Many projects of modern private houses, and even some high-rise apartments, provide for the construction of staircase structures of various types. The choice in favor of one type of staircase or another is partly dictated by existing standards, but it largely depends on the appearance future design and personal preferences of the property owner. When relying on the use of natural materials, one should take into account their specificity. Any wood wears out faster than metal, concrete or glass. You can extend the service life of such a ladder using proper care or repair. Information on how to paint a wooden staircase will be useful in both cases. Many home craftsmen can do such activities, especially if they have experience and skills in repairing wooden home furnishings. Faster and better results can be achieved by entrusting this work to specialists. In any case, it's worth knowing about existing methods painting wooden stairs, as well as the materials that are best suited for this. This information will be useful both to those who decide to work with their own hands and to those who will accept work done by craftsmen.

Internal staircase structures, the elements of which are made of wood, are not exposed to aggressive weather conditions. However, despite the fact that they are not afraid of sudden changes in temperature and humidity, their material also wears out.

The following circumstances contribute to this:

• Cleaning and washing that uses chemicals.
• Natural wear and tear of wood (temporary factor).
• Mechanical abrasion of the surface of the railings and steps during the operation of the stairs.
• Impact of sunlight on coating wooden stairs, as a result of which there is destruction of its structure, loss of intensity, brightness and color fading.
• Damage to the structure by wood insects.

The influence of the described factors can be minimized by showing foresight and applying a protective coating to the wooden stairs. paintwork. Many hardware stores offer a wide range of materials suitable for painting wood. When planning to paint a wooden staircase with your own hands, it is worth collecting information in advance about the products that are best suited for the upcoming work.

Choosing paint for wooden stairs

This type of coating allows you not only to protect the stairs in the house, but also to give it the desired color. The following types are best suited for painting wooden stairs:

1. Acrylic paints have a rich palette of colors and are environmentally friendly (water is used as a base). Painting a wooden staircase with this paint is quite simple, and the resulting coating is durable, moisture-proof and at the same time “breathable” due to the formation of pores. Manufacturers claim that acrylic coating can last up to ten years.
   
   
2. Alkyd paint mixtures make it possible to obtain a uniform coating of wooden stairs with good moisture-proof properties. A special feature of this paint is its resistance sub-zero temperatures. The disadvantages include the specificity of application: only on a dry surface. In addition, alkyd paint does not have a long service life, since it does not penetrate deep enough into the wood structure.
   
   
3. Using oil paints to paint your stairs yourself, you can get a bright and rich surface color. However, such mixtures also have the longest list of specific features. Among them are a long drying period, a high probability of smudges, and a short service life.
   
   

Important! When working with oil paint It is better to use a respirator and make sure the room is well ventilated. This type of paint has strong smell and refers to toxic materials.

Treatment of wooden stairs with impregnation

To protect the wood of stairs, they are often used various impregnations. Their composition can be based on water or a volatile solvent. The main characteristic of all impregnations is the colorlessness or dullness of the coating. This does not hide the pattern inherent in natural wood, but emphasizes it. Some impregnations (tinting) may slightly change the color or shade of the stairs.

There are these types of impregnations:

1. Fire retardants. These mixtures penetrate the upper layers of wood, help reduce its flammability, and resist mechanical stress. They will not completely prevent fire, but they will protect the structure in the immediate vicinity of fire.
2. Antiseptic impregnations. With their help, it’s quite easy to protect a wooden staircase from biological factors destruction. The application of such impregnation helps prevent wood rotting, as well as prevent the development of bacteria and fungi in its fibers.
3. Universal. These mixtures have all of the listed properties and are designed for comprehensive protection of stairs in the house.

Advice! It is better to apply impregnation to wooden stair elements before the entire structure is assembled. In this way, the most uniform coating is achieved, and a better penetration of the composition into the wood is guaranteed.

Varnishes for wooden stairs

Varnishing of staircase structures is carried out after all elements have been assembled. In some cases, handrails or railing balusters can be painted separately. Varnishes have the following properties:

• Rivne smooth coating wooden surface.
• Possibility of preserving wood grain. Tinted varnishes will give the wood a deeper color.
• High degree of protection of wood from mechanical damage.

For interior work In the house, experts recommend using oil or oil-resin varnish mixtures. There are also alkyd and alkyd-urethane varnishes, but their effectiveness is inferior to the former. Many paint and varnish mixtures allow you to obtain a shiny, glossy surface. However, for safety reasons, it is worth using matte compounds to varnish the top of the steps.

Stages of painting staircase structures

Painting the stairs in the house is carried out following the following sequence:

• Preparatory work.
• Direct painting.
• Finish coating (this stage is not always present).

Preparatory work includes sanding parts of the staircase structure, as well as eliminating wood defects. Sanding the wooden surface is required. It is performed in two doses with an interval of several days. This time is necessary for the fibers to take on their natural shape, and they can be sanded more efficiently. Application of paints and varnishes should be carried out strictly following the instructions and recommendations of the manufacturer. The surface, previously coated with a primer, is painted with a brush, roller or spray. When using varnish or impregnation, a primer is not needed. Painting a wooden staircase

Coloring resinous wood

To process pine stairs, there is an additional stage: de-resining. Due to the fact that pine fibers contain a large number of resin, its release to the surface interferes with the uniform application of paints and varnishes. Therefore, for high-quality painting of stairs with your own hands, you should use special compounds. Removing heavy resin deposits from wood is only possible by cutting out individual sections and puttingtying them, followed by sanding. As a final step, you can apply several layers of clear varnish. To achieve a smooth and uniform finish on a wooden staircase, as well as to eliminate possible air bubbles and other defects, it is better to sand each subsequent layer of varnish after it has dried.

Modern private houses and cottages are distinguished by the presence of two or even three floors. Thanks to the superstructure, you can get additional space, arrange several rooms, or set aside a room for storing things. For quick and convenient passage to the second floor and above, stairs are built, which are often made of wood. And this is not surprising, because the material lends itself well to processing, and it is easiest to make a staircase structure from it with your own hands.

Of course, wood has a beautiful texture and natural color, and stairs made from it can act as an effective addition to the interior. However, this material is susceptible to external influences, and over time, even the most beautiful wooden staircase loses its attractiveness. appearance. The performance properties of wood are also reduced.

To avoid such consequences, experts recommend coating the wood with special protective compounds. And to give the staircase a more aesthetic appearance, painting is indispensable. From this article you will learn how and, most importantly, how to paint a wooden staircase, which paint is best suited for this, and consider the features of the painting procedure.

Painting requirements

The procedure for painting a wooden staircase should be taken carefully. First of all, you need to decide what result you want to achieve in the end. This will help with the choice of a particular coloring composition, working tools and processing technology.

Before you go to the store for materials, you should familiarize yourself with the basic requirements for the procedure for painting wooden stairs:

• If the structure is made of expensive wood with a beautiful texture, it is better to highlight it rather than paint it over. In this case, it is worth abandoning preliminary priming of the surface, and choosing paint with a low degree of hiding power.

• Varnishing is an alternative to staining, which also allows you to highlight the natural grain of the wood. You can choose clear or tinted varnish. In the latter case, it becomes possible to significantly change the appearance of the stairs.

• If you plan to paint the inside of the house, give preference to paints or varnish with quick-drying properties. It is recommended to choose formulations that do not have a strong pungent odor, and preferably those marked “odorless” or “eco-friendly”.

• For painting a staircase installed outside the house that leads to the attic, more resistant paints or varnishes that can withstand negative impacts external environment. As a rule, such compositions are made based on solvents.

• Regardless of the location of the stairs (inside the house or outside), the steps must be treated with a coloring material that is resistant to abrasion. This will allow you to preserve the aesthetic appearance of the wooden structure for a long time.

Important! Before buying this or that composition, it is worth studying the contents on the packaging and familiarizing yourself with the recommendations for its application.

A wide range of paint and varnish products presented in construction stores allows you to choose the composition that is suitable in certain conditions and meets consumer requirements. However, for those who do not understand the properties of paints different groups, the choice becomes much more complicated. To purchase a truly suitable product, you need to have at least some idea of ​​its composition. Next, we will consider what types of paints exist, and which of them are optimal for processing a wooden staircase to the second floor.

Alkyd

This type includes paints based on alkyd resin. This substance is obtained by mixing alcohol (glycerin or pentaerythritol), acid and vegetable oil. Thanks to his chemical composition alkyd paints They tend to dry quickly as a result of polymerization (when interacting with air molecules). And this is one of the most important advantages. In addition, dyes based on alkyd resins may contain antiseptics, which are so necessary for treating wood against rotting, the formation of fungus and mold.

Alkyds form on the surface protective film, protecting wood from mechanical damage. They are non-toxic and suitable for interior work.

Acrylic

Such paints are most often produced at water based, due to which they are able to dry quickly, do not have a strong odor due to the absence of harmful chemicals in the composition. It can also be noted that acrylic solutions do not fade in the sun and do not lose their original color. The maximum service life of the coating is up to 20 years.

Additional benefits: acrylic paints water-based allow wood to “breathe”, presented wide choose colors.

Oily

Such paint and varnish products have been used for a very long time, and today they are no less in demand. Its main advantages can be considered low cost and long service life (up to 5 years). And that’s where all the advantages end. Wood coated with oil paint is not able to “breathe”, the decorative layer takes a long time to dry and wears out quickly, and the staircase is not protected from mechanical damage.

Oil dye contains harmful chemicals, so this material is best used for outdoor use.

Enamel

Enamel paints for wooden stairs are considered the best option, especially if painting is planned in a residential area. And all because these are quick-drying, high-quality compounds that do not contain harmful components. Coloring enamel lies on the surface in an even layer, ideal if you need to completely cover the wood without gaps.

It is also important that the enamel has high protective properties - it forms a dense film that minimizes the impact of ultraviolet radiation, moisture and temperature on wood.

Varnish

Varnish is not a paint or enamel, but a translucent composition primarily designed to highlight the natural color of wood and its texture. It comes in glossy and matte. To add shine or update an old staircase, it can be coated with glossy varnish. Coloring pigments can also be introduced into the solution, but they serve more of a tinting function - such coloring is not able to completely cover the wood grain.

In terms of their composition, varnishes are water- and alcohol-based, and there are also nitrocellulose solutions. The latter are more suitable for outdoor work, as they contain hardeners and plasticizers, which means the decorative coating will be durable and weather-resistant.

If you need to process flight of stairs inside the house, you should choose a water-alcohol based varnish. For decorative purposes, shellac varnish is used for finishing.

Stains and impregnations

Stains and special impregnations are other options for paints and varnishes intended for wood. With their help, you can process the entire staircase or tint its individual parts (steps, railings). In addition to giving the wood different shades, such solutions also perform a protective function, as they have bio- and fire-retardant properties. It is for coating wooden stairs that wax and oil-based compounds are used.

What to pay attention to

Above we looked at the options for paint and varnish materials that can be used to paint the stairs yourself. To choose the right product and get the expected result, you still need to take into account many points related to the location of the flight of stairs and the intensity of its use.

Let us list the main factors that determine the choice of one type or another:

• Mechanical and other loads. If the stairs to the second floor are often used, you should choose a durable and abrasion-resistant coating.

• Wood species. If the flight of stairs is made of soft wood, for example, pine, then the surface must be painted with enamel or alkyd paint. Larch has a beautiful natural pattern - it is better not to paint it, but to cover it with colorless or tinted varnish.

• Availability of ventilation. This factor determines which composition is best to choose for painting inside the house - odorless or enamel, solvent-based varnish. Most often, the ladder is installed next to entrance area, so there shouldn’t be any problems with ventilation.

• Financial opportunities. If you don’t have the funds to buy expensive paints and varnishes, then you can buy cheaper products, the main thing is that the choice does not compromise quality decorative covering.

Dyeing technology

Many specialized companies offer their services for painting stairs made of different breeds tree. You can contact one of these companies, but do not forget that painting work can cost quite a tidy sum. If you are not ready for significant financial costs and want to save your family budget, it is better to carry out the entire procedure yourself, especially since it is quite simple.

Any painting technology, be it painting or varnishing, includes steps such as surface preparation and application of a decorative layer. Moreover, the choice of painting tools and the technique of their use are not as important as the first stage. The final result of painting depends on how well the wooden surface is prepared.

Preparing the base

First of all, the surface of the stairs must be cleaned of dust, dirt and large debris. Next, the condition of the steps and flight as a whole is assessed, since if there are serious defects, additional materials for restoration may be required. If the design is completely new and was made from coniferous species wood, mandatory preparatory stage will remove excess resin from the inside.

Important! The resin contained in the fibers of coniferous wood can prevent good absorption of the paint and varnish material - over time, this coating will begin to peel off.

To get rid of resin, you can prepare a special solution: 1 liter of hot soapy water, 200 ml of acetone, 10 g of ethyl alcohol, 50 g of potash and the same amount of baking soda. The resulting liquid is applied to the surface of the boards with a wide brush, after which the stairs are left to dry for several hours. As a result of the solution being absorbed, the resin will gradually come out from the back of the boards.

Regardless of the type of wood from which the staircase structure was made, preparing its surface includes the following work:

1. If the staircase has already been painted, it is necessary to remove the old coating. For this, specialized washes are used (sold in any hardware store with paint and varnish products). After applying the product, the old decorative layer can be easily removed with a spatula.

2. It is especially important to treat the surface of the stairs in order to obtain a smooth and even base for painting. Coarse sandpaper is used for this, but a sander will save you time and reduce labor costs.

3. If there are chips and cracks, they need to be repaired with wood putty. Such products are also sold in any construction supermarket. But you can also save money by preparing a leveling mixture of wood dust and colorless varnish.

4. At this stage, the surface is completely sanded with fine-grained sandpaper. After this treatment, the steps, railings and balusters should be perfectly smooth.

5. For better adhesion of paint or varnish to the surface, you cannot do without a primer. It is advisable to take a composition with antiseptic properties. The primer must be applied so that it penetrates well into all cracks, recesses, and places with threads (if any). Wait completely dry.

After completing all the preparatory work, you can safely proceed to finishing stairs. We will talk further about how to paint correctly and what tools are best to use.

Paint coating [application instructions]

Before painting your stairs, it is important to be well prepared. This means that you need to find work clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty, choose suitable painting tools. If you purchased paint with a fairly thin consistency, it is easier to paint using an electric or pneumatic spray gun. Such a tool will significantly reduce your labor costs, and the whole job will take only a few minutes.

Important! When working with a spray gun, you need to take precautions. It is recommended to wear safety glasses to prevent paint splashes from getting into your eyes, and a mask or respirator, especially when using solvent-based solutions.

If a spray device is not available, you can use both a brush and a roller. The main thing here is to choose the right tool. For applying liquid paint, wide, soft-bristled brushes are more suitable; for applying thick paint, harder, but smaller ones are more suitable. A roller will be useful if you need to paint wide steps.

The process of applying paint or enamel is as follows:

1. First you need to prepare workplace. Cover the floor next to the stairs with covering film or old newspapers, and cover the area adjacent to the flight with masking tape.

2. After opening the jar, use a long wooden stick to thoroughly mix the composition until smooth. There should be no lumps or watery liquid on top of the paint material. If the paint is too thick, it can be thinned with a solvent.

2. When using a brush, dip it in paint and, holding the tool at an angle of 45˚, apply the composition to the surface. The movements should be along the grain of the wood.

3. Typically, wooden stairs are painted in two layers. However, if the composition was chosen to be water-based, and you notice that it is absorbed into wood material like a sponge, more than three coats may be needed.

4. After applying the first layer, be sure to wait for the coating to dry completely. This rule must be observed when applying each subsequent layer.

5. Especially carefully you need to handle the joints of balusters and railings, recesses, carved parts, and figured elements.

6. Finally, the steps, railings and handrails can be covered with a colorless glossy varnish - this will give the surface shine and the entire product more shine.

On the video: painting a wooden staircase (instructions and recommendations).

If you don’t know what color scheme to choose for decorating the stairs, you can use the classic method, when the color of the decorative coating is slightly different from the shade of the walls and floor. At the same time, it is important that the staircase fits harmoniously into the interior and complements the overall color design premises.

Monochromatic coloring is the preferred option, however, some paint in several colors. This approach allows you to highlight the staircase against the general background and make it the main decoration of the interior.

Varnish coating [application instructions]

Before such finishing, the unfinished staircase is sanded only once. This is due to the fact that after application the varnish will still raise all the villi of the surface fibers of the wood, and sanding will have to be done again. Most best option– interlayer processing with sandpaper 180-220. It is also recommended to apply a special primer before varnishing, which will smooth out any unevenness.

After sanding the first layer, a wooden staircase is always a pitiful sight. But don’t be alarmed, after applying the second layer of varnish on a properly prepared base, the situation will change radically.

The varnishing process itself is not so complicated and includes several simple steps:

1. First you need to prepare the composition itself. If you purchased a two-component varnish, mix it as directed in the instructions on the package.

2. Dip a working tool (brush or roller) into the varnish, then walk over the surface, applying a thin layer along the wood grain.

3. Be sure to wait until the varnish is completely dry. This will take approximately three hours. Depending on the type of composition chosen, the drying process may exceed this time limit.

5. Reapplying varnish requires special care; apply the material evenly thin layer. Subsequent layers are applied only after the previous ones have completely dried.

The finished varnish needs to set and gain strength. The drying time directly depends on how many layers were applied to the surface. The more there are, the longer the drying process. On average, the coating dries in 7-10 days.

High-quality painting of wooden stairs includes the right approach by the master painter. To ensure that the result meets your expectations and you don’t have to re-stain, we recommend using the following tricks:

• Staircases are painted by experienced painters even at the stage of building a house, when the structures are not assembled, because it is simpler and more convenient.

• If the staircase is already installed, it is best to paint it every other step so that there is something to stand on, and after the finished steps have dried, paint the rest.

• Painting work always starts from the top step. However, if the house has another exit (descent) from the second floor, you can start from the bottom.

• The last two layers of paint or varnish must be applied along the structure of the wood - this will prevent the appearance of visible stains after the coating has dried.

• If you are not sure that the paint has dried, walk around small area in socks or soft knitted slippers and see if there are traces left or not.

• To ensure that the painted staircase is completely dry, add another five hours to the allotted drying time.

The staircase leading to the second floor is one of the important components of the interior decoration of a private home. The impression of guests about the owner of the house depends on its appearance. It can be two-color, can be painted with paints, varnishes, and tinting stains. The choice of material is based on your personal preferences and expectations. And so that the final result does not disappoint, it is worth mastering at least minimal skills in working with paint and varnish products.

Being a natural material, wood is in great demand for the construction of buildings, partitions, for the production of furniture and as additional interior elements. However, the tree is very susceptible to certain atmospheric phenomena, and it is also afraid of rodents and insects. That is why proper wood processing is very important and if you want the maximum lifespan of a wood product, you should know not only the names of suitable solutions, but also the technology for processing certain mixtures. Today I want to talk about how to paint a staircase with your own hands, how to paint a wooden staircase to the second floor, and what is special about painting a pine staircase.

Painting pine stairs

Need painting

Painting the stairs

Many people do not understand why paint wooden surfaces if they have such a beautiful texture that can be changed due to chemical materials. However, the application of impregnations and coloring agents is necessary for:

• In order to protect your flight of stairs from various pests
• To prevent its rapid wear
• From negative influence sun rays
• Moisture, mold or, conversely, excessive drying of the material

One of the main advantages that is not related to protective functions is the appearance of the stairs after painting. Since with its help you can fit this element into any interior solution.

Important! As you can see, the need to paint a wooden staircase with your own hands is obvious. An untreated transition will not serve you for a long time and efficiently, and the possibility of replacing some parts or the entire structure is an expensive pleasure.

If you use the right means for processing a pine staircase, then you will not only be able to not spoil the appearance of the structure, but also emphasize its advantages. The materials can be:

1. stain
2. Enamel
3. Dye
4. Varnish

Advantages of pine stairs

Painting a pine staircase

When I built on my own summer cottage house, then the construction of the second floor was fundamental for me. To save a little money, I decided to use solid pine as the material for constructing the stairs. Therefore, let's tell you a little about the properties inherent in a wooden staircase:

• Being budget material, pine is perfect for economical construction
• Despite the fact that pine is not as durable as oak or larch, it has a favorable appearance, as well as good performance wear resistance
• If we compare spruce and pine, the second material is much better, as it has fewer knots and a denser texture
• Unique pattern and light color pine trees are an additional plus

Important! The growth time of the tree directly plays a role in the density of pine. And since this process It is impossible to control, then when purchasing the material and carrying out the processing, you may notice that the products are absorbed unevenly.

When arranging a staircase with your own hands, its step is most often made from edged solid board. However, for steps you can also use laminated boards, which are more durable and wear-resistant.

How to paint the stairs

Painted pine staircase

If you are thinking about what to use to process a pine staircase, then here is a small list and short description possible materials:

1. Impregnation with antiseptic and fire retardant properties - can be made on a water, acrylic, alcohol or wax basis
2. Stain for tinting - the wood texture remains the same but becomes more expressive. Can be produced on the above bases and additionally on chemical
3. Polish is a transparent mixture that does not give the material a new shade and retains the existing color and texture. Very often the polish is applied over paint or varnish, thereby giving the stairs an even more favorable appearance.
4. Varnish is a transparent protective layer that should be applied over stain
5. Enamel is a pigmented varnish that can create matte or glossy layers.
6. Paint is a very popular material that provides not only protective, but also decorative properties. You can choose paint to suit any interior and room design.

You can paint a wooden staircase yourself, but before doing so, you should look at the table. When we have figured out how to paint the stairs, it is worth finding out the advantages and disadvantages of types of paint:

Type of paintwork	pros	Minuses
Oily	It is moisture resistant and has a rich color. When painted, it forms a dense and protective film	They are not breathable and take a long time to dry. Over time, peeling may begin
Enamel	Has the property of quick drying, is moisture resistant and evenly applied	Can only be used for interior spaces, also the only matte surface is obtained
Acrylic, Acrylate	Lays down evenly, water-soluble, dries quickly. Is breathable	Matte finish
Alkyd	Ability to create smooth surfaces, dries quickly, moisture resistant	There is a pungent odor and the contents contain solvents. Is a short-lived coating

Painting the stairs can be done using any of the above materials; which type to use is your choice. I hope with the help of the table you will be able to choose the right paint.

DIY painting

Before painting the stairs, you should study the technology of the work. At the same time, I want to give some tips on how to paint a pine staircase in order to get a coating with maximum service life.

So, how to paint a wooden staircase made from solid pine:

• The first step is to deal with the problem of pine - it's resin. To do this, use acetone or turpentine. These materials remove all tar manifestations, and the processing tool is an ordinary rag
• At the next stage, preparatory work which consist of puttying damaged areas. For this process it is better to choose acrylic putty for wood. Since the material shrinks when it dries, the mixture should be applied in 2-3 layers, and the surface should be sanded between layers. Since we will be painting our stairs in the future, the color of the putty can be any color. But if you have to apply varnish, then you need to choose a putty that matches the color of the stairs
• Sanding is a mandatory and important activity. Using this will help you in this process. grinder, however, be prepared for the fact that hard to reach places you still have to process it manually. Sandpaper is used in different grits, but do not jump from finer to coarse grains. Zeroing during processing is used only at the grinding stage between layers
• Painting a flight of stairs should be done with a brush. Due to its viscosity alkyd enamel and varnish cannot be applied using a spray gun, and the use of a roller is prohibited due to the complex surface. The material is applied in several layers, and if you decide to use polyurethane varnish, then get ready for the fact that the number of layers may increase to 6-7. After you have applied the first coat, let it dry well and sand it down with fine-grade sandpaper. This is important when using enamel or varnish for pine, since raising the pile prevents high-quality coating, and we don’t need it at all
• Please remember that before you begin any Finishing work problems associated with coating with various paints and impregnations should be very carefully removed in the room where the pine staircase is located. The fact is that dust can harm the appearance of the coating by settling on it at the most unnecessary moment. The painting material must be of high quality, so think about choosing the type of paint in advance

Do-it-yourself painting of pine stairs

Cleaning of the room is carried out after work with surface grinding, as this process is very dusty. Before painting, several layers of primer should be applied, and if in this case the villi begin to rise and swell, then sanding and application of primer will need to be done again. When applying paint, which is thinner than varnishes, you can use a pneumatic sprayer - but do not forget to use a respirator. When several layers are applied, the second should be applied perpendicular to the first, and the third perpendicular to the second. Do not forget that subsequent layers can be applied only after the previous one has dried, this way you will not have smudges and the coating will be of the highest quality without color transitions. When you paint an already installed staircase, always start at the top and work your way down - this way you will not catch the already painted surface.

Never be afraid to do something with your own hands, because without trying you will never know about your abilities and if you succeed, then you can really save not only on purchasing a structure from available material, but also on carrying out the painting work itself.

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 it with paint or varnish in order to preserve the beautiful appearance, as well as the performance properties of the material, longer.

Painting a wooden staircase is a fairly simple process, 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 from fungus, dust and rot.

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 processing 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 staircase railings can be done using several types of paints and varnishes. 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 what to paint the wooden staircase in a house to the second floor.

Alkyd paints:

• The dye dries quite quickly.
• The composition includes antiseptics, which 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. natural boards. 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. It is a high quality, quick-drying paint.
• 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! Enamel paints should be applied 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. It contains toxic substances, takes a long time to dry, and 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. From her external state and the method of finishing depends on the consistency of the style and color of the entire room. In order for the staircase to maintain a 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 with warm water.
3. Leave until the product is completely dry.

Important! Areas that are too resinous must be cut out, and the cleaned recesses must be 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 are 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 irregularities.
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 treating a wooden product with varnish, there is no need to prime it.

1. After the primer has completely dried, start painting.
2. Before varnishing wood, the dye must be thoroughly shaken or diluted.

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

1. During treatment with the 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 the general style of the room in which it is installed.
• To create coziness and a harmonious combination, the staircase must match color scheme premises.
• To installed ladder beautifully complemented 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.
• You can give a dark shade to the railings or steps 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.

Wood is one of the best building materials. While the tree is in the ground, it is constantly renewed, thanks to which some species can grow for thousands of years. The situation is completely different with finished products; they need to be coated by special means to protect from exposure environment. If the staircase in your house is made of wood, then you need to know how to paint a wooden staircase.

Why paint?

It is true that wood has a beautiful structure as well as pleasant tactile properties. So why ruin it with chemicals? This is required to protect against:

• various pests;
• rapid wear;
• exposure to ultraviolet radiation;
• drying out;
• moisture.

Finally, the wood is stained to create a tone that will match the interior and realize a unique design idea.

Special products will not only not spoil the appearance of the wood, but will also emphasize the advantages that the tree already has. Most often used:

• varnishes;
• stains;
• enamels;
• paints;
• polishes.

To make the right choice, it is important to know for what specific purposes certain finishing materials are intended and what their subtypes exist.

Even before purchase

Before deciding which option will be the most the best solution In your case, you need to analyze the following points:

• Impact of precipitation. This is true for stairs that are located on the street.
• The amount of sunlight received. The composition of the coloring agent for a staircase, which is under direct ultraviolet exposure most of the day, differs from that which can be used if the product is located in the shade. This also affects the final cost.
• Gloss or matte. Typically, a coating that has a matte or semi-matte structure is selected for stairs. This makes more sense from a usability point of view. Glossy surface it wears off faster and loses its appearance. Although there are types of varnishes that are able to maintain shine and at the same time are resistant to physical impact, for example, “yacht”.
• Hue. It is important to decide whether a slight adjustment will be made to the tone or a complete color substitution will take place.
• How much time is there for drying and will people be in the room during this time?
• Will you do the painting yourself or leave it to the professionals?

By its nature, varnish is resins that are diluted in a certain solvent. Based on the number of components, they are divided into:

• One-component. In this case, you simply open the can, dip the brush and get to work.
• Multicomponent. Typically used by professionals. There is a certain flexibility in their use, because the master himself decides how much solvent and hardener to add. The properties that can be selected for specific objects will depend on the consistency.

The base for varnish can be of different origins, and its level of toxicity and other properties will depend on this. Among them are:

• Water-based or acrylic. This type is most often used for interior decoration. This is explained by the fact that it is the least toxic, because... Ordinary water is used as a solvent. It will take approximately two weeks for complete drying to form a hard film. It is fireproof, but it is better not to use it where high load intensity on the floor covering is planned. This composition makes it possible to highlight the beauty of the natural pattern without shading it.
• Alkyd. The most common type. It can be used both indoors and outdoors. It is based on alkyd resins. Like the previous option, it does not spoil the color of the wood, because is transparent. Once dry, the layer is resistant to water, so it can be easily washed. It is applied using pneumatic tools or a microfiber roller. Complete setting occurs within three days.
• Oily. If you are planning to give the stairs a shiny look, some elasticity to the wood, or change the tone a little, then the choice should fall on this look. But it is worth remembering that it is used for primary processing and is not so resistant to moisture. Therefore, for reliability, it will need to be coated with a layer of another type of varnish on top.
• Polyurethane. Such compositions will be the best solution for stairs. This type of varnish has a short drying time, is also very resistant to abrasion, temperature, elasticity and is not subject to destruction when exposed to moisture. Disadvantages include the toxicity of the solvent, as well as the tendency to turn yellow over time.
• Nitrovarnishes. Not recommended for painting stairs or flooring. This type is very susceptible to wear and tear due to physical impact.
• Epoxy. Withstands shuffling feet on the surface. They have high strength and elasticity. Not suitable for outdoor use because unstable to the effects of climate change.

There are some other variations: shellac, bitumen and coal tar varnishes, but they are unsuitable for use in the given conditions.

When choosing a varnish, you should also pay attention to whether it is self-priming. If this is not the case, then you will additionally need to purchase a primer and cover the wood with it before painting.

Stains

Wood stain can also be called impregnation. This is a liquid that contains a pigment that allows you to give the desired shade or completely change the color of the wood. The following types are distinguished:

• Water based. It can be produced both in dissolved and dry form. The advantage of the second option is that you can regulate the concentration yourself. Before using the prepared mixture, solids must be removed. This can be done by simply straining the liquid through cheesecloth. One of the disadvantages of this stain is that it causes the wood to partially swell, causing the grain to rise. Therefore, after application and drying, it is advisable to walk over the surface with fine sandpaper. For uniform distribution, it is better to use a pneumatic sprayer. Otherwise, stains will remain.
• Alcohol based. Available in the same form as the previous version. But it's better to buy ready solution, because It is quite difficult to find alcohol of the required quality. Application is carried out in the same way as aqueous solution. The advantage is that it dries quite quickly due to the evaporation of the base.
• Based on solvents or nitro stain. The properties are similar to alcohol, but when painted it stands out bad smell.
• Oil based. Typically, linseed oil is used as a solvent. In this case, there is practically no unpleasant odor. The dye is applied evenly and softly. The likelihood of uneven spots appearing is low.
• Acrylic or wax based. Are considered ideal solution among impregnations. Convenient to paint, difficult to spoil anything. In addition, additional protective layer, which repels moisture.
• Based on alkyd varnish. This impregnation already contains varnish, so when applying it, you immediately perform two operations.

For floor coverings stains are not used as an independent composition; usually, after staining, some suitable varnish is applied.

Enamels

Enamel is a type of painting material that can be called 2 in 1. They have a coloring pigment, and the base is one of the types of varnish, so their varieties coincide with those found among varnishes:

• alkyd;
• acrylic;
• oil;
• polyurethane;
• nitro enamels.

Their characteristics in terms of adhesion, resistance to moisture, ultraviolet radiation and physical impact are also comparable to corresponding varnishes. All that remains is to choose the color in which you would like to paint the stairs.

Varnish

This is an exotic material in every way. It is made from shellac, a wax-like substance secreted by a certain type of insect. His prey is very painstaking work, so the polish has a high cost. Most often it is used for furniture that is not intended for everyday use. The surface application technology is very complex and painstaking. If someone decides to use this product for the floor, then at the final stage the surface must be covered with several layers of compatible varnish for protection.

How to paint

Once you have decided which substances to use for painting, you need to know how this process is carried out correctly.

• It is good if it is possible to apply the coating before the entire structure is installed. Then it will be possible to treat all surfaces with the same quality.
• If the staircase was made of coniferous wood, then it is advisable to remove excess resin. It is important to do this because... The resin may prevent the dye from being absorbed. To do this, prepare a solution based on acetone. We need 1 liter hot water, soap, 200 ml of acetone, 50 gr. potash, 50 gr. baking soda, 10 gr. ethyl alcohol. The prepared liquid is applied with a wide brush, after which the wood is left for several hours. The resin will come out through reverse side boards, it will just need to be washed off. Next, the wood is stacked for drying.
• For next stage we will need a surface grinder and fine sandpaper, as well as wood putty. The entire surface is carefully inspected for chips and gouges. If necessary, putty. After drying, sanding is necessary. The product is delayed for 1–2 days. It must regain the moisture present in the room, after which some fibers may rise. To smooth them out, another sanding is carried out.
• It is important that there is as little dust as possible in the room where painting will be done. After sanding you need to general cleaning. The main layer of dust can be removed using construction vacuum cleaner, then use a damp cloth.
• The next step is to prime the surface. Several layers of impregnation may be required. If after the first pass the fibers have swollen and risen, then it is necessary to sand again and apply a new layer.
• It is best to apply the coloring composition using an electric or pneumatic tool (use goggles and a respirator with replaceable filters to protect the respiratory tract). If you don’t have any at hand, then an ordinary brush will do. For liquid solutions, a wide flange with soft bristles is used, for thick solutions - with smaller, hard bristles. The brush should be held at an angle of 45˚.
• In order to emphasize the grain of the wood, a stain of a suitable shade is applied. After which it is varnished.
• It is important to apply at least three layers. The first is along the grain, the second is perpendicular, the third repeats the first. Each new one is applied after the previous one has completely dried. During the process you need to be very careful so that there are no smudges or tone transitions.

If you are painting an already installed march to the second floor, then you can use one trick. In order to maintain passability, it is necessary to paint the steps of the stairs one at a time (you should move from top to bottom). You will be free to rise if necessary. After complete drying, the second half is painted.

As you can see, when you have sufficient information there should not be any special difficulties. We often find it difficult to decide to do something with our own hands. The process described above will be the same wherever you decide to paint the stairs: in the country, at home or on the street.