The best type of paint to use naturally depends on the material your stairs are made of. Wooden stairs require a different treatment to metal stairs. Fortunately, you can choose the right paint for every material. If you’re unsure which paint is best for your stairs, it’s a good idea to seek advice from your local DIY store.
Wooden staircases are easy to paint. However, it is important to choose an extremely hard-wearing varnish. These days, there are special paints available for floors and staircases. This paint is more scratch-resistant than other types of paint. Staircases are, after all, subject to heavy use, and if your staircase paint isn’t hard-wearing enough, you’ll soon see a worn strip appearing down the centre. Before painting a wooden staircase, you must first sand it down. If the old paintwork is still in good condition, it is sufficient to degrease and lightly sand it. In other cases, you must first completely remove all old paint residues before you start sanding and then finish with a new coat of paint.
Next, fill in any uneven areas. Only then can you apply a primer, so that the paint adheres better to your staircase. Next, paint your stairs with the hard-wearing (enamel) paint of your choice. You will need two to three coats.
TIP!
Bear in mind that you won’t be able to use the stairs until the paint is dry. So first make sure you have all the items you need to hand and don’t need the stairs for that. Then the stairs can dry undisturbed. Another option is to paint the steps alternately (one step painted, one not, one painted, one not, and so on). This way, you can still go up and down.
The same rules largely apply to metal staircases as to wooden ones. If necessary, remove any old paint before you start painting. Work from top to bottom and use special paint or varnish designed for metal.
Not up for all that work after all? Or, on closer inspection, is your old staircase in too poor a condition to be renovated with just a lick of paint? In that case, it’s advisable to have your staircase renovated. This involves fitting stair tread covers over your existing steps. This will make your staircase look as good as new again! The biggest advantage of a staircase renovation with stair tread covers is that it’s a sustainable investment and your staircase will still look the same over time. No wear and tear or scratches, which you would see with paint over time. A staircase from Upstairs is also extremely low-maintenance. Isn’t that ideal?!
Would you like to renovate your staircase? Please contact us so we can arrange an appointment with our advisor. He’ll be happy to discuss the options for a staircase renovation with you.
