Clean, Sand, and Tape the Staircase

What happens in this clip

Thoroughly prepare the staircase area by first vacuuming any dust and debris from all surfaces. Next, use a damp cloth and warm soapy water to wipe down the stairs, handrails, and spindles. It's crucial to rinse all surfaces thoroughly to remove any soap film, as leftover residue will prevent paint from adhering properly. Allow the surfaces to dry completely. Place a drop cloth around the bottom of the staircase to protect your flooring. Then, use a fine grit sanding sponge to lightly sand and smooth any surfaces that will be painted. After sanding, vacuum and wipe away any sanding dust with a damp cloth. Finally, apply painters tape neatly along the wall border of your staircase and around the base of the spindles to create clean edges and protect adjacent surfaces from paint.

Goal: Prepare all surfaces for priming

What's used

Tools

• fine grit sanding sponge
• vacuum

Materials

• damp cloth
• drop cloth
• painters tape
• warm soapy water

About the full video

This DIY project provides step-by-step instructions on how to transform a tired staircase with a fresh paint job. It covers everything from preparing the surface, priming, and applying multiple coats of paint to different staircase components like treads, risers, handrails, and spindles. The project emphasizes proper cleaning, sanding, and taping techniques for a professional finish and highlights specific Benjamin Moore products recommended for durability.

Step 1 of 5: Clean the Banister

Using a degreaser and a sponge or cloth, scrub the banister from top to bottom. Pay special attention to any sticky spots or build-up. Rinse the banister with clean water and a damp cloth, then allow it to dry completely. This step is crucial for the adhesion of primer and finish.

Open this step in the guide

Other videos for this step

• Prep Day: Cleaning and Sanding
• Clean and Degloss