Staircase Painters | Taunton | MA.

Staircase painters in Taunton, MA.

 How to Prep and Paint a Staircase: Railings, Spindles, Skirtboards, Risers, and Walls

Painting a staircase is one of the most rewarding transformations in a home. But it's also one of the trickiest — with so many surfaces, angles, and materials, it's important to approach it with the right plan and attention to detail. Whether freshening up an old staircase or giving it a complete color overhaul, proper prep is key to a professional-looking finish.

Here’s how JCB Painting tackles staircases — and how you can too.

Jcb Painting paints a LOT of staircases.

🧼 Step 1: Clean and Degloss Everything

Before you even think about primer or paint, clean every surface. Staircases collect dust, grime, oils from hands, and even old wax or polish, all of which can interfere with paint adhesion.

Use a degreasing cleaner (like TSP substitute) on handrails, spindles, skirtboards, and risers.

Follow with a light scuff-sanding using a sanding sponge or 220-grit paper.

Vacuum or tack-cloth off any dust.

This helps your primer bond properly and gives the paint something to grip ont

                                                                             🛠 Step 2: Repairs and Caulking

Once everything is clean and sanded, inspect the surfaces for damage:

Fill nail holes, gouges, and dings with wood filler or spackling compound.

Sand flush once dry.

Caulk all gaps and seams where skirtboards meet walls risers. A paintable acrylic caulk works best here.

This step makes a huge difference in the finished look — it’s what separates DIY from professional.                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

🧱 Step 3: Masking and Protecting

This part is time-consuming, but don’t skip it:

Use painter’s tape and plastic or drop cloths to protect the treads, and floors.

If you’re not painting the treads, tape them off completely.

Mask off spindles from the railing if you plan to paint them separate colors.

🎨 Step 4: Priming

For staircases, a bonding primer is your best friend, especially on glossy handrails and spindles. It ensures the paint won’t peel or scratch off later.

Use oil-based bonding primer or a high-adhesion acrylic primer, depending on the surface. JCB Painting uses Stix Waterborne Bonding Primer: no oder, water clean-up and it sticks to any surface. Great stuff!

Apply with a brush and mini roller for even coverage.

Let it cure fully — don’t rush this part.

🖌 Step 5: Painting – Order Matters

Here’s the best order of operations:

Start with the railings – these are the most awkward, and it’s easier to work from the top down.

Paint the spindles next. A quality 1" or 1.5" angled sash brush helps with tight angles. Some painters prefer spraying for spindles, but careful brushing can give great results with less mess.

Then move to skirtboards (the boards that run alongside the stairs).

Paint the risers – use a mini roller for speed and finish with a brush along edges.

Finish by painting the walls if they’re part of the scope.

Use two coats of a durable enamel or trim paint for high-traffic areas like railings and risers. We use Benjamin Moore's pre-catalyzed waterborne epoxy-semi-gloss v341. It's the best!

For walls, standard eggshell or matte wall paint is perfect.

⏳ Dry Time and Reassembly

Allow each coat to dry thoroughly (check your paint can for dry and recoat times).

Avoid heavy traffic until paint is fully cured — especially on risers or skirtboards that are close to feet.

Gently peel off all tape and touch up any bleeds or missed spots.

🧰 Pro Tips from JCB Painting

Use a high-quality synthetic sash brush for trim and railings to reduce brush marks.

Consider contrasting colors — for example, white spindles with a black handrail or white risers with stained treads. The choice is yours.

For extra durability, especially on railings, add a clear coat after the paint cures.

A staircase makeover can dramatically lift the feel of your entire home — it’s one of the most visible architectural features. With careful prep and the right products, you can achieve a finish that looks crisp, clean, and built to last.

Need help with your staircase? JCB Painting is just a call away. (508) 463-5190.