DIY STAIRCASE RAILING MAKEOVER
Update the look of your staircase by staining and painting your railing and balusters.
Alittle paint can go a long way toward updating your home, and the same is true for your staircase. This is one of those DIY projects that will take a lot of time and elbow grease, but the results are well worth the effort. Please note that these instructions are for staining the railings and painting the balusters of a wood staircase.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
• Tarps and painter’s tape
• Gloves
• Cabinet cleaning wipes
• Stripper (we recommend the nontoxic CitriStrip; see the sidebar to determine if you need it)
• Plastic scrapers (only needed if using stripper; don’t use metal scrapers)
• Mineral or stripper wash (optional)
• Sandpaper or block at 150–220 grit
• Foam or high-quality bristle brush, or lint-free cloth
• Wood conditioner (optional; best used on porous woods)
• Wood stain of your choice
• Clear varnish or polyurethane of your choice
• Oil-based primer of choice
• Paint thinner (for cleaning brushes)
• White paint of choice for balusters
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
1. First, tape off the area to protect the stairs and surrounding area.
2. Wipe down everything using cleaning wipes, and let it dry.
3. If you’re using stripper, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to strip the old finish off the railing and balusters with the plastic scrapers. If your staircase has a footrail (an area under the balusters that’s not part of the stair tread), strip that too.
4. If the wood looks patchy or feels sticky after using the stripper, you may need to follow it up with a mineral or stripper wash (make sure you’re wearing gloves and have good ventilation).
5. Whether or not you’ve used stripper, sand the railing, balusters and footrail. Remember, you want to completely remove the old finish on the wood. Then wipe down the sanded wood with a damp cloth and let it dry.
FOR THE HANDRAILS AND FOOTRAILS:
6. If your staircase is made of a porous wood such as poplar, maple or pine, add a coat of wood conditioner, which will help the wood’s pores open up and create an even look.
7. Use a brush or cloth to apply the stain, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure each coat dries thoroughly. Apply 2–3 coats, depending on how dark you want the stain to look.
8. Apply 2–3 coats of a clear varnish or polyurethane finish, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
FOR THE BALUSTERS:
9. Make sure the handrails and footrails are completely dry; then tape them off. 10. Using the brush, apply 1–2 coats of an oil-based primer to the balusters. Sand lightly with sandpaper of 220 grit or higher between the coats; this will help the finish look smooth.
11. Apply 2–3 coats of the paint; again, sand lightly between the coats for an even and smooth finish.