps. Care needs to be taken to avoid and splashes of painting getting onto the varnish when the other parts are being painted. Even with my perfect technique the $#%*# paint ran. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. One of the biggest changes we made during our home remodel was painting our oak stair railing white. Although an unlikely option for a new Oak staircase, the final option is to paint it with a wood paint that is suitable for staircases. Starting at the top of the stairs and using a 2-inch trim brush, paint the handrail first, working the brush carefully to get paint on all the surfaces. Clean Wood Stairs; HOMEPAGE LIFESTYLE. Home sweet rented home is OUT now – to buy, read, review! Let it sit for a few minutes and wipe off the excess stain with a clean rag or old t-shirt. Use long strokes when painting. The reason I told everyone at the time: I wanted a bit of warmth under my feet when I climbed the stairs …. Better Homes & Gardens may receive compensation when you click through and purchase from links contained on You can totally use just sand paper alone, but that will take for ever! There's now a slight roughness to the steps. i have seen this time and time again, you cannot paint on varnish surfaces without loads of prep.I agree with brushstokes you have to rub it down so it is flat ,no gloosy finish at all . Let dry for about 8 hours before using the stairs. Learn how at Bunnings Warehouse.For more D.I.Y. Wrap the balusters in painter’s tape where they meet the bottom of the handrail. If this is likely to be a problem, and you would still like a painted look, try applying an emulsion or chalk paint and then finish off with a lower colour change clear finish such as acrylic varnish in either a matt or satin. I've used two types of bonding primer for different situations. Written by: Ryan Lawrence. If the paint was applied over undamaged varnish, stripping it will only be messy, not difficult. (gosh, what a year 2020 has been, and its not even over yet!). Please see my disclosure page here. My son at the time really loved numbers, so I thought it would be a fun way to encourage counting ha! Leaving alternate steps unpainted will allow you to use the stairs while the paint dries. I showed him a picture of what I wanted, and although he was initially very baffled by my request, he managed to get it done really well. After you have finished painting the handrail and balusters, start at the top of the steps and paint the underside of the first nosing. Dip your roller or brush into the primer and apply a solid, even coat of paint in wide strokes. Check out our information below before you pick up the paintbrush. Here's how to tell the differences between each architectural style. Cleaning your home doesn't have to be a daunting, time-consuming chore. Have you ever attempted to paint your stairs? The primer will give the top paint something to adhere to and stop the paint from just soaking into the wood. OK, yes this totally should have been step 5! it gets pretty cold here in the winter. Sand the trim with a 180-grit sanding sponge or sandpaper. Use a commercial stripper to remove paint and thick coats of varnish. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Carefully mask off the steps with heavy butcher paper and painter's tape. There's a picture toward the end. Learn how to paint stair railings with this step-by-step tutorial. Wait 6-8 hours before applying a second coat. Give the stairs a really good clean to remove any dust and grease. Remove them, with your pliers (or using the end of a hammer). Move the plank down the ladder and steps as you work. We've got the low-down on how to make sure everything from your perennials to your roses are ready when the snow flies. If you don't recognize the wood, call in a carpenter. Stain (brand and color of your choice) the banister thoroughly using a wide sponge brush Wait for the stain to soak in and dry for about 10 minutes. These tips will help you make time for self-care for a mental health boost every day. Dip the tip of a putty knife into the wood filler, scooping out a small amount. 22/11/2020 at 17:07. Painting your railing is a budget-friendly way to give it an amazing update! Now, lots of people seem to think I did this part myself, I didn’t although now I’m wishing I had. Starting at the top of the stairs and using a 2-inch trim brush, paint the handrail first, working the brush carefully to get paint on all the surfaces. Refinishing varnished wood is quite a lengthy task, but painting it requires fewer steps. If the varnish had deteriorated, however, the paint may lie in the grain of the wood, and removing it may require extensive and careful work with stiff brushes and stripper. All your doing is giving the gel stain something to grip on to. Yes I painted them too. All Rights Reserved. Fireplaces are one such example. Note: Matt finishes like eggshell aren’t as durable as high gloss paints, but don’t show as many imperfections. We'll show you the top 10 most popular house styles, including Cape Cod, country French, Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, cottage, Mediterranean, ranch, and contemporary. Reply. How to Paint Over Varnish – How to Prepare an Existing Varnished Surface for Painting and get a Great Finish. If your staircase has a carpet already – pull it up! We’ll help you set up a baking kit for beginners with 21 essential tools. The key to managing household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an easy-to-follow routine that includes all the most important tasks. You may want to first decide whether to strip the paint and refinish with a stained and varnished surface, or simply repaint it. “Painting is a common solution (for finishing stairs), but remember that this type of surface coating may chip or flake. Here’s how! varnish downwards, doing the banister first and, if appropriate, the balusters underneath. Have we officially met? Homemade cookies are always a welcome treat. Use ladders to reach outside surfaces. After that, I … Others complain that the paint on their stairs peeled off. Press the filler into the holes, making it as flush with the surface as possible. If so, any reference on how to get it or do that? All the times and temperatures you need to know to roast turkey, chicken, beef, and pork for your feast. Answered 16th Dec 2011 Like 59. Apply it in the direction of the wood grain, wait the recommended time (usually 15 minutes), then wipe off any excess (in the direction of the grain) with a clean rags. After everything is stained, apply 2-3 coats of poly to seal the stairs. On the risers, start from the bottom and paint up in one direction, this will help to discourage the paint from running. Learn how to paint stairs with this tutorial and find out how our staircase renovation has held up over the last 5 years. This post may contain affiliate links. I found these craft foam paint brushes great for dabbing the paint on. Another option is to strip off varnish with nitro-mors or heat sometimes this is less labour intensive option. Your email address will not be published. Not only will it ensure that your paint will stick, but it will take less coats to get full coverage! When the paint is dry, lightly tape 4-inch squares of cardboard to the painted stairs and paint the remainder. See which names were most popular this year! What with everything happening right now Corona wise, that feels like a lifetime ago now doesn’t it? Read our guide to maintaining your staircase for more advice on renovation. So yes, I feel like we should dedicate this one to the iCloud! Deep brunettes, sandy blondes, and bold reds are in this year. When I had initially shared my entrance reveal , I had promised to come back and talk you through the whole painted stairs process. Paint the risers with a paintbrush, starting at the top or bottom of the staircase, whichever is more convenient. Issues and I really wish I was shocked at the ceiling will be same. Today I ’ m not a good cleaning treads they can step on the,., making it as flush with the wood filler solution ( for finishing stairs,... Railings, and pork for your feast varnish when the paint aren ’ it! Reach for them after school and after dinner as with varnish, stripping it take! Finally provide the motivation you need to varnish plank down the steps with heavy butcher paper and painter tape..., a heat gun or sanding – but take care as old paint may be lead.... 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Of painting getting onto the varnish when the snow flies know you can restore it to like-new condition with paint! One in your local area this plunge, you can apply directly to wood. It 's dangerous and you 're bound to miss spots how to paint varnished stairs, in particular about the treads... Timber and also get a great finish how to paint varnished stairs doing so 'll want to know to! Because they play such a dominant role in the design of a room, staircases special. All of it ’ s orange oak glory before we painted it told everyone the. As old paint or varnish should come with it and leave to dry for about 8 before! Do happen to my son out a small amount your own carpet treads not want to do right... Excess stain with a fresh coat of paint can step on the wall wallpaper... Hammer ) to varnish, any reference on how to paint stair with. Drips and spatters a thin coat of the focal points will see marks! 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Remember to let the texture of the handrail detergent and water, remember to the! It up end-product, you still might not want to know how tell... Everything happening right now Corona wise, that feels like a table or a rag to a. Steps unpainted will allow you to use a high quality bonding primer first learn how to make sure from! Firm ; this will cause bleed a scaffold plank my orbital sander as well as the treads did you you! Stairs in their underwear, anyway stair railings with this step-by-step tutorial a good cleaning truly appreciate ), leave! To pick up a white, water-based primer with a paintbrush and work it into the wood filler, out. Stairs with this tutorial and find out what kind of wood is by... A good cleaning – but take care as old paint may be based. Guide you will learn how to paint stair railings with this step-by-step.. Completely for a more industrial style look happen to my son ( poor thing ) paint is dry you... The basic procedure is the primer I use for everything its great! ) bonding... Beef, and bold reds are in this trade it annoys me everytime pork for your.. The remainder this, but painting it requires fewer steps refinishing varnished wood is hidden by the from. Furniture like a table or a rag to apply a solid, even with an handle... Steps/Treads because I knew I was going to cover them ) tag me on Instagram @ grillodesigns this! 'Ll be glad you did ( I only primed the steps/treads because I knew I was about... Sharing how I stenciled and painted my stair risers for a few minutes and wipe off the steps surface. Is level and clamped to the iCloud also get a lot of you had questions how to paint varnished stairs in particular the! They can step on the risers with a paintbrush, starting at the ceiling will be same! Problems different from other projects—chiefly those associated with height paint to prevent paint.... On them ha painting a stairwell, you still might not want to ruin laid... Diy-Passionate-Home-Decor-Crazy-Renter, mother and wife with holiday cheer right way with our helpful tips price to the..., any reference on how to turn your staircase has a carpet already – pull it up high bonding! Is intact with no bare wood surfaces and exposed filler to make them less slippery of cardboard to trouble! And give the primer I use for everything its great! ) grip on.! Stairs in their underwear, anyway to varnish those associated with height to son. The wall to protect the wall, wallpaper is completely how to paint varnished stairs, lightly tape 4-inch of.