Sometimes, all you need to turn your space around is a little change here and there around the house. One of the best ways to make a little change that goes a long way is through painting, and what could be better to paint than your stair railing? It is easy, cheap, and a great way to incorporate DIYs into your routine.
Painting the stair railing is a foolproof budget-friendly way to upgrade your home if you know what you’re doing, that’s why I am here to walk you through how to paint stair railing.
Don’t worry, you do not require previous experience painting to get this done and it isn’t time-consuming either so you’ll be reaping the fruits faster than you can blink.
While it may look a bit daunting at first glance, learning how to paint stair railing is worth the hassle and a skill you’ll never regret having. Whether your stair railing is made of wood or metal, this article has you covered so let’s dive right in.
Table of Contents
Tools You Need To Paint Stair Railing
For every task there are essential supplies needed, here’s a list of things you need when preparing to paint your stair railing;
- Painter’s tape
- Plastic sheets or drop cloths
- Wood cleaners (e.g. liquid TSP or mild soap)
- Hand sander (for the flat parts of the railing)
- Sandpaper, 100 grit, and 220 grit (for the spindles and curves)
- Tack cloth
- 2-inch paintbrush or small sponge brushes
- A primer (that will cover stain and varnish)
- Paint
- Protective finish – if using --- (Polycrylic; it won’t turn yellow like polyurethane)
Choosing The Right Paint - Factors To Consider
The paint you use can be the difference between a great job and one that makes you want to rip out your stair railing and turn it into a bonfire. Picking the type of paint to use can be a huge task and it is important that you get the best possible paint for your needs.
On that note, here are a number of things to keep in mind while shopping for the paint to use for your stair railing.
Indoor Use VS Outdoor Use
Some paints are specifically designed for use indoors and should only be used for interior work. This is because subjecting them to outside elements will make them wear out due to moisture and heat.
On the other hand, outdoor paints can be used for both interior and exterior work and are not prone to easy wear and tear. Be careful to pick the correct paint type for your stair railings.
Paint Size
You need to consider the size of the paint in relation to how much work you need to get done before you decide on what size to buy.
Make sure that the quantity of paint you’re buying is able to cover the surface area you’ll be working on with some paint leftover. Always aim to have a little more paint than you need to prevent running out during the process of painting.
Paint Quality
Is the quality of your paint good or are you just blinded by the color? Is one or two coats enough or would you need to layer it on a million times? Buy paints that will not come off when touched and have a long lifespan; your railings should be protected not just pretty.
Spray Paint VS Canned Paint
This is a factor to be considered if your stair railing is a metal rail. The advantage of spray paint over canned paint is that you do not need a brush to use it, but can just spray the contents directly on the metal railing.
Thus, it trumps canned paint in ease of use and effectiveness. Be sure to carefully weigh the pros and cons of each before you make a choice.
How To Paint Stair Railing - Easy Steps
Prep Work
Prep work is basically cleaning, cleaning and cleaning! Whether your railing is metal or wood you want the surface of your stair railing to be as clean as possible before painting, especially as they get touched a lot.
Use the appropriate cleaners alongside a microfiber cloth to get rid of all the grime and dirt that have built upon the surface.
After cleaning, tape the sections touching the wall or spindles and lay pieces of cloth or newspapers on the ground to catch any spills.
Sanding
This step is very important for wooden stair railings and should not be skipped. Disassemble the railing if possible to make sanding the long pieces easier. You will need to use your hand sander and sandpaper at this point for the flat surfaces and curves respectively.
Proper sanding is necessary to achieve a proper bond that will make your painting easier so take it seriously. It is the most tasking part of the job. Once you’re done sanding, get rid of all the dust by wiping it down with a tack cloth after sanding to ensure your painting goes smoothly.
Painting
The process of painting will depend on if you’re using spray or canned paint, as well as whatever manufacturer’s instruction that comes with the brand you’re using. Some paints may need primers while others may not.
If you’re using primer you may have to wait for 48 hours for the primer to cure before applying the paint.
Just be sure to follow instructions when applying your paint. Double your coat of paint if you know it’ll be getting a lot of physical contact from people moving up and down the stairs (especially if you have toddlers)
Always apply a topcoat sealer once your paint is dry to make cleaning easier in the future; Polycrylic is a better choice than Polyurethane as it won’t turn yellowish over time. Be sure that painting is done in well-ventilated areas and you wear protective clothing.
Finishing
Remove the masking tape you put during prep work once the topcoat is tacky, leaving it till the paint is completely dry can leave your edges cracked. Once the paint and topcoat are dry, reassemble whatever you may have taken apart.
Best Paint To Use For Wood Railing
The paints on this list are awesome because they do not need primers or topcoats, are easy to wipe and clean (for the semi-gloss/satin finish), and are long-lasting.
- Benjamin Moore Advance
- Sherwin Williams Emerald Line
- Benjamin Moore Grand Entrance
- Behr Cabinet Paint
- Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations
Best Paint To Use For Metal Railing
Here are some of the best paints for metal railings as well as their pros and cons.
Paint | Pros | Cons |
Rust-Oleum 7779504 Protective Enamel Paint | Increases lifespan of railing
Easy to apply Dry in 2 – 4 hours Amazing finish Great for interior & exterior use |
Hard to clean off completely |
Rust-Oleum 1976730 Painters Touch Latex | Water-based & odor-free
Great for interior & exterior use Dry in 30 minutes |
Doesn’t provide the best finish |
Rust-Oleum 215215 Stops Rust Rust Reformer | Affordable
The best solution to rust Water-based & odor-free Great for interior & exterior use Dry in 30 minutes |
Can only be used for metal surfaces |
Rust-Oleum Available 239107 Professional High-Performance Enamel Spray Paint | Increases lifespan of railing
Prevents rust & dirt buildup Easy to use |
Can have a bit of adhesion to the paint |
Rustins Matt Black Paint | Very decorative style
Easy to apply |
Doesn’t offer good protection |
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I remove the previous paint from metal railing?
Use a wire brush attachment connected to an electric drill to work through the old paint. When you’re done removing it, clean the railing
Can I use a sprayer to paint my stair railing?
Yes, you can. Spray painting is easier and gives a better finish but make sure you check if the paint you’re using can be used with a sprayer or not.
Is there a correct order to paint in?
There is no fixed order but the following order is recommended (top to bottom) by most professionals for ease and to achieve the best results;
- The top and sides of the top rail.
- The bottom of the top rail.
- One side of the spindles.
- The other side of the spindles.
- The bottom rail (if any).
Is it better to stain a stair railing or paint it?
Whatever you choose is fine, but take note to make use of a durable topcoat.
Can I use dark colors for my narrow back stair railing?
Absolutely! You’re going to need great lighting in the area, however, to reduce the risk of accidents.
Conclusion
Painting the stair railing of your house is a small change that is guaranteed to make a huge impact, without being too cumbersome to achieve.
Now that you have the tools and best paint options at hand, as well as answers to the question of ‘how to paint stair railing’, don’t let fear hold you back. Your dream home might just be one painted stair railing away!
Ask Me Anything