How to prepare and paint a staircase?

sezz

I'd like to give my staircase an overhaul and am after advice on which products and methods to use. 

The staircase is wooden and not in the best condition (see photos). I'm thinking of either staining or painting it in a charcoal colour. 

Which kind of paint would suit such a project best? For obvious reasons, it needs to be something that is anti-slip. 

Other than filling gaps, sanding, and washing, will I need to do anything else to prepare the wooden surface for painting?

EricL

Hello @sezz 

Thanks for sharing your question about your timber staircase. You've pretty much covered the basics with the sanding, filling and cleaning. My only other suggestion is to isolate the area using painters drop sheet and masking tape. This is to prevent the sanding dust from spreading throughout your house.

I also recommend investing in a shop vac such as the Ozito 1250W 12L Stainless Wet And Dry Vacuum. This can be attached to your electric sander to minimize the spread of dust, and you can use it to vacuum the entire staircase without worrying that you'll damage your vacuum cleaner.

I propose looking at the Feast Watson 4L Black Japan Timber Floor Stain And Varnish if you are after a dark charcoal finish. The paint comes in a test pot so you can test it on your steps before you make a commitment. To add extra grip to your steps you can use Brutus 1.2m Black Aluminium Stair Tread or the Metal Mate 43.2 x 23mm 1m Aluminium Section Stair Nosing - 1m along with anti-slip tape.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric