Whether you want to brighten up your stairwell or add a pop of color, painting your stair risers will make the biggest difference. If you want to do the job right, then this is the perfect step-by-step guide on how you can paint stair risers like a professional.
Safety First
To make sure you’re being as safe as possible while painting, it’s important that wear a painting respirator as well as choose paints that have little to no volatile organic compounds present. A lot of the VOCs that are found in paints can cause health issues when inhaled for too long. It can lead to headaches and possibly long-term breathing issues, depending on the concentration. Before buying paint, read the label to make sure it contains minimal VOCs.
Sand Down the Surface
To remove the remnants of older paint and create a smoother finish, sand down the stair risers. This will also help the paint primer adhere to the surface. Be sure to wipe down the riser after you’ve sanded them with a damp cloth, removing any dust or debris present. Make sure the surface is completely dry though, as a primer applied on dirty or wet areas can cause an uneven bond and trap moisture.
Cover the Steps
When painting only the stair risers, you want to protect the actual steps from paint splatter and other accidents. Using newspaper or plastic sheeting, tape it down to the steps using painter’s tape. Do this for every step, making sure you have a clean seal.
Start with the Primer
Using natural-bristle paint brushes, apply one layer of primer to each riser in the direction of the wood grain. Once that’s dried, apply a second coat. Before you start painting, make sure you put on that respirator we talked about earlier. If you have children or pets, block off the stairway entrance and exit with a baby to prevent incidents while the primer is drying.
Time to Paint!
Now is when the real fun begins. With the color you’ve chosen and a foam paintbrush, apply one layer of paint to the riser. If you’re painting multiple staircases, paint the one you use most often first, to avoid longer than necessary wait time as it dries. Lighter colors will require two coats for optimal pigmentation, so do this after the first layer has dried completely.
The Final Touches
Once you’ve finished painting, remove all the stair coverings and apply any touch-ups that may be needed. Properly seal any leftover paint before storing it. Don’t want what’s leftover? Then dispose of it in accordance with your cities chemical disposal guidelines.
At Demiri Painting, we offer commercial and residential painting services throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Our painting specialists are fully insured and licensed to get any exterior or interior painting job done. To book our painting services, contact us or visit our website and receive a free quote.