Have your stairs seen better days? Depending on the quality and how roughed up they are, sometimes painting your stairs can be a better (and cheaper!) bet than attempting to re-stain or re-finish. It’s a perfect choice for modern farmhouse enthusiasts, and if you’re going for a unique and modern look, you can also get a little creative with your color / design choices. Lucky for you we’ve pulled together our top designer tips for getting the painted staircase look of your dreams.

Bold black brings a modern touch to a traditional staircase.

Sand away any existing coatings / paint so you have a nice smooth surface to work with. If there are any dings or divits in your treads / risers, fill them with wood putty and sand smooth.

After sanding, vacuum the entire staircase and baseboards to get rid of any dust and wipe away any dirt and grime.

• If you need to traverse your staircase in the middle of the project, paint the steps in sections or skip every few steps so you can still get up and down the stairs without tramping over your hard work!
• Use a semi-gloss finish for a durable and easy-to-clean look.
• Smaller tools like a small roller and trim brush work better for these small spaces!
• Choose a paint with a built in primer for added durability.