Painting jobs can be tricky if you don’t know the right way to tackle them. It depends on the area to be painted. Painting a room is easier than painting stairs. Stairs are compact and require more accuracy. You will need a paint scraper, dust sheets, painter’s tape, sandpaper (80, 120, and 220 grits), paintbrush (thick and 2-inch), primer, undercoat, and paint.
Here’s how you can paint the stairs with perfection.
Clean The Stairs
Scrape the old paint using a paint scraper. If it was carpeted, remove the carpet, then carefully check and remove any nails. Use a broom or vacuum cleaner to get rid of dust and debris.
Lay a network of dust sheets to protect the surroundings. Use painter’s tape along the side of the stairs that connect to the wall to avoid any paint stains on it.
Sand The Stairs
Use sandpaper of 80 or 120 grit to sand the staircase. Start with the top and work through the treads first. Follow it up by sanding the head and finally the riser.
This process evens the surface, making it ready for the first coat. Avoiding sanding leads to an uneven base. This affects the result.
Fix-It Up
This step goes hand in hand with sanding. While on that task, look out for any holes or cracks in the staircase.
If you come up with one, fix it using wood filler. This makes the surface uneven so we advise sanding after filling.
Primer
Start by applying primer. This closes out the pores and provides a base to apply the undercoat. Without a good primer, the porous base will absorb all the paint.
Let it dry as per the instructions on the box.
Undercoat
Often, a primer and an undercoat are used interchangeably, but an undercoat is different. This is the second layer and is always applied on top of the primer. It can be applied directly to old primers too but never directly onto the surface.
The undercoat gives an even base for the paint. It also increases the durability, adhesion and adds an extra layer of protection for the topcoat. Leave it to dry before the last step.
Topcoat
This is the final color that is chosen by your client. Apply it evenly and carefully. It could need more than a single coat.
After application, it is best to leave it undisturbed for 24 hours. If that is not possible, follow the instructions of the paint manufacturer. Remove the painter’s tape and dust sheets.
Final Tips While Painting Stairs
- Start from the top and move towards the bottom stair.
- You can use paint rollers to paint the treads. Use the 2-inch brush for the rails and near the walls.
- When painting near the wall, go with little dabs, not full strokes.
- Use sideways strokes for the treads and circular ones for the rails.
A fresh coat of paint can breathe new life into the indoor style. If your customers want to continue with the walls but are confused between wallpaper and paint, here’s help.
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