How to Paint Stair Treads | Ask This Old House

Moments in this video

1. 2:06–2:52 Sand Stair Treads and Risers From How to Make Oak Stairs Less Slippery, Step 2: Sand the Stair Treads

   Using an orbital sander equipped with a vacuum attachment, begin sanding the stair treads with 120-grit sandpaper to remove any imperfections and smooth the surface. Follow this with a second pass using 220-grit sandpaper for a finer finish. Manually sand the edges of the treads and risers with 220-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge to ensure all surfaces are smooth and ready for primer. The vacuum attachment on the sander helps to minimize dust in the work area.

2. 2:06–2:52 Sand Stair Treads and Risers From How to Update a Spiral Staircase, Step 4: Prepare Wood Treads for Finishing

   Using an orbital sander equipped with a vacuum attachment, begin sanding the stair treads with 120-grit sandpaper to remove any imperfections and smooth the surface. Follow this with a second pass using 220-grit sandpaper for a finer finish. Manually sand the edges of the treads and risers with 220-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge to ensure all surfaces are smooth and ready for primer. The vacuum attachment on the sander helps to minimize dust in the work area.

3. 3:11–4:18 Apply Oil-Based Primer From Stair Banister Refinishing, Step 3: Apply Bonding Primer (if painting)

   It's time to apply the primer. Use an oil-based primer, as it provides better adhesion for the type of wood typically found on stairs and withstands high foot traffic. Start by applying primer to the handrails from top to bottom using a paintbrush. Once the handrails are done, proceed to the stair treads, applying the primer lightly. The oil-based primer used here dries quickly, within about 1 hour, allowing for relatively fast turnaround to the next painting stage.

4. 3:11–4:18 Apply Oil-Based Primer From Stair Riser Painting, Step 3: Apply Primer

   It's time to apply the primer. Use an oil-based primer, as it provides better adhesion for the type of wood typically found on stairs and withstands high foot traffic. Start by applying primer to the handrails from top to bottom using a paintbrush. Once the handrails are done, proceed to the stair treads, applying the primer lightly. The oil-based primer used here dries quickly, within about 1 hour, allowing for relatively fast turnaround to the next painting stage.

5. 3:11–4:18 Apply Oil-Based Primer From Anti-Slip Steps, Step 3: Prime the Surface

   It's time to apply the primer. Use an oil-based primer, as it provides better adhesion for the type of wood typically found on stairs and withstands high foot traffic. Start by applying primer to the handrails from top to bottom using a paintbrush. Once the handrails are done, proceed to the stair treads, applying the primer lightly. The oil-based primer used here dries quickly, within about 1 hour, allowing for relatively fast turnaround to the next painting stage.

6. 4:21–4:41 Prepare for First Paint Coat From Stair Riser Painting, Step 5: Paint the Stair Risers

   Once the primer is dry, prepare for the first coat of paint. Similar to the initial prep, lightly sand all primed surfaces again. This 'sanding between coats' is vital for ensuring the topcoat paint better adheres to the primed surface, creating a smoother and more durable finish. After sanding, vacuum all surfaces thoroughly to remove any dust created during this light sanding process. Then, pour the chosen white paint into a suitable container.

7. 6:08–6:34 Allow First Coat to Dry and Prepare for Final Coat From Stair Riser Wallpaper, Step 6: Allow for Drying and Curing

   After the first coat of paint is applied to all surfaces, it will be dry to the touch but not fully cured. To ensure proper adhesion and a smooth finish for the second and final coat, lightly sand and vacuum the stairs again before applying the final coat, preferably the next day. To avoid damaging the fresh paint if you need to use the stairs tonight, wear socks and keep pets, especially large dogs, away from the painted surfaces.

Guides that use this video

• How to Make Oak Stairs Less Slippery
• How to Update a Spiral Staircase
• Stair Banister Refinishing
• Stair Riser Painting
• Anti-Slip Steps
• Stair Riser Wallpaper