How Much Does It Cost To Paint Stair Railings?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The cost to paint a staircase is

$350 to $450

including the treads, walls, ceilings and handrails. Painting handrails alone costs between $20 and $50 per hour.

How much will it cost to paint stairs?

Usually, hiring a professional painter to paint the staircase can cost you anywhere

from $300-$500

. Painters can charge you $15-$35 per hour depending on the expertise of the professional, level of job complexity, and the expected end result.

What kind of paint do you use on stair railings?

Since handrails are such a high traffic surface, I recommend a

hard enamel-type paint in a satin or semi-gloss finish

. Flat or matte paints are generally more likely to blemish and can be harder to clean.

How long does it take to paint stair railings?

STEP #4 – Painting the banister – 2 coats –

2 hours

You need to do all 4 sides in 6 foot sections because the paint dries quickly and will coagulate (I’m not sure what that means but the dude on the youtube video used the term about 5 times, so I painted quickly).

How long does it take to paint stairs?

Do the math…that’s

about 31 hours

. Plus add a little extra time for taping and touch ups. Yes, that’s a lot of time, but (now that it’s over) well worth it.

Should I paint or stain stair railing?


Stains are generally more durable than paint

, and lighter tread paints may begin showing scuffs and marks before stains or darker paints. Painting over dated, stained wood on spindles, risers, and handrails is one of the most cost-effective ways of transforming your staircase or stairwell.

Do I need to sand banisters before painting?

You need to sand the railing to scuff the finish so that the paint will adhere better. Sand the railing 1st with

a grittier sandpaper

, like 100 grit. Then the railing again with a 220 grit sandpaper to smooth the wood. Use a palm sander for the flatter parts, and sheets of sandpaper for the curvier parts.

How do you prepare stair spindles for painting?

Before priming, wipe the surface with a damp rag, or a tack cloth, to get rid of sanding dust. Make sure the surface below is protected. If the spindles are unpainted and you plan to coat them with acrylic paint, an

oil-based primer-sealer

should be used, not latex.

Should your banister match your floor?

Interior designers and flooring experts universally agree on the answer. Stairs act as a transition between both floors, and therefore, should

coordinate with both the upstairs and downstairs flooring

.

Can you paint over stained wood without sanding?

Can you paint over stained wood without sanding? If you use the right primer,

you don’t have to do any sanding before painting

. Some of the items you can paint without sanding include cabinets, furniture, and trim molding. For the best results, though, sanding is recommended.

How many coats of paint do I need for stairs?

Start with the risers. Paint each one carefully, as the corners and under the tread can be tricky areas to get. Next, carefully paint the treads. The stairs will likely need

two coats of paint

.

What is the best paint for wooden stairs?

When deciding which staircase paint to use, either a

matt or eggshell finish

would work equally well. Both fare hard-wearing and easy clean finishes that would stand the test of time in such an oft-used area. For painting wooden stairs, eggshell paint may work slightly better for a more durable finish.

Can I paint my stairs?


You can paint both bare wood and painted wood

, but if the stairs are very old and have many layers of paint on, you might want to strip them back first. … Once repaired, sand the surface then make sure the stairs are clean and free from dust. Top tip: On bare wood you may want to use a resin and knot blocking primer.

How do you paint a stair railing?

  1. Work in Sections. Completing smaller sections make a stair railing project more rewarding and less overwhelming. …
  2. Lightly sand and clean. …
  3. Prime all railing components. …
  4. Apply paint and finish balusters first. …
  5. Use artist brushes to cut in dark paint. …
  6. Protect railing with a top coat.
David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.