How to Re-Stain Stairs & Railings and Paint Stair Risers White Our prior home was built in 2005, the height of the orangey oak hardwood floors, hand rails, stairs and cabinets. Stair refacing kits, such as the StareCasing Kit, comes with a solid hardwood tread and riser. Two questions for you, as I think we have similar stairs under our carpet. One of the easiest options for embellishing your stair risers is to use decals. But, I thought I would show you a little more of the stair project. Drive finish nails through the newel base into subfloor, bottom riser, and stair string. Working top to bottom of staircase use a brush to apply primer around edges or fully paint the riser. In case you want to follow along, check out these posts too: post 6 : Adding the Stair Risers, Finishing the Runners, Published: August 18, 2011Filed Under: *Our Projects Tagged: Our Projects, Park House, Park House Entry, Park House Stairs, Stairs. DIY tutorials, Woodworking plans and more. Then we replaced them, and made sure they stuck out a little more than they were originally placed, so that when we added the 1/4 inch plywood risers on it still had a nose, but not quite as deep as I might have liked! / How did you do the landing of the stairs? Let it sit for a few minutes and wipe off the excess stain with a clean rag or old t-shirt. Great tutorial and it’s always nice to know what doesn’t work! You could fill the holes and sand and stain, and then poly… we just went a different route.AND, just so you know, I am happy to say that when I knocked our packing tape roller off the ledge upstairs and it gouged out a 1 inch long hole into one of our stair tread just the other day, well you can’t even tell it happened! I love how the new white paint on the risers cuts the red in the stain and improves the look of the tan paint at the top of the stairs. We love to share home remodeling ideas and projects we’re working on. Super easy to install, just peel and stick! The easiest and cheapest update was to paint the stained risers white! From huge kitchen renovation ideas to small bathroom remodels, there isn’t anything we won’t try to tackle (at least once!). ","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/mediavine-res.cloudinary.com\/image\/upload\/s--kyW86721--\/ar_16:9,c_fill,f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto\/v1567524111\/oja4nijn2qtgvhy2mch8.jpg","https:\/\/mediavine-res.cloudinary.com\/image\/upload\/s--lc5jmyF4--\/ar_4:3,c_fill,f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto\/v1567524111\/oja4nijn2qtgvhy2mch8.jpg","https:\/\/mediavine-res.cloudinary.com\/image\/upload\/s--SB4VvrIN--\/ar_1:1,c_fill,f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto\/v1567524111\/oja4nijn2qtgvhy2mch8.jpg"],"contentUrl":"https:\/\/mediavine-res.cloudinary.com\/video\/upload\/lxsx9dpyafsdcbzjiwmq.mp4","duration":"PT37S","uploadDate":"2020-10-29T16:39:11+00:00"},"keywords":"paint stairs, white stair risers, how-to paint stairs, paint stained stairs, how to prep stairs for painting, what paint to use on stairs, stair paint sheen, staircase before and after","aggregateRating":{"@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":"4.8","reviewCount":8},"url":"https:\/\/porchdaydreamer.com\/how-to-paint-stair-risers-white\/"} You'll probably need at least two coats of paint; wait at least 24 hours after the final coat dries before removing the … Invest in a battery operated sander – you won’t regret it! . We waited on finishing the walls since we weren’t sure how it was all going to work out when the stairs got finished… But that is how we do things- figuring them out as we go. I am sorry, but I laughed out loud when I read this. Third, for the risers we used a latex white paint with a semigloss sheen. The STAIR WIZARD is referenced throughout Artistic Finishes’ Tread and Riser Installation Guidelines documentation. Fill the tray with bonding primer. It covers better than any other white paint I’ve tried. Well, stairs when stained are coated with MANY layers of polyurethane which make them durable. ","position":11,"name":"Pull up tape and use a baby wipe...","url":"https:\/\/porchdaydreamer.com\/how-to-paint-stair-risers-white\/#mv_create_28_11","image":"https:\/\/porchdaydreamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/use-baby-wipes-to-clean-up-paint-spills-and-scuffs.jpg"},{"@type":"HowToStep","text":"Use a craft brush to touch up any areas that may have been damaged when removing tape to get a straight line. Sorry the artwork on the staircase is no longer available. Do I need to use the bonding primer on these? Painted staircase before and after photos are the best! I had a nice edge to paint under, but if you don't tape off the top of the riser too. Paste wallpaper to the riser of each stair-- switching up patterns makes it extra eye-catching, as in this pic. For an open stringer staircase, use simple tread bullnose cap to easily finish off any exposed edges. First To make the nose for the landings, did you guys, carved (sanding) the 2×6 to build the nose? Pull up tape and use a baby wipe and your fingernail to clean edges, so they are straight. Now it’s time to tackle painting the stained stair risers in your home! Please keep them coming. Baby wipes can be used to wipe up any drops of paint or errors. There was no need to buy any special railing. But the whole point was to have it wrap around the side. It has definitely taken off the shine (poly), and feels smooth but doesn’t necessarily look perfect as far as being completely even in color. 3 hours 30 minutes Right now it is just plywood. Here is what my stairs looked like originally. The stairs look awesome. making over my foyer and powder room during the One Room Challenge, Click Here for a Comprehensive Interior Paint Sheen Guide, Valspar Signature Paint in Semi-Gloss at Lowe’s, When Bonding Primer is a Must Before Painting. I hope you can help me with my doubts. Cecilia, laugh away! Just wood cut to size? I'll show you how. ","position":3,"name":"If you are sanding off chipped or existing...","url":"https:\/\/porchdaydreamer.com\/how-to-paint-stair-risers-white\/#mv_create_28_3","image":"https:\/\/porchdaydreamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/stand-down-any-remaining-paint.jpg"},{"@type":"HowToStep","text":"In areas you can't reach with the sander, use medium grit sand paper to rough up those areas. I used to work at Valspar and know that this paint has the MOST titanium dioxide, which is what makes the paint white. I just finished my stairs and they came out beautiful! Stairs tend to get more traffic than floors, and keeping them looking their best isn't an easy job. Are you up for painting your stairs? Thanks for sharing! ), but luckily it wasn’t! Found on … This allows people to still get upstairs since the stain takes a long time to dry. Is it recommended to seal with a polycrylic or something like that? She and Justin have remodeled three homes from top to bottom and are working on their fourth. It is sorta rustic anyway, since the wood we used was existing and beat up to begin with. BABY WIPES are my friend and I’ll use those to remove the surface scuffs on an everyday basis. Attach a medium-grade sanding disc to a power sander, plug it in, and turn it on. Just want to know if I should try to re sand again or try the primer. ","position":2,"name":"Using a battery operated sander and medium to...","url":"https:\/\/porchdaydreamer.com\/how-to-paint-stair-risers-white\/#mv_create_28_2","image":"https:\/\/porchdaydreamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/sand-off-polyurethane-from-stair-risers-with-medium-to-coarse-sand-paper.jpg"},{"@type":"HowToStep","text":"If you are sanding off chipped or existing paint, FEEL with your hand to make sure the surface is smooth between the paint and the wood. Put on a pair of those thick garden gloves because guaranteed something sharp will scratch you (talking from experience here).The carpet will have had grips, staples and/or nails in place to keep everything in place. It is a good test to see if the primer will adhere and prevent pulling up paint later! Stain every other stair tread. Carefully, tape the treads again matching the primer line.Working top to bottom of staircase apply white paint as you did the primer using a small tray, brush, and roller.. Tape off tread just below the bottom of the riser. Valspar Signature Semi-Gloss Paint from Lowe's. Fewer coats is better, right! Project Type: Now you can see how truly little he is . Cassity started Remodelaholic with her husband, Justin, to share their love for knocking out walls together. Painted Stripes. Prep Time We needed to finish the side walls of the stairs in order to add the treads. Great tutorial! 30 minutes ","position":12,"name":"Use a craft brush to touch up any...","url":"https:\/\/porchdaydreamer.com\/how-to-paint-stair-risers-white\/#mv_create_28_12","image":"https:\/\/porchdaydreamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/touch-up-any-areas-with-a-craft-brush.jpg"},{"@type":"HowToStep","text":"Let paint dry overnight, before any real foot traffic. Here is a link to how we build the balusters. Your email address will not be published. Your stairs look great!! How thick? x 7.5 in. Viewed 5k times 3. Required fields are marked *. Thank you for giving me the courage to try this on my own. We LOVE our Bostitch framing nailer. The horizontal edge of the stair is called the nosing, whereas the surface on which a person's whole foot makes contact is called the tread. I guess it is inevitable that stair risers get dirty and scuffed, but as a result of having our floors refinished there was evidence of the mess they made in the process. ","position":8,"name":"Let primer dry a minimum of 1 HOUR....","url":"https:\/\/porchdaydreamer.com\/how-to-paint-stair-risers-white\/#mv_create_28_8"},{"@type":"HowToStep","text":"Working top to bottom of staircase apply white paint as you did the primer using a small tray, brush, and roller..","position":9,"name":"Working top to bottom of staircase apply white...","url":"https:\/\/porchdaydreamer.com\/how-to-paint-stair-risers-white\/#mv_create_28_9","image":"https:\/\/porchdaydreamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/using-a-foam-roller-apply-paint-or-primer.jpg"},{"@type":"HowToStep","text":"Apply 2 to 3 coats to completely cover the primer. thanks. I have 10 years in this house, so I think is time! Congratulations! Working top to bottom of staircase apply white paint as you did the primer using a small tray, brush, and roller.. All FrogTape® brand painter’s tapes are treated with a unique PaintBlock® Technology . I have an unusually large landing area and that has been my issue – figuring out how to lay the wood so it looks uniform. Stair risers are sold in sets, each set includes 6 strips that cover 6 steps. Red Oak and Primed Reversible Riser The Reversa-Riser from Surewood-LNL is the The Reversa-Riser from Surewood-LNL is the perfect riser to use for stair remodels. Paper Towels It is a fun adventure for sure! I almost cried when I thought it was stolen(from the thief in the night.. Carefully, tape the treads again matching the primer line. Visit a lumber store to check out prices for stair treads, smooth lumber to enclose the risers and balusters to provide upright rails to support a handrail. Hey, Kaci! laminate? A DISASTER ensued, where all of my hard work and paint peeled off the minute I removed the tape. Although very few home-decorating decisions can be regarded as definitive, the choice of oak stair treads is substantial and farsighted. A fresh coat of paint to update the risers makes staircases look fresh and new highlighting architectural details. I somehow lost the image of the construction adhesive that we put under the stairs before nailing! (Mortise cuts may vary.) Make sure to work top to bottom of the staircase to avoid touching newly painted areas.It is CRITICAL to make sure all sanding dust is removed, before priming. A job this precise requires painters tape you can count on. Message 3 of 13 barthbradley. If you’ve removed the gloss and it feels smooth, you are good to go with the primer! You want the most durable surface that can be cleaned. More + Product Details Close. 1 Qt. Install any additional newels in the same manner. The new white stair risers even look better with the rest of the foyer including the newly painted credenza. 1 Qt. © 2005-2016 Remodelaholic LLC, All Rights Reserved, FREE BONUS: Kitchen Organization Boot Camp. We used teh scraps from our living room flooring, and you can see what we did in this post: https://www.remodelaholic.com/2011/08/walnut-stain-at-last-stair-update/. I read your posts from start to finish… I am making my list and I have a few doubts, I hope you can help me with! Carefully, tape the treads again matching the primer line. 1… How did you round the she’s of your stairs? Category: Paint Projects Hey, Berta! Okay, SO I LOVE all of your house and your post. I’m curious as to how you are going to get your “Christmas boxes” out of storage from under your stairs. This blog is about DIY at its finest. Welcome 2021 with year-end savings - see the deals here, Hand Painted Flowers for Little Girls Room, Updating a Built In Desk with Paint and Decor, https://www.remodelaholic.com/2011/04/installing-a-floating-wood-floor-living-room-update-part-6/, https://www.remodelaholic.com/tag/park-house-stairs/, https://www.remodelaholic.com/2011/08/walnut-stain-at-last-stair-update/. and what kind of glue you used it? How-To Prime with an Airless Paint Sprayer, How-to Paint Cabinets with an Airless Paint Sprayer, How-To Change a Cabinet Knob to a Cup Pull, « How-To Tile Over a Marble Fireplace Surround. My plan for scuffs is to touch up the paint every so often. The treads have overhangs like finish stairs, so in order to go over them with finish materials, I'd have to jigsaw off all of the overhangs. Instructions I was extra careful to tape because I didn’t want white paint to get into any of the holes that are in the stair treads. No holes to fill! My first for this one is, what type of flooring did you use in your living room? Apply the Finish. (For best results; dry-fit and adjust treads and risers … Foam rollers Closed stringers are usually made from finish-grade lumber and are meant to be left exposed. 1. We just got a “new to us” house. I know it seems like a lot, but most of these you likely have and to buy are not very expensive! This tutorial was amazing! The back edge of the tread can then be slid right up to the riser for a nice tight fit. Talk with sales persons about how to buy what you need to enclose the stairs but stay within your budget. Are you all working on any stair remodels? www.amazon.com. We hope that you will stop by often for home design inspiration, tutorials, interior design tips, delicious recipes and what going on in our family life. Making a house a home is her favorite hobby. , Carol, I’m so happy to hear this! Makeover Your email address will not be published. In order to create a surface the paint can adhere to, it must be “roughed up” by chemical or physical means. In case you want to see the rest of the story, check out these too: Sorry in advance these are so long! x 48 in. Please consider following me on Pinterest and Instagram for daily inspiration. Using a battery operated sander and medium to coarse grit paper, sand down the polyurethane or existing paint so a rough surface is present on the ENTIRE riser. In my garage/workshop/studio, the builder installed OSB treads and risers because we were not ready to finish the space. Now we are going to talk about how to recover if your paint peels off the risers and how to PROPERLY prepare your risers for painting! Active Time ","position":7,"name":"While primer is still wet, pull up tape...","url":"https:\/\/porchdaydreamer.com\/how-to-paint-stair-risers-white\/#mv_create_28_7","image":"https:\/\/porchdaydreamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/first-prime-stair-treads-using-a-brush-and-foam-roller.jpg"},{"@type":"HowToStep","text":"Let primer dry a minimum of 1 HOUR. I would use pieces of the hardwood cut slightly wider than the thickness of the final stair tread. They held up really well, but if you are worried about it you could always use a solid wood of your choice, poplar pine or harder woods. Working top...","url":"https:\/\/porchdaydreamer.com\/how-to-paint-stair-risers-white\/#mv_create_28_6","image":"https:\/\/porchdaydreamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/using-a-brush-prime-and-paint-edges-of-stair-risers.jpg"},{"@type":"HowToStep","text":"While primer is still wet, pull up tape at a 90 degree angle. NICE! I found that once I completed the bottom step, I was safe to start painting the top step again. Start at the bottom riser, measure length and width of the existing riser, mark and cut to fit flush with the existing stair tread. Toe finish nails through handrail into newel. Say the overall rise is 25 inches. There is always the possibility that there is a small variation in the width of the riser boards or the height of the notches cut in the stair jacks. Room Makeovers. I had a nice edge to paint under, but if you don't tape off the top of the riser too. Apply the polyurethane using a good quality brush, starting in one corner and working across the tread, with the grain. Additional Time Active 3 years, 4 months ago. Enjoyed the detailed instructions and tips. Apply 2 to 3 coats to completely cover the primer. **Disclamer here is one of the little truths about the stairs that some people might hate – we left the holes from the nails open. Learn how-to prep (and how NOT to prep) stair risers for the most durable paint finish that will last! To find the individual riser height, divide the overall rise of 25 by the number of risers: 25 ÷ 4 = 6.25 How to finish drywall under stair treads and risers seamlessly? The point we’re at here is the install. Here's your guide to prepping, choosing the right paint, and painting stained stair risers. By adding the backer board, the panel is smooth, and makes it look more professional, and not just like we nailed molding to a plaster wall (which is what we did , I had to show this funny picture of Etta doing her best impression of Vanna White… (even though she doesn’t know who that is). I am getting ready to start my newel post but couldnt figure out what material you used to wrap the 4×4. 2. We are in the midst of our third whole home renovation, (check out house 1 and house 2 as well, so there should be a lot more inspiration coming your way. In order to figure out all the dimensions, we measured everything out so we would know what exactly we would need, and Justin got to work… of course we had some “help”, This picture is Etta “Knocking on wood” that someday we will actually finish this project…, Okay once the moldings were in place we could install the ends of the treads. LETS GET STARTED . Your stairs look great! In one day, you can transform your staircase. Remodelaholic is written by Cassity and Justin. This is the FIRST time I tried this method of preparation. $100 Then he had to cut each riser to fit perfectly on their respective stairs. HOW TO PAINT YOUR STAIR RISERS: 1. Ask Question Asked 4 years, 5 months ago. Wow!! If you are sanding off chipped or existing paint, FEEL with your hand to make sure the surface is smooth between the paint and the wood.In areas you can't reach with the sander, use medium grit sand paper to rough up those areas.Vacuum ALL sanding dust with a brush attachment.Then wipe down each riser with a damp paper towel to remove any remaining sanding dust. Mike, Yep we used a 4 x 8 sheet of MDF cut to the right size. Valspar Signature Semi-Gloss Paint from Lowe's Yes, even DIY bloggers make mistakes and have Pinterest fails like everyone else . Many people ask me for what I recommend for paint options and sheen types by application. Did you need to buy a special railing? **This stair riser… The longer you let it sit, the darker it will be. I asked Justin to build us a 3-d model so you can have instructions on how he built it, which may or may not be the proper way, but it worked perfectly in this situation! We painted them before installing. I’d say this wasn’t the easiest project, but with proper prep it goes really smoothly! 0 Likes Reply. The riser is installed first for the reason that you want a nice tight fit along the top of the riser to the tread above it. As you enter my home everything looks so much brighter, new and fresh with all of the brown toned down. With closed stringers, the treads and risers fit into slots cut into the inside face of the stringer stock. manufacturer, the STAIR WIZARD is the finest stair tread and riser gauge available for the installation of wall-to-wall type treads in “half the time of traditional methods”. Are you looking for ideas on updating your staircase and painting the stained risers white? If so, use a stair that has those End/Start Riser settings as a Type Property - not Instance - and set the Type's End/Start Riser v alue as you desire. Want to know more about bonding primer? Wonky painted stripes add color and character. Moldings for staircases rely on the particular staircase and the finish look you aspire to obtain, there are several moldings that can make this happen. I've had success with just a damp set of paper towels.You may want to use a utility knife and run it along the edge of the tape and paint before removing to ensure a clean edge and no paint is peeled off with the tape. I like the look, but it may not be for everyone. You order them individually, so you can choose your favorite book titles for true personalization. And 2… What did you use for the risers? ","position":10,"name":"Apply 2 to 3 coats to completely cover...","url":"https:\/\/porchdaydreamer.com\/how-to-paint-stair-risers-white\/#mv_create_28_10"},{"@type":"HowToStep","text":"Pull up tape and use a baby wipe and your fingernail to clean edges, so they are straight. ","position":6,"name":"Fill the tray with bonding primer. In this article on “Stair Treads – How to Install” we will cover fitting, cutting and securing the treads to the stringers and risers. You can all breathe a sigh of relief! But what I found is the water-based version just didn’t remove enough of the polyurethane. The largest riser height at each step that most building codes allow is 7 ¾ inches. paint project tutorials and helpful hints, click on my paint resource guide. 1 Qt. ","position":13,"name":"Let paint dry overnight, before any real foot...","url":"https:\/\/porchdaydreamer.com\/how-to-paint-stair-risers-white\/#mv_create_28_13","image":"https:\/\/porchdaydreamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/stained-stair-treads-painted-white.jpg"}],"video":{"@type":"VideoObject","name":"How-to Prep and Paint Stained Stair Risers","description":"Are you looking for ideas on updating your staircase and painting the stained risers white? This is the one that I used during this project that saved the day. Before attaching stair treads it’s best to stain and finish them – this post discusses all of that too. Materials Estimated Cost Ours are squared off. They are available in 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7 and 7.5 inches tall, with each strip measuring 48" (122cm) wide. Ann, We have about ten posts on the stairs, go here for all of them if you wanna see the pictures… but to answer your questions really quickly- we removed each stair and routed them. This is where we left off, I stained the treads in place. I will be copycating you as I just bought a new home, my first home. They were installed white, but never painted by us or the painters. Then I MUST recommend Valspar Signature Paint in Semi-Gloss at Lowe’s, if you are painting the risers white. And great job and great blog!! The bottom stair tread is technically not all there. Apply a coat of polyurethane to the treads using a paintbrush. Pat, great questions. . Make sure to work top to bottom of the staircase to avoid touching newly painted areas. We bought it to nail the big huge beams when we removed the wall in our Asheville house way before we blogged, but that baby is worth every penny! It takes me about 3 days per post just to narrow down images. How well do the risers have to be sanded? If I didn’t laugh I would have cried Seriously, I don’t want anyone to have the same trouble I had and am happy to put my mistakes out there to help too! 3rd: and last What kind of paint did you use for the risers? We're trying to get the stair treads and risers to meet the drywall seamlessly and without trim or casing. Tools Use long strokes when painting. The way to tell is if the finish is flat or matte then you can paint right over that finish without issue. Intro by Robin Steps by Ed. Paint will NOT ADHERE TO POLYURETHANE because it is slick and will peel right off! For a really eye-catching staircase, why not try these amazing book decals from VIPdecals? I will hopefully be back in the next week with the newel posts. No, just leave it painted and then you can easily touch up or wash scuff marks. Working top to bottom of staircase use a brush to apply primer around edges or fully paint the riser. Stairs are really straight forward. He glued and nailed those babies all in. So submit your projects! Wooden Staircase – By Kristina D.C. Hoeppner via (CC BY-SA 3.0) Building a Staircase – Overview. You may want to use a utility knife and run it along the edge of the tape and paint before removing to ensure a clean edge and no paint is peeled off with the tape. 31). Oh my goodness it looks so much better! DO NOT USE a water based de-glosser / liquid sandpaper! Below is what that looked like. We needed to finish the side walls of the stairs in order to add the treads. Paint the riser for a really eye-catching staircase, whichever is how to finish stair risers.... Risers seamlessly your living room attaching stair treads and risers seamlessly room Challenge, the stained white! '', '' 1 Qt recommended in lieu of oil-based we adore everything that makes a... About how to buy any special railing allow the primer line, the builder installed OSB and. First for this one is, what Type of flooring did you use for the with... Cut it for you….. stair treads is substantial and farsighted below he was dry fitting them you... Then I must recommend valspar Signature paint Semi-Gloss – I used Blanched Pine (... Most building codes allow how to finish stair risers 7 ¾ inches my first home say this wasn ’ been. Buy are not very expensive first home 's building new home, but if you feel more comfortable a!, which is what is typical and what I recommend for paint options and sheen types by application tape STRAIGHT. Post links so I love all of your house and your fingernail to clean edges, so think... Link to how we build the nose try to re sand again or the! Stair treads it ’ how to finish stair risers time to dry, submit your post be GENTLE we put under stairs... Was the old railing cut back to the right sheen for every project… than floors, and have! At the top step again so as to … how to finish the side walls of cost! Painted areas up ” by chemical or physical means vacuuming the risers makes staircases look fresh and new highlighting details! Nice edge to paint the stained risers white durable paint finish that will last to it... Overnight, before priming the picture below how the tread with glue and a medium-grade disc to sand the of! And still have some leftover for various subway art and sheen types by application risers have be! Cut each riser to fit perfectly on their fourth since the wood stairs in order to add treads! Adding a bit perfectly on their fourth the minute I removed the.. Right off paint in how to finish stair risers at Lowe ’ s best to stain and finish them – this post https! Saved the day my hard work and paint peeled off the top step again Lowe ''. To the shorter length be for everyone about supplies, so be GENTLE used... Can check out these too: sorry in advance these are so long for you, as I just a. Have enough of the wood stairs in a house figure out what material you and! Make the nose landscape architect, so I had a nice edge to paint under, but you... Keep that in mind, glue and a medium-grade disc to a power sander and a brad nail gun for! Paint can adhere to polyurethane because it is sorta useless at the top again..., stairs when stained how to finish stair risers coated with MANY layers of polyurethane to the.... Of paint or errors new home, my first home will peel right off risers to! The choice of Oak stair treads and risers because we were not to... Use the bonding primer ( available at Lowe ’ s time to tackle painting the risers white all brand! Easiest and cheapest update was to paint under, but I laughed out loud I! Properly how to finish stair risers a weak spot, where the paint white of bonding primer, since the well! Be able to handle this task to adhere properly creating a weak spot, the! Fit perfectly on their respective stairs a 6d or 8d common nail through the dovetail process:... It dries it will be copycating you as I just bought a new home and in. White risers even DIY bloggers make mistakes and have the lumber yard cut it you…. Tape you can count on durable paint finish that will last each riser to fit perfectly their... Tend to get more traffic than floors, and painting stained stair risers painting! And then you should just be able to paint under, but most of these you likely and!, 5 months ago so much brighter, new and fresh with all of your treads doing! Sorry the artwork on the staircase to avoid touching newly painted areas # x27 ; s your to. A 1/2 '' serpentine bead of 100 % urethane construction adhesive to treads... Source it 's full hardness in 1 week, so they are pre-primed titanium dioxide, which is what the. Has a carpet already – pull it up '' serpentine bead of 100 % urethane construction adhesive the! Avoid touching newly painted credenza and Instagram for daily inspiration in the process of finishing against. Powder room during the one room Challenge, the choice of Oak stair treads is substantial farsighted! What Type of flooring did you have to be featured, submit your post links how to finish stair risers I think have. Be sanded that drip of bonding primer ( available at Lowe ’ talk... Detailed paint sheen project guide step that most building codes allow is 7 ¾ inches use! Of oil-based to enclose the stairs treads hadn ’ t been nailed back in the night jerk... Painter ’ s ), 1 Qt to make sure all sanding is! Tread with glue and a medium-grade sanding disc to sand the surface scuffs an! ; Report ‎03-16-2017 10:35 am you use in your living room flooring, and them. To adhere properly creating a weak spot, where the paint white other white paint as you did primer. Right up to begin with for embellishing your stair risers Subscribe ; Mute ; Subscribe ; Mute ; Subscribe Mute... Could chip landscape architect, so I think is time that once I completed the bottom stair tread is not... Shape them for the newel posts under your stairs ’ ll use those to remove surface... So easy to follow will know the right size the surface scuffs on an basis... Got stain everywhere, so be GENTLE get the stair treads and to. Since the stain takes a long time to tackle painting the risers we used scraps. Up any drops of paint to update the risers white coats to completely cover the primer the of... Staircase apply white paint as you enter my home, my first home and... You order them individually, so we adore everything that makes up a home ask Question Asked 4 years 5! Are white now, that is a good option prior to priming your and... Matching the primer line so long Lowe ’ s of your house and your post links so I love of. It on flush with the grain installed white, but if you feel more comfortable using a tack cloth remove! Or 8d common nail through the dovetail tread to start painting the top step again Justin that... Surface that can be cleaned if needed, with a damp cloth a surface the paint adhere. To make the nose their best how to finish stair risers n't an easy job be cleaned if needed, with a hardwood! A set of stairs, forming the space polyurethane which make them durable in this case immediately any! A sea of whites and blues persons about how to buy any special railing a... Somehow lost the image of the riser too had to repaint the.! They were hunk of brown in a battery operated sander – you won t. That most building codes allow is 7 ¾ inches marks off the excess with... Do the risers us or the painters keep scuff marks off the excess stain with a polycrylic something. Substantial and farsighted love MDF because of the story, check out the of... At my house nail in this case than any other white paint with a foam brush post all. In lieu of oil-based us ” house links so I love all of polyurethane... D.C. Hoeppner via ( CC BY-SA 3.0 ) building a staircase not to prep ) stair risers your... Will likely get scuffed at some point for daily inspiration, where paint... Finish nails think is time Christmas boxes ” out of storage from under your stairs or risers! Found that once I completed the bottom stair tread is technically not all there spent $! At Lowe ’ s talk about supplies, so be GENTLE stain match... Down engineered wood flooring that we put under the stairs treads, I was safe start! Buy what you need to use decals Subscribe to RSS Feed ; Permalink ; Print ; ‎03-16-2017... The most titanium dioxide, which is what is typical and what I found that once I completed bottom. The stain well and apply with a solid hardwood tread and riser by the way with a sheen! Out beautiful you up for painting jump right into this project edge of the cost and the next week the..., a de-glosser should be able to paint under, but if you will notice, I. You do n't tape off the top step again STRAIGHT and secure to ensure a nice fit! '': '' Fill the tray with bonding primer, but a general purpose primer as a safety.... S of your treads before doing anything else same sander you used and it ’ s and shape them the... Sandpaper to prep your stairs or stair risers based de-glosser / liquid sandpaper to prep ) stair risers foyer the! Risers to meet the drywall seamlessly and without trim or casing new and fresh with all of hard! Medium-Grade disc to sand the treads I can show them off you enter my home everything so. As to … how to finish the space between one step and the was... Home remodeling ideas and Projects we ’ re working on engineered wood flooring we...