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 3 of 9: Prepare Metal Surfaces for Finishing

Using medium-grit sandpaper (e.g., 120-grit), sand all metal surfaces of the staircase, including the central pole, treads, and railing. Pay attention to any rough spots or existing imperfections. After sanding, wipe down all surfaces with a tack cloth or a clean rag dampened with mineral spirits to remove all dust and residue. Allow the metal to dry completely.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Update a Spiral Staircase

1. Step 1: Assess Existing Staircase Condition

   • 1:02–1:35 Visually Inspect for Staircase Wear and Damage
   • 0:00–0:53 Assess Damage & Prepare for Repair
   • 0:15–0:30 Initial Inspection and Hazard Identification

2. Step 2: Clean and Degrease Components

   • 2:29–3:41 Prep Day: Cleaning and Sanding
   • 1:52–2:08 Scrape Loose Paint Flakes
   • 0:34–0:40 Mechanically Remove Loose Rust and Flaking Material

3. Step 3: Prepare Metal Surfaces for Finishing

   • 0:37–0:41 Sand the Staircase
   • 0:07–1:27 Sand and Prime the Staircase
   • 0:32–1:08 Clean, Sand, and Tape the Staircase (this video)

4. Step 4: Prepare Wood Treads for Finishing

   • 0:20–0:25 Sand and Finish Treads
   • 0:21–1:25 Prepare Treads (Sanding and Cleaning)
   • 2:06–2:52 Sand Stair Treads and Risers

5. Step 5: Apply Primer to Metal Components

   • 0:20–0:23 Apply Rust-Inhibiting Primer
   • 2:51–3:32 Apply Oil-Based Primer
   • 0:32–1:06 Apply Rust-Inhibiting Primer

6. Step 6: Apply Finish to Metal Components

   • 3:22–4:09 Paint Metal Frame (Top Coat)
   • 0:14–0:28 Apply Oil-Based Enamel Topcoat to Iron
   • 2:25–2:48 Apply Top Coat Paint

7. Step 7: Apply Finish to Wood Treads

   • 4:29–5:04 Stain New Stair Treads
   • 3:22–3:28 Stain & Seal Stair Treads
   • 3:41–4:00 Seal Stained Treads

8. Step 8: Reassemble Staircase Components

   • 0:47–0:50 Reinstall Metal Railing
   • 0:22–0:31 Secure All Treads and Joints
   • 13:30–15:00 Install Stair Treads with Mechanical Fasteners

9. Step 9: Final Inspection and Touch-ups

   • 1:08–1:37 Final Assembly and Inspection