How to stain a staircase. Review of the best varnishes for pine stairs. Professional painting of stairs

How to stain a staircase.  Review of the best varnishes for pine stairs.  Professional painting of stairs
How to stain a staircase. Review of the best varnishes for pine stairs. Professional painting of stairs

Once they find out how much it costs to paint a staircase, many decide to master this skill on their own. It is not surprising that all staircase work is not cheap, because... To achieve long-term and beautiful results, they require strict adherence to technology. Having painted your stairs once, either indoors or outdoors, you will gain invaluable experience, thanks to which you will also be able to restore the coating with your own hands after many years. In addition, all painting work with the selection of paint colors and varnish is quite interesting and does not require special physical strength.

The need to paint stairs

Stairs made of wood, like stairs made of metal and other materials, are subject to many external influences, which, in the absence of proper protection, quickly render them unusable. Firstly, there are constant mechanical impacts from walking up steps and holding handrails. It is not surprising that it is the steps and flights of stairs wear out and get dirty the fastest. It is these areas that need to be given Special attention when applying the finishing coat. The length of use without restoration depends on what to paint the steps of the staircase with. Secondly, the staircase, no matter where it is located, is subject to fluctuations in humidity and temperature, which over time can affect its strength and appearance. If the sun's rays hit wooden steps, it is also important to protect them from drying out.

How to paint the stairs in the house

When choosing a covering for a staircase, you should take into account the type of wood from which it is made, the color of the wood and the location conditions of the staircase. Thus, coniferous species (pine, spruce, fir) tend to emit resins that impair the adhesion of wood to paints and varnishes. Hardwoods do not have this property, and there is nothing to worry about with them. In addition, pine needles do not uniformly absorb the liquid part of the paint or varnish. Loose wood absorbs more, while dense and old wood absorbs less, which is why paints and varnishes must be applied in many layers.

Paints

When choosing what color to paint the stairs, you should choose as close as possible to natural shade so as not to spoil the natural appearance breeds Having chosen what color to paint the stairs, you should decide on the type of paint. Pigmented Decoration Materials They are good because they hide many imperfections during assembly; the stairs can be puttied under them. But, at the same time, many of the external advantages of natural wood are also hidden under a layer of paint.

Provided the stairs are located inside the house, where there are few adverse influences, they will do oil paints on artificial drying oil or even cellulose coatings. If the staircase is external, you only need paint on natural drying oil. To paint the stairs yourself, Tikkurila Empire alkyd paint is suitable, because... it is easy to apply with a brush. Betolux and Pesto paints also apply smoothly to wooden surfaces without smudges. Betolux urethane-alkyd paint is ideal for previously painted surfaces, but it is not sufficiently resistant to wear with frequent use and is not suitable for crowded rooms. Pesto alkyd paint is more durable and suitable for damp areas or rooms that require frequent cleaning, such as a nursery.

Lucky

Clear varnishes are good because they do not hide, but rather emphasize the natural texture of the wood. Their advantage is also that they dry very quickly and are easy to use. There are alcohol-based varnishes and nitrocellulose varnishes. The first are resin in an organic solvent, and are used exclusively for internal stairs, because... When such a coating hardens, the film is not frost and moisture resistant enough. If you plan to varnish a street ladder, use nitrocellulose material containing colloxylin and plasticizers that strengthen the coating.

The most established varnish manufacturers on the market are Parade and Trae Lyx. The German-made Parade varnish is highly wear-resistant and easy to use due to its quick drying. It also does not have such a strong pungent odor as some others. Dutch Trae Lyx varnishes are even more durable and wear-resistant because... their solid component is 35%. This property allows them to be easily used to cover steps. public buildings. This varnish is absolutely transparent, covers the surface uniformly without changing the degree of gloss under different angles gaze. And despite so many advantages, it still has one drawback, namely for a long time drying. Full load on the steps can be given only 7 days after application.

Polishes

After applying varnish or paint, the steps may still not have a finished look. To make the wood sparkle and shimmer in the sun, it can be coated with polishes. The color of the polish is selected to match the color of the wood, but so as not to darken the species. The polish is applied with a brush or rag, before the surface is cleaned. Nitro-based polishes are applied only to nitrocellulose varnishes and paints.

Enamels

They simultaneously give the desired color to the staircase and protect it from adverse influences due to the formation of a dense film. Enamel is produced by mixing clear varnish with pigment. The enamels are applied with an aerosol, and the contents must be thoroughly mixed before spraying. In its calm form, enamel is a substance with a gel-like consistency. After stirring by shaking, it becomes liquid. Inside the aerosol there are special metal balls that agitate the material.

Italian Sirca enamel is characterized by high surface strength and resistance to yellowing. Enamels of this brand are available in both glossy and matte. Quick drying in 60 minutes and sufficient work time makes it easy to cover the stairs with such enamel yourself. Swedish Synteko varnishes and enamels have also proven themselves to be quite good. They are suitable for those who are trying to make their home as environmentally friendly as possible, because... This company does not add NMP polymers, which are harmful to humans, to paint and varnish products.

Impregnations

Impregnations such as stain or Pinotex not only give wood color, they have antiseptic and fire-repellent properties. And on top of them you can apply any finishing varnish. It is preferable to use oil- or wax-based impregnations for stairs, especially if you are working with them for the first time. It is these impregnations that can be applied in several layers without fear of smearing or making a stain, unlike alcohol and nitro impregnations, which are instantly absorbed. Impregnations can be sold in the form of a ready-made solution or powder, which you need to dilute with water yourself. In addition, to apply oil stain you do not need a sprayer or spray gun; it can be easily done with a brush.

How to paint a staircase with your own hands

Surface preparation

To ensure that the surface of the steps is smooth, they are puttied and sanded. Putties are selected to match the color of the wood. After drying, begin sanding with sandpaper or scrapers. After the first sanding, take a break of several days to allow the pile to rise, and then sand it clean. Before applying paint, the surface is primed, applying primer to all surfaces 2 times.

Painting

It is important to know what and how to paint the stairs. It is best to apply paint or stain-type impregnation using a sprayer. There are pneumatic and electric sprayers, with their help the layer is applied more evenly. But if you don’t have a sprayer, you can use regular brushes. For thicker, more stretchy, slow-drying paints, bristle brushes are preferable. For liquid coatings Flat, soft hair brushes are best. They are also called flutes. The length of the hair of such a brush should be approximately twice the diameter. To apply thick paint, the length of the bristles should be shorter, and for liquid paints- more. When working, the brush should be held at an angle of 45 degrees to the surface to be coated. To clean the brush from paint at the end of the work, you can dip it in turpentine or a special solvent.

Even experienced craftsmen Not everyone knows how to paint a staircase correctly, because... the result is always assessed purely subjectively. Not everyone knows that the coating is applied in 2-3 layers only after completely dry previous one. With a brush, the impregnation is evenly distributed over the entire surface of the step so that there are no special stains. First, paint one side of the step, then, turning it over, apply impregnation to reverse side. In this case, you need to cover the entire step evenly before the coating dries, so that there are no visible smudges left. To turn over wooden step it was simpler, and the impregnation was less smeared, convenient to use wooden coasters. If the first layer of paint or varnish is applied along the wood grain, then the second must be applied across it. The third layer is again applied lengthwise, so the step is painted most thoroughly. Do not forget to stir the paint periodically, this will protect you from the formation of lumps and sediment at the bottom.

Varnish coating

Application varnish coating on wood should be carried out as much as possible clean room so that dust does not settle on the freshly varnished coating. Before application, the step or baluster itself is also thoroughly cleaned and polished. If the wood has a defect, then it can also be carefully puttied under the varnish, using putty to match the color of the wood. Wide parts are varnished with a spray, and narrow parts with a thin brush. When working with varnishes, it is important to protect the skin of your hands and respiratory organs from toxic substances.

When arranging our home, each of us tries to make it as comfortable and cozy as possible for our family. When planning the premises, each decorative element is carefully selected so that it harmoniously combines with the style of the room. A beautiful wooden staircase has always been and remains an elegant and spectacular addition to any interior. However, although a tree is one of the best materials for the manufacture of stairs, it is necessary to cover them with paint or varnish in order to preserve the beautiful appearance longer, as well as operational properties material.

Painting wooden stairs- the process is quite simple, but to achieve the best result you must follow some processing rules. About how to paint a wooden staircase in a house to the second floor and what color to repaint it, how to do it correctly, is described in detail in our article.

How to paint a wooden staircase in a country house? Paint selection criteria

Before you start purchasing a dye, you should think carefully about what color it should be and what effect you want to get. The choice of product and the technology for applying it to the surface directly depend on this.

When purchasing paint, pay attention to the following criteria:

  • If you do not want to paint over the wood structure and want to leave it visible, the surface should be coated with glossy or matte varnish. In this case, paint is not used.
  • Before applying the product to the surface of the steps, there is no need to treat them with a primer. Give preference to compositions that allow the material to “breathe”.
  • Painting the steps of a wooden staircase indoors is done with quick-drying compounds that do not have a sharp odor that takes a long time to dissipate.

Important! Before purchasing a paint and varnish product, read the quality certificate of the selected product.

  • To ensure that the structure retains its shine longer and the coating looks like new for a long time, choose products that have increased abrasion resistance and high strength.

Important! In this case, additional protective properties against fungus, dust and rot will not be superfluous.

What is the best way to paint a wooden staircase in a house? Types of paints

Construction stores, as well as paint and varnish departments, have a wide range of solutions. In order to choose a suitable paint and varnish product and achieve the desired effect, you need to have an idea of ​​the composition of the product. Paints for treating wooden surfaces have different bases.

The staircase can be installed both inside the house and outside. In this case, there are differences in the choice of what to paint the stairs with. For interior decoration The following compositions are used:

  1. Paints.
  2. Lucky.
  3. Wood stains and impregnations.

Important! Painting wooden railings stairs can be made with several options for paint and varnish products. For example, a transparent varnish can be applied to the surface of the board over the base layer, which will create additional protection for the coating from scratches and abrasions.

Let's look at the most popular solution options to decide how to paint the wooden staircase in a house to the second floor.

Alkyd paints:

  • The dye dries quite quickly.
  • The composition includes antiseptics that additionally protect the wood from pests and the formation of fungus and mold.
  • Non-toxic for indoor use and does not harm the human body.
  • A special layer prevents mechanical damage on the surface of the steps.
  • Affordable product prices and a wide range of colors.

Acrylic paints:

  • Thanks to their composition, they dry quickly on the surface and do not have a strong unpleasant odor.
  • High wear resistance of paint.
  • During operation, it does not fade or lose its original color.
  • The product does not contain harmful substances.
  • Wood treated with this type of paint is able to “breathe”.
  • Reasonable price and variety of colors.

Oil paints:

  • The main advantage of this product is its reasonable cost.
  • Economical consumption of raw materials during surface treatment.
  • When applied to wood, it completely covers the structure of the natural board. As a result, the material “does not breathe.”
  • It wears off quite quickly during use and the paintwork is easily damaged.

Important! The disadvantages of this option include a strong odor and long drying time.

Enamel paints:

  • A suitable option for interior wood finishing. Represents quick drying paint High Quality.
  • The absence of toxins and harmful substances in the composition makes it popular among consumers.
  • Has high protective properties.
  • Affordable price, wide range of shades.

Important! Apply enamel paints should be in a dry, well-ventilated area, with a minimum level of moisture.

Varnish

The varnish is not used for application to stairs installed outside the house; it does not have frost-resistant properties. It is suitable for processing structures inside the house and has the following features:

  • Easy to apply and dries fairly quickly.
  • Additionally, it emphasizes the structure of the wood and adds shine to the surface.
  • To treat stairs, it is better to choose an alcohol-based product.

Important! A special varnish for treating yacht decks, the so-called “yacht” varnish, is not suitable for covering steps indoors. He has toxic substances in the composition, takes a long time to dry, has a pungent odor before and after drying.

Stain:

  • This product not only gives the wood a tint, but also additionally has bio and fire retardant properties.
  • For finishing, wax or oil-based raw materials are used.
  • When finishing the staircase, be sure to use polish - it will provide wear resistance and add additional shine to the surface.

Important! The best way To treat the steps of a wooden staircase, craftsmen recommend alkyd paints. They give best result dyeing, retain color fastness for a long time.

How to paint a staircase?

The staircase leading to the second floor is one of the most important elements interior design Houses. The consistency of the style and color of the entire room depends on its external condition and the method of finishing. To ensure that the staircase retains its presentable appearance for a long time and you do not have to paint it after a short period of time, use simple tips on how to paint a wooden staircase:

  • If your staircase is completely ready for painting, but has not yet been assembled, it is better to paint each part separately.

Important! Painting the staircase in disassembled form makes it possible to paint steps and railings in hard-to-reach places.

  • If you need to paint an already installed wooden ladder, paint the steps one at a time, and after complete drying, paint the rest. This way, you will have the opportunity to use it while the paint dries.

Important! Treatment with paint and varnish products in one step is possible in the case of monochromatic painting of staircase elements.

  • Painting begins from the top step. If there is an emergency exit from the second floor, painting can be started from the bottom.

Important! The final strokes should be made strictly along the structure of the wood. To ensure the paint is completely dry, add approximately another 5 hours to the manufacturer's recommended drying time.

Painting a wooden pine staircase

A staircase made of pine differs from products made from other types of wood in that before painting it requires additional processing, or rather, the product must be deresined.

A number of manipulations should be carried out for the following reasons:

  • The resin that comes out of the wood creates a film on the surface. Because of it, the paint layer does not penetrate into the fibers, which can affect the condition of the staircase during operation.
  • The areas where the resin is released darken over time and look unsightly.
  • A resinous mark on the surface is difficult to cover with paint. Varnish and other products apply unevenly, and the painting results are of poor quality.

Resin removal of wood

For these works you will need all kinds of solvents.

Important! For pine it is better to use a 25% solution of technical acetone.

How to proceed:

  1. Apply the product to the surface of steps and railings with a brush.
  2. After treatment, wipe the surface warm water.
  3. Leave until the product is completely dry.

Important! Areas that are too resinous must be cut out and the cleaned recesses treated with putty.

After the procedure, the wood is ready for painting.

How to paint a pine staircase?

  • Enamel dyes are considered the best option for processing a flight of stairs made of pine.
  • In diluted form, when applied to wood, the structure of the wood species will remain visible.
  • If an undiluted mixture is used, the paint will completely hide the structure.
  • Before applying paint to the surface, the stairs must be cleared of dust and debris.
  • Alkyd paints easy to apply and dry quickly.
  • Pigmented dyes will perfectly hide defects and chips on the steps.
  • Urethane - alkyd liquids are suitable for application to boards that have previously been painted.

Important! To add extra shine, you can choose a polish to match the wood in the paint department.

Wooden staircase painting technology

In order to paint a flight of stairs made of various types of wood, you can contact a specialized company. But be prepared for the fact that professional painting services will cost you a pretty penny. If you want to process the stairs economically for the family budget, this procedure is easy to do with your own hands.

How to paint the stairs to the second floor? Sequencing:

  1. First and important stage Before applying varnish or other product, the surface is prepared. Remove dust, dirt and other debris from steps and railings.
  2. Fill visible chips and cracks with putty. If the wood is too dense or old, treat it with a primer.

Important! Without this treatment, the paint on the surface will soon swell or peel off.

  1. Leave the treated ladder to dry completely, then go over it with sandpaper, smoothing out all the unevenness.
  2. Thoroughly sand the board again, only then can you apply paint.
  3. Remove any remaining dust from the steps.

Important! Even the smallest particles on even wood will be noticeable under a layer of paint.

  1. Prime the flight of stairs in two approaches, 24 hours apart.

Important! If you are processing wooden product varnish, no need to prime it.

  1. After the primer has completely dried, start painting.
  2. Before varnishing the wood, coloring matter Shake or dilute thoroughly.

Important! Read the manufacturer's instructions on the packaging of the purchased product.

  1. During processing coloring composition The air in the room should not be too dry, but not humid either.
  2. The dye can be applied with a roller, brush, spray or sprayer.

Important! During the painting process, make sure that the paint does not drip and harden.

  1. To achieve a high-quality color, you need to apply varnish from 3 to 5 layers. Each subsequent layer is applied after the previous one has completely dried.
  2. The ladder should dry in a room with moderate humidity, otherwise cracks may form.
  3. Apply topcoat to additional protection steps from abrasion.
  • When thinking about how to paint a wooden staircase in a house to the second floor, as well as choosing a color scheme for finishing, do not forget to take into account general style the room in which it is installed.
  • To create comfort and harmonious combination the staircase must match color scheme premises.
  • To ensure that the installed staircase beautifully complements the interior of the room, paint it in a color that will differ from the shade on the walls and floor.
  • The shade of paint for treating steps can completely match the color of the wood or have a bright, rich color.
  • The most common coloring of wood is single-color, but painting stairs in two colors is often used to create an original finish.
  • If the stairs are painted in several colors, cover wooden parts before the product is assembled.
  • Give dark shade railings or steps can be done by mixing the impregnation with finishing coat. In this case, the product will penetrate inside the fibers faster, and the color will last longer on the surface.
  • To lighten an area of ​​wood, use translucent glazing agents that contain light coloring pigments.

Video material

A wooden staircase is a decorative element that correct processing and design can become the highlight of the room. Don't be afraid to experiment and get creative when choosing shades. Do not think that painting a wooden structure is difficult and almost impossible without the help of a specialist. Tips regarding the procedure and recommendations for choosing paint, described in our article, will help you decorate your staircase with a unique, exclusive design.

Reading time ≈ 9 minutes

It would seem that there is nothing simpler than painting a wooden pine staircase. Take a brush, buy a can of any available paint and start Painting works. But if you want the staircase to last a long time, have an excellent appearance and retain all its qualities, you need to adhere to some rules. In this article we will look at how to choose the right materials and get acquainted with the technology of painting wooden stairs.

Features of pine stairs

Currently, private houses with several floors have ceased to be something special. Often for climbing upper floors wooden stairs are installed, and the material used to make them depends on many factors. Choosing pine as building material, you should know about its features:

Advice! When choosing materials for construction, you should proceed from your financial capabilities. If the budget is limited, then you should choose cheaper, but strong and high-quality tree species. In the future, with the help of painting materials, you can give them a look that is completely indistinguishable from elite varieties of wood.

Stairs are very sensitive to impact environment. Has an effect on the coating Negative influence even plain water, but often when cleaning, various detergents. It must be borne in mind that all materials, be it wood, metal or concrete, have their own weak sides and may be damaged during operation. Even those stairs that are located indoors are exposed to changes in humidity, temperature fluctuations, and sunlight.

If you do not take care of surface protection in time, external factors will significantly reduce the service life of the product. The most effective way To prevent aging of the material, cover the stairs with enamel, varnish, paint and stain. Depending on certain conditions, you can choose one or another paint coating. Let's figure out how to cover the stairs just for you.

  1. Types of paint and varnish coatings;
  2. Painting wooden stairs;
  3. Metal;
  4. Concrete.

When choosing paint, consider the design of the room. The staircase should be in harmony with the interior, and not contradict in any way. Alkyd paints are easy to apply, urethane-alkyd paints are great for already painted surfaces, and pigmented paints will hide minor defects.

Paints are divided into thickly grated ones, sold in the form of a powder that must be dissolved with drying oil, and ready-to-use. Drying oil can be artificial or natural. Artificial drying oils are cheaper, but provide a lower quality coating.

For painting interior products that will only experience mechanical loads, staircase paint based on artificial drying oil is suitable. If the treatment of a street structure is intended, then mixtures exclusively on a natural basis are required;

Lacquer for stairs

If you want to paint a flight of stairs and at the same time emphasize the beauty natural wood, then you better buy varnish for stairs. Most of them dry quickly and are easy to apply. To decide which varnish to coat a wooden staircase, pay attention to the conditions of its use and the type of wood from which the product is made.

Oil varnishes

is a mixture of vegetable oils with artificial or natural resins, for example, oil-rosin varnishes. When dry, the varnish forms a hard layer of yellowish color. Due to their low resistance to external factors, oil varnishes are used for painting stairs installed inside the house.

Alcohol varnishes

When alcohol interacts with natural resins such as sandarac and shellac, varnishes with a concentration of 30-45% are obtained. Thanks to high speed weathering of alcohol and low dissolution rate of resins, it is possible to apply several layers without destroying the previous ones. The results are coatings with excellent resistance to mechanical damage and adhesion to most materials. The treated surfaces are well polished, but have low water resistance.

Today, oil and alcohol varnishes are produced in small quantities, since their production requires expensive natural raw materials. Typically, they are used in special cases, such as covering musical instruments.

Alkyd varnishes

The films are transparent, hard, with a slight tint. Have good adhesion to many surfaces, waterproof. They are used for both outdoor and indoor stairs. In everyday life, alkyd varnishes are often confused with oil varnishes - this is incorrect, because although in the production of alkyd resins vegetable oils are used, which have a serious impact on the characteristics of the final product, but in terms of chemical and quality composition alkyd varnishes differ from oil varnishes and significantly surpass them in properties.

Nitrate cellulose varnishes

Nitrovarnishes cover the surface with a dense, almost colorless, quick-drying film. Typically, nitro varnishes are used for varnishing wooden stairs. However, in some cases, they are used to paint a metal product, applying it as the last layer. Cellulose nitrate varnishes are excellent for indoor use; they are less often used for protection against natural factors.

Polyester varnishes

Surely, many people have applied the epithet “polished” to the shiny surfaces of wooden fittings - this is the result of applying polyester varnishes. These protective coatings for wood are multi-component mixtures and require special precision. Polyester varnishes do not shrink because the solvent does not evaporate during the hardening process, but polymerizes with the dissolved resin; form hard thick films that are resistant to water and other reagents.

They are used to produce high-quality automotive putties.

Epoxy varnishes

They are used with special hardeners, the volume of which depends on the type of resin and the nature of the hardener itself. Epoxy varnishes They are characterized by increased resistance to water and alkalis, compatibility with other coatings and mechanical strength, however, they remain insufficiently weather-resistant.

Polyurethane varnishes

They are distinguished by exceptional mechanical strength and high wear resistance. Perhaps the best varnish for stair treads. Polyurethane coatings are expensive, but the outstanding performance and extended service life make up for it high cost. For example, parquet floors, staircases and fittings in the halls of museums and palaces, which are of artistic value, are coated with these varnishes.

Water-based polyurethane varnish is an innovative development. Combines the environmental friendliness of acrylic varnishes and the durability of polyurethane varnishes. Water-based varnishes are inferior to pure polyurethane ones, but the use of special additives significantly improves performance.

To cover large areas with varnish, a sprayer is useful, and if the stairs are small, then a wide brush will do.

Some varnishes are durable, wear-resistant, completely transparent and do not have a strong odor, but they also have one significant drawback: it will be possible to use stairs treated with this coating only a week after painting. If you are not satisfied with this prospect, use another paint coating that is also wear-resistant, but dries almost instantly. Naturally, it will cost more or be inferior to the first in a number of other characteristics.

Enamels

Enamels are produced by mixing coloring pigments and varnishes, combining the advantages of both materials. Enamels, like varnishes, envelop the surface with a shiny protective film, and like paints, impart a certain color. However, enamel is destroyed by exposure to water, which is why it is almost never used for covering stairs.

There are glyphthalic, oil, nitro enamels and other types of enamels. Depending on the type of varnish added, you can get a glossy, matte, or semi-matte surface.

Stains and impregnations

Stain is a type of impregnation that also has antiseptic properties. After treatment with stain, the wood becomes non-fire hazardous. Sometimes a layer of varnish is also applied on top. In this case, you need to make sure that the stain and varnish for the stairs are compatible with each other.

When choosing a stain, you must remember that under its action the wood darkens slightly and the color becomes more saturated. For an inexperienced craftsman deciding what varnish to coat a wooden staircase with, we can recommend wax- or oil-based impregnations, which can be applied in several layers. There are also alcohol impregnations and nitro impregnations.

Oil for stairs

Today oils are produced using modern technologies and have a base of wax and natural vegetable oils. Product contains:

  • jojoba oil;
  • sunflower oil;
  • flaxseed oil;
  • candelilla wax;
  • carnauba wax;
  • beeswax.

Oils for painting stairs are a worthy replacement for traditional varnish. The material is deeply absorbed into the surface, forming a protective coating for wood, withstands significant loads and highlights the texture of the wood. The surface of the steps acquires excellent performance characteristics. In addition, the oil has good bactericidal properties: wood fungi and mold do not form on the treated surface. Suitable for use in high traffic areas.

Advantages:

  • ease of application;
  • has water-repellent properties;
  • suitable for local repairs;
  • increases the level of wear resistance;
  • no unpleasant odor;
  • is an environmentally friendly product.

Once you have decided how to paint the stairs, you can proceed directly to processing the material. If you do not have sufficient experience, seek professional help, but remember that this will affect the final cost. If you are going to do everything yourself, then let's take a closer look at how to paint a wooden staircase.

How to paint a wooden staircase

Before application paint coating the surface must be prepared. The painting technology largely depends on the type of wood, on whether you want to hide the texture of the wood or, on the contrary, highlight it, and what exactly you decided to cover the flight of stairs with.

Preparatory work

If dense painting is expected, then the surface of the stairs must be thoroughly cleaned and covered with putty, which will hide all chips. Then the wood is sanded, and the work is carried out in two stages with a break of several days. This is how maximum results are achieved. After this, a primer is applied.

If painting has been done previously, try applying urethane-alkyd paint to the small area. If the layer lays flat, does not peel off or warp, then you can continue. Otherwise you will have to delete old paint. To do this, you should use a cleaning compound. Alternatively, you can try heating the wood construction hairdryer and then scrape off the paint with a putty knife.

Resin removal of coniferous wood

Staircases require special attention coniferous species, for example from pine. This material, due to its low cost and ease of processing, is very popular, but requires additional processing - de-resining. This is necessary for several reasons:

  • protruding resin creates a sticky film that prevents the absorption of the protective composition;
  • places where resin accumulates darken and look ugly;
  • Due to the resin, the product is painted unevenly and of poor quality.

Wood de-resining is a process of treating the surface of wood with the aim of complete or partial removal excess resin. Basically, all kinds of solvents are used for degumming. For pine best choice There will be a 25% solution of technical acetone, which should be applied with a brush, and then rinse the treated surface with warm water and dry thoroughly. Too large tarred areas will have to be cut out with a knife and the irregularities filled with putty.

Listed below are the components that make up the degumming solution.

  1. hot water - 1 l;
  2. potash - 50 grams;
  3. baking soda - 45-50 grams;
  4. soap flakes - 30-40 grams;
  5. acetone - 200 grams;
  6. alcohol - 10 grams;

Further painting of the pine stairs is possible only after the wood is completely dry.

Do-it-yourself painting of a wooden staircase

It is important to know not only what, but also how to paint the stairs. It is best to apply paint coatings using a sprayer. There are electric and pneumatic sprayers. With their help you can cover the product with an even layer. But if this device is not available, ordinary wide brushes will do. With thick and slow-drying paints, it is recommended to work with brushes with short and hard bristles. For thinner finishes, use soft hair brushes, also called flute brushes. The brush should be held at an angle of 45 degrees to work surface. To clean the brush, soak it in solvent or turpentine.

The paint coating should be applied in 2-3 layers, evenly distributed over the entire surface of the product. First they paint one side, then turn it over and paint the other side. In this case, you need to have time to paint the entire surface before the coating dries, so that there are no uneven spots or smudges left. To make it more convenient to work and not to smudge the paint or varnish, it is necessary to adapt wooden stands. And by periodically stirring the paint, you will prevent the appearance of lumps and sediment.

  1. When deciding how to coat the steps, keep in mind that it is better not to use glossy enamels, as the painted surface will become slippery. If you decide to use varnish for stair steps, then give preference to matte or semi-matte coatings that will hide imperfections;
  2. If you know how to properly paint a wooden staircase, then it is no secret to you that the paint coating must be applied in three layers. The first layer of paint is applied along the structure of the wood, then across the grain and again along it. Each subsequent layer is applied only after the previous one has dried;
  3. In cases where long-drying varnishes or paints are used, and there is no spare lift, it is recommended to varnish a wooden staircase across the step. This way you can operate it, although it is not entirely convenient;
  4. Before you paint or varnish the stairs, make sure that not only the steps and railings are sparkling clean, but that the entire room is clean. Otherwise, dust will settle on the undried surface and ruin the entire work.

How to paint a metal staircase

In a private home there will definitely be a metal staircase, the durability of which largely depends on protective coating. Therefore, you need to know how and with what to paint the stairs.

IN in this case preparatory work boil down to removing rust. To do this, you can use an angle grinder with a stiff wire brush, sandpaper or special solvents.

After the rust is removed, the metal surface is degreased and covered with a primer. Painting the stairs can only be done after the primer has completely dried. It is recommended to treat areas where there was rust especially carefully.

If you are working on a ladder that has welded seams, be sure to clean them to a shine.

Coating metal stairs must be highly resistant to abrasion and environmental influences. Selecting the desired enamel or paint , Proceed directly to applying paint. If the stairs have been previously painted, apply the coating to a small area. If after drying the paint lies well and does not show through old layer, you can continue working. If the quality does not satisfy you, the old paint will have to be removed.

The painting of steps must be carried out especially carefully, usually twice as many layers are applied to them as to other elements.

Painting concrete stairs

Painting concrete not only makes the product more attractive appearance, but also protects the surface from premature wear, damage, and exposure to atmospheric factors.

The following options are possible:

  1. adding coloring pigments to the concrete mixture;
  2. painting a finished staircase, as in the case of a wooden or metal structure.

In the first case, special pigments are used that are resistant to moisture and sun rays. To achieve purer tones, it is recommended to use white concrete. This method allows you to get a more saturated color and uniform coverage. Disadvantages include high cost, labor intensity and the impossibility of using ready-made concrete stairs.

The second option provides that flights of stairs coated with special paints for concrete:

  • one;
  • acrylic;
  • polyurethane.

At the stage preliminary preparation the stairs are sanded to eliminate unevenness and primed to ensure better adhesion to the surface. And then, having decided what color to paint the stairs, you apply the coating to the steps using a wide roller with medium-length bristles.

Wooden interfloor staircase often found in private housing construction. Wood is an easy-to-work material from which you can make durable and beautiful design, but it requires special care.

To protect wood from rotting, drying out, and premature wear, it is varnished or painted. Moreover, for the steps you should choose especially durable paints that can withstand daily loads.

Material selection rules

In the huge variety of paint and varnish products that manufacturers offer today, there are several materials suitable for painting wooden stairs. These are various varnishes, stains, impregnations and paints that are easy to apply with your own hands using a roller, brush or spray.

Lucky

Varnishes are most often used for processing wooden structures, because they do not cover the wood grain, which is very important when decorating the interior of rooms. To decide which varnish is best for treating a wooden staircase, let’s look at their main types.

Oil products are a mixture of resins (artificial or natural) with vegetable oils. Not the best option, because it has low wear resistance, but is cheap.

Alcohol varnishes are a solution of resins with alcohol. During the application process, the alcohol quickly evaporates, leaving a fairly durable layer of resin on the treated surface. The varnished surface is easy to polish, but has low water resistance. Such compositions can be used for painting balusters.

The production of alkyd varnishes is based on alkyd resins dissolved in white spirit or other organic solvent. They have high wear resistance, increased strength, and are not afraid of changes in temperature and humidity. So they can be safely used when processing street stairs.

Epoxy varnishes are characterized by high mechanical strength, water-repellent properties, and inertness to alkalis. Two-component formulations are often sold that require mixing before application.

Experts believe that polyurethane and polyurethane-acrylate varnishes are best suited for treating wooden stairs. They have all the advantages of the above compounds, but have one drawback - high price, which is compensated by a long service life.

You can also use yacht varnish to paint outdoor wooden stairs. It is produced on the basis of the same polyurethane or other polymeric substances and includes special additives that provide high strength.

Paints

First of all, it is necessary to note that paints hide the grain of the wood, so they are used only if the task is not to emphasize the texture of the wood. Although there are glazing compounds that can be used to give only a slight tint to a wooden product.

In terms of diversity color design they have no equal. But not all brands on the market can be used for painting stairs made of pine, oak or other wood.

  • acrylic The resulting coating is durable, waterproof and breathable, and is not slippery to walk on. Acrylic compositions are suitable for painting stairs to the second floor inside the house; they can be used to process railings, steps and balusters;
  • alkyd Withstand negative temperatures, form a smooth surface when painted, smooth surface. They must be applied to well-dried wood;
  • oil These paints were once the most common, but have now been replaced by acrylic compositions. They take a long time to dry and form streaks; if not handled carefully, they emit a specific smell when painting;
  • enamels. Essentially, it is a mixture of varnish and pigment, so the composition has the characteristics of the varnish that was used in its production.

If the wooden staircase is located indoors, then interior acrylic composition is quite suitable for painting it. For outdoor wooden stairs, it is better to choose more durable finishing materials, such as polyurethane.

Impregnations and stains

Antiseptics and are used as impregnations for treating wooden stairs.

The former fight the formation of colonies of harmful microorganisms on the wood surface, the latter are fire-fighting agents. Today, manufacturers offer universal impregnations that have these two properties.

Oils

Painting technology

Despite its apparent simplicity, painting a wooden staircase in a house correctly is not so easy. Regardless of whether staircase design coated with varnish or paint, it is advisable to treat it with an antiseptic and fire retardant. It is better to process all the details of the staircase before starting assembly.

Detarring

Due to their low cost, coniferous wood is very popular in private housing construction. But such wood has one big drawback– it releases a resin that interferes with the application of coating compounds. Therefore, areas where resin is released are subjected to special treatment. For example, they are treated with a 25% acetone aqueous solution. It is applied to the defective area with a brush, then washed off with warm water, then dried.

If the resin defect is large or deep enough, then you will have to get rid of it using harsh means, such as a knife or chisel. After this, you need to clean the recess and putty.

Grinding

This is the most difficult stage in the process of preparing a wooden staircase for painting.

If the staircase is to be painted, then before applying it the wooden parts of the structure (steps, balusters, railings, etc.) are primed. If varnish or oil is used for decoration, then no additional coatings need to be applied.

Painting

Paint products can be applied different instruments, but most often at home they use brushes and a roller. If the staircase structure is not large sizes, then this coloring option is justified. But keep in mind that the consumption of paint or varnish will be greater. If the staircase is large, then it is better to give preference to a spray gun. With it, the layer of applied material is thinner, which reduces consumption, and uniform application it turns out better.

Note! The stairs are painted in 2-3 layers, regardless of whether a spray gun or a brush is used.

Specialists who frequently paint and process large areas, give some advice in this matter.

Between glossy and matte paints and varnishes, it is better to give preference to the latter. The surfaces of the steps treated with them do not slip, which is the main criterion for safe operation for staircase structures.

If brushes or paint roller, then the first layer of material is applied along the wood fibers, the second across and the third again along. It must be taken into account that subsequent layers of composition are applied to the previous ones only after they have completely dried.

Note! If long-drying compounds are used, then it is better to paint the steps one at a time in order to leave the possibility of moving along the staircase structure.

Before moving on to painting, it is recommended that, in addition to the stairs and its parts, you clean the entire room. Because dust from the same floor or window sill may rise and settle on varnished surface, reducing its quality and presentable appearance. The wall near the stairs should be sealed with masking tape, which will help to carry out the work carefully and get clear, even lines.