When we moved here, I loved all the character this house to add to offer. While I can appreciate stained wood, all that dark just isn’t for me. So I had to decide how I wanted to lighten the space all while attempting to keep some of the original charm and texture. Paint is usually the answer so I decided to use paint to lighten the rooms. I started in the entry. The stair spindles got a makeover and I wanted to share a few hacks on how to paint stair spindles without removing them.
Supplies Needed to Paint Stair Spindles Without Removing Them:
Affilaite Links. You can read all about my policy here.
Paint Brush (these are my favorite and well worth the money).
Paint of Choice. This is what I used in my entire house for trim.
How to Paint Stair Spindles Without Removing Them
First, I am a sloppy painter so painters tape is a must. Also, drips can happen no matter how careful you are so it’s nice to have that added layer of protection to keep you from losing your cool when it does drip. The taping off is tedious and you may be tempted to skip this step but I promise it’s worth it. Especially when painting in such a small spaces like in between stair spindles.
Taping Off Stair Spindles
Always make sure you properly clean your “canvas” with a degreaser cleaner in case it has recently been oiled or there is oil build up. Another step may be to lightly sand the surface if it’s sealed with a slick surface sealer. Again, make sure it’s dust free afterwards and cleaned before starting. Painting or staining your banister is a personal preference. I would recommend if you’re staining, that you complete that before painting.
If the banister is already staining and varnished, I recommend giving it a light sanding with a high grit sand paper by hand. Make sure you’re removing the dust once completed prior to painting. Because I used a brush, brush marks were a concern so some opt for a sponge paint application. Either will work but I found for me, the brush worked best and I just made sure to use a high quality brush.
One Coat of Primer on Spindles
I always recommend using a primer so your paint will stick. After taping off the stair spindles, I applied a layer of primer. Followed by my trim paint. It took two coats. Behr Premium Ultra Pure White was my color of choice for this project. I also used this paint for all the trim and baseboards. I will be using it for the ceiling in the entry way as well.
Painting my First Coat of Trim Paint
Painting stair spindles takes a lot more time than I had originally thought. If you’re someone who loves detail work then this is the job for you. If you’re like me, this is a less than fun project. However, now that it’s nearly complete I am so glad I did it! I still need to remove the runner and paint the risers, but that will happen once I know I can complete it in one sitting due to a busy and less than careful 5 year old and a big doggie who otherwise would slip and slide up and down the stairs.
After Second Coat of Trim Paint on Stair Spindles
Finished Project
I still have some trim to paint in this space and I will be painting the ceiling soon as well! I can’t wait to share this whole space with you once completed!
If you are wanting to know how to paint stair spindles black, the process is pretty much the same. It’s possible brush marks might become more obvious with this color choice, so you may opt to apply with a sponge. Just keep in mind that most spindles have details that a sponge simply just won’t get.
Thanks so much for stopping by today it always means to much to me to have you here!
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Be sure to check out this project while you’re here!
Great job, looks amazing! thanks for sharing on craft schooling Sunday, really enjoying your posts!
THank you and thanks so much for hosting!
Your stairs came out great! I love the contrast!
THank you Kate!
Your spindles…and stairs… look great! I really like that type of staircase… so beautiful. 🙂
THank you! It was such a process and I hope I never have to paint another spindle! LOL
Looks great! I am visiting you from Amaze Me Mondays.
Thank you so much!
The paint makes a huge difference! That’s one of those huge jobs that you’re thankful to have behind you.
Thanks for the “how to.”
Patti
Your spindles look so good now! I’ve been thinking about painting ours white, but held off because of all the work involved. Thanks so much for sharing your experience and for sharing at the #happynowlinkup!
THank you Leslie! It’s an undertaking but so worth it in the end!
The finished spindles look so great. And boy do they lighten up the space. Great idea. I like the two tone – wood and white.
Thank you Theresa! I was so pleased with how they turned out!
love the look I so want to build a shut in closet under our stairway. It is yet another job scheduled but tabled
come see us at http://shopannies.blogspot.com
Thanks so much Angie!!
The stairs look really good- so much fresher now that the spindles are white.
Thank you Kate! I am not a fan of the process but so happy with how it turned out!
Found your link at Blogger’s Pit Stop. We have a wrought iron banister and apparently I put my hand in the same place every I go up and down the stairs. So I need to touch up those areas. Going to keep this post pinned for that day when I get brave enough to paint my banister.
THank you so much Leslie! I hope this helps!
I love the mixed look of the painted walls and spindles and the stained door and handrails! Great job.
🙂 gwingal
Thank you so much Gwin!
Love how that paint really brightens the area. It seems o much lighter and welcoming now. Thanks for sharing at #TrafficJamWeekend Linky Party
Thanks so much and thank you for hosting!
Your staircase looks great! I love the lighter color. Thanks for sharing your tips with us at Snickerdoodle. Pinning.
THank you Beverly!!
Wonderful update Laura. A big job that when complete is just so worth all the hard work and finished result! Thanks for sharing your tips at #FridaysFurnitureFIx, your project is this weeks feature!
THank you so much!! I so appreciate it!
THank you Brenda! I am so honored!
Great job Laura. The house is coming along nicely. I remember a while back when you had announced that you had bought a new home and I was so excited for you. There is nothing like sinking your paint brush into a new to you home.
It’s a lot of work for sure but will be so worth the effort one day soon!
Wow! What a terrific difference…I love the dark stain contrasting with the white. What a great job you did – thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much Lisa!