How to Paint a Staircase Walkthrough | Benjamin Moore

Moments in this video

1. 0:32–1:08 Clean, Sand, and Tape the Staircase From Stair Banister Refinishing, Step 1: Clean the Banister

   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.

2. 0:32–1:08 Clean, Sand, and Tape the Staircase From How to Update a Spiral Staircase, Step 3: Prepare Metal Surfaces for Finishing

   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.

3. 1:08–1:35 Prime the Staircase From Anti-Slip Steps, Step 3: Prime the Surface

   Before starting to prime, keep in mind that you will need to avoid stepping on the stair surface until the product is fully dried. Plan your work schedule accordingly to ensure proper drying time and maintain access to other parts of your home if necessary. Next, apply Fresh Start High Hiding All-Purpose Primer to all surfaces you'll be painting. Begin at the top of the staircase and systematically work your way down. Use a small paintbrush for precise work on fine details and for cutting in along taped edges. A large paintbrush can be used for broader areas, while a paint roller is effective for priming spindles and handrails. After applying the primer, be sure to wait for it to fully dry according to the manufacturer's instructions before proceeding to the next coat.

Guides that use this video

• Stair Banister Refinishing
• How to Update a Spiral Staircase
• Anti-Slip Steps