Marcus Chen
Painting an internal railing is a great way to upgrade your home's aesthetic and add a touch of personal style. Whether you're tired of the current look or want to match the railing to your home's interior, it's important to prepare the surface properly before painting. This includes cleaning the surface, repairing any scratches, and sanding any glossy varnish or coating to create a rough surface for the paint to adhere to. Once the surface is prepared, you can apply a sealing primer to block stains from bleeding through and improve paint adhesion. After priming, you can start painting, using a paint sprayer or a paintbrush, depending on your preference. It's important to follow the direction of the wood grain when painting and to protect nearby surfaces from paint spills. Finally, allow significant time for the paint to dry before removing any coverings and returning furniture to its place.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Clean the surface with a degreaser, repair scratches with wood filler, and sand any glossy varnish or coating off |
| Priming | Use a sealing primer to block stains from bleeding through the paint and improve adhesion |
| Painting | Use chalk paint, hard enamel-type paint, or a stain-blocking primer. Paint along the grain of the wood, starting at the top of the railing and working down. |
| Protection | Wear protective gear such as gloves, safety goggles, a spray sock, and a respirator when operating spray equipment |
| Finishing | Apply a topcoat, such as varnish or polyurethane, for added protection and durability |
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What You'll Learn
Sanding the railing
Step 1: Prepare the Surface
Before you begin sanding, ensure that the railing is clean, dry, and free from any dust or debris. If there are any scratches or imperfections on the railing, use a wood filler to repair them. This will create a smooth and even surface for sanding.
Step 2: Choose the Right Sanding Tools
Select the appropriate sanding tools for the job. You can use sanding blocks, sanding sponges, or sandpaper. For flat surfaces, an orbital sander can make the task faster and easier. Choose the right grit for the sanding tool—120-grit for flat surfaces and 80-grit for spindles and detailed areas.
Step 3: Start Sanding
Begin sanding the railing, following the direction of the wood grain where possible. You don't need to remove all the previous varnish and stain, but focus on removing any glossy finish. Pay extra attention to the handrail, sanding the areas that are frequently touched or grabbed. This will create a slightly roughened surface for the paint to adhere to.
Step 4: Sanding Technique
Use long, smooth strokes with the sanding tool, applying even pressure across the surface. Be careful around spindles and detailed areas, as these require a more delicate touch. Hand sanding may be necessary for these intricate sections, ensuring you get into all the nooks and crannies.
Step 5: Clean the Sanded Surface
Once you have finished sanding, thoroughly clean the railing to remove any dust or debris created during the sanding process. Use a vacuum to remove the majority of the dust, and then follow up with a soft cloth to wipe down the entire railing. It is important to ensure the surface is clean before proceeding to the next step, which is usually priming the railing.
Remember to take your time during the sanding process and wear the appropriate protective gear, including gloves, eye protection, and a dust mask, to ensure your safety and achieve the best results.
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Using a deglosser
If you want to paint an internal railing that has been stained and varnished, one option is to use a deglosser. Deglosser, also known as liquid sandpaper, is a chemical solution that removes the top layer of a shiny finish. It is designed to help new paint and varnish adhere to old finishes. It is important to remove the gloss first so that the new finish does not peel or chip.
To use a deglosser, first thoroughly clean the surface of the railing. Then, apply the deglosser to a lint-free cloth and wipe over the railing in a circular motion. Fold the cloth over occasionally to prevent the redistribution of grime. Let the railing dry for at least 30 minutes, and then it will be ready for primer and paint. Note that deglosser uses chemicals to remove the glossy surface, so if you are concerned about this, you may want to opt for sandpaper instead. There are, however, low VOC options available that reduce the amount of fumes.
Deglosser is a good alternative to sanding if you are working with a detailed or intricate surface, as it can get into nooks and crannies that may be hard to reach with sandpaper. It is also a good option if you are working on a large project, as it takes less time to prep the item for painting. A small 32-ounce bottle of deglosser typically costs less than $10, so it is an affordable option to try out.
Before applying deglosser to the entire railing, it is recommended to test it on a small area first. Once the deglosser is dry, you can apply a small amount of paint to this area to make sure you are happy with the results.
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Priming the surface
Before priming the surface, it is important to prepare the internal railing. Clean the surface thoroughly with a degreaser that won't leave a film. Tri-Sodium Phosphate works well, as do most commercially available cleaners. Repair any scratches with wood filler. Next, sand any glossy varnish or coating off. You can use an orbital sander with 120-grit sandpaper on all flat surfaces, and the spindles will need to be hand-sanded with 80-grit sponge or 120-grit sandpaper. You can also use sanding blocks with angled edges. Sand in the direction of the grain, where possible, not across it. Remember to sand the handrail a little extra, especially where people grab the most. Once done, vacuum and wipe all dust off the panels before priming. If painting white or light colours, use a quality primer.
Now, you are ready to prime the surface. First, tape around the surfaces with painter's tape to prevent paint spills. If the railing touches the wall, apply painter's tape to the wall to protect it from paint. Spread a drop cloth along the stairs beneath the handrail. Next, apply a sealing primer to the handrail with a 2-inch trim paintbrush and let it dry for 24 hours. The purpose of a sealing primer is to block stains from bleeding through the paint and provide better adhesion for the paint. A stain-blocking primer such as Premium or Adhesion is recommended. After applying the primer, sand the primed surface with a new 220-grit sanding sponge and wipe the handrail with a cloth.
If you are using a sprayer, select the spray tip that is best suited for the primer you are using and the surface to be sprayed. A tip with a narrower 8-inch-wide spray pattern and a .013 hole size will give you the best control. Make sure the tip's hole size does not exceed the maximum capacity of your sprayer. Cover any surfaces near the railings or behind the spindles with plastic or cardboard to protect them from overspray. When spraying, start at the top of the railing section and work your way down.
If you are not using a sprayer, use a fine furniture paintbrush to get the best finish. After priming, you can start painting. However, if you are using chalk paint, apply a sealer before painting to prevent bleed-through.
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Painting the railing
Painting a railing can be a tedious task, but it is a great way to upgrade your home's aesthetic and add significant value. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Preparation:
First, you need to prepare the railing for painting. If the railing is already stained and varnished, start by sanding it down to smoothen the surface and create a key for your primer and paint to adhere to. You can use an orbital sander with 120-grit sandpaper on flat surfaces, and hand sand the spindles and handrail with 80-grit sponge or sandpaper. Sand in the direction of the grain, and pay extra attention to the handrail where people grab the most. You don't need to remove all the previous varnish and stain, just the glossy finish.
Next, clean the surface thoroughly with a degreaser that won't leave a film. Tri-Sodium Phosphate works well, as do most commercially available cleaners. Repair any scratches or imperfections with wood filler. Once the filler is dry, sand the filled areas lightly to ensure a smooth finish.
Priming:
Before painting, it is essential to apply a primer, especially if you plan to paint the railing white or a light colour. A sealing primer will help prevent stains from bleeding through the paint and will provide better adhesion for the paint. XIM oil-based primer and stain sealer tinted white is a good option, or you can use a stain-blocking primer like Premium or Adhesion.
Painting:
Now you are ready to start painting. If you are using a paint sprayer, follow the safety precautions in the Sprayer Operation Manual and protect nearby surfaces and walls with plastic sheets or cardboard. Select the spray tip that is best suited for the paint you are using. Start at the top of the railing and work your way down, following the grain of the wood.
If you are using a paintbrush, a fine furniture paintbrush will give you the best finish. Benjamin Moore Advance is a good option for handrails, and a quart should be enough for all your stair railings. Start painting from the top of the railing, following the direction of the grain, and work your way down.
Allow significant time for the paint to dry, then remove any coverings from nearby surfaces and furniture.
Finishing:
Once the paint is dry, you may want to consider a topcoat to protect the finish and add durability. A clear coat is not recommended, but you can use an oil-based gloss or semi-gloss finish. This will ensure your railing looks good and lasts for years with proper maintenance.
By following these steps, you can transform the look of your railing and give it a brand-new appeal.
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Using a sealer to prevent bleed-through
When painting an internal railing, you may encounter the problem of bleed-through, where stains appear during or after painting, and continue to reappear no matter how many coats of paint are reapplied. This is caused by the natural characteristics of the wood grain, such as its colour, texture, grain pattern, and oils (called tannins).
To prevent bleed-through, you can use a sealer. However, it is important to note that water-based sealers will not work, as water activates the tannins in the wood. Instead, you should use a shellac-based sealer, as shellac is considered the "universal" sealer, and tannins will not bleed through it. You can also use an oil-based primer, but be aware that not all oil-based primers will block tannin. One product that does block tannin is Zinsser's BIN Advanced, a water-based primer. Another option is M.L. Campbell’s aqualente plus High solids waterborne primer/sealer, which is also water-based. If you want to use an oil-based primer, XIM's oil-based primer and stain sealer tinted white is a good option, as it will stop old stains from seeping through.
If you are dealing with knots in the wood, you can spot-treat them with a shellac-based knot sealer, such as Liberon knot sealer. You can then use a regular primer/undercoat, or a product like Zinsser Cover Stain Primer, an oil-based primer. If you are priming over knots, it is important to sand the knots first.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to clean the surface thoroughly with a degreaser that won't leave a film. Tri-Sodium Phosphate works well, as do most commercially available cleaners.
After cleaning, you should repair any scratches with wood filler. Then, sand any glossy varnish or coating off. You can use an orbital sander with 120-grit sandpaper on flat surfaces and hand sand the spindles with 80-grit sponge or 120-grit sandpaper.
You can use a paintbrush or an airless sprayer. If using a sprayer, cover any nearby surfaces and walls with plastic to protect them from overspray. Start at the top of the railing and work your way down, following the grain of the wood. If using a paintbrush, apply painter's tape to any nearby walls or surfaces to protect them from paint.
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