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How to paint stair treads?

Hi, I would like to match the colour of my stair treads as close as possible (doesnt need to be exact) to my decking boards. The decking boards are IPE colour. What is the best process/way to do this?

I will also paint the ballustrading shown. What is the best way to seal the nail heads to precent future rusting?

Thanks, Brian

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Akanksha

Hello @Brian101,

Many thanks for your question about painting your stair treads. Our resident Bunnings D.I.Y. expert @EricL will be online later today and will be happy to assist.

In the meantime, let me call upon our experienced members @JoeAzza, @diy_hausdesigns and @Tyro in case they have any thoughts.

Akanksha

EricL

Hello @Brian101

Thanks for sharing your question about matching the colour of your decking panels. Ipe is technically a Brazilian Walnut colour. I suggest visiting your local store and checking out the decking stain sample board. There you'll see all the different types of colours and stains available. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to judge the tone and colour of your deck through a photograph.

If you can bring a small offcut or sample of your decking panel the paint specialist at the store should be able to give you a close equivalent. The general steps will be to sand the colour off the steps and then paint or stain the timber to match your decking panels.

Here is a handy step-by-step guide: How to sand a deck (the techniques used are applicable to your steps)

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

Eric

Tyro

Hi @Brian101

Wow! Are the decking boards IPE timber? If so, then you are very fortunate indeed! It's beautiful timber.

I'm guessing the stairs are painted timber? My suggestion would be to Strip them right back and then stain them - maybe a mahogany or similar. If you're able to, try accessing a part of the decking that isn't visible (from underneath, the back, or at the ends) and scrap or shave off a little. Take that into the paint shop at your local Bunnings and they ought to be able to colour match.

As for the nails, @EricL always has excellent advice. His knowledge is so extensive that I believe he must eat trade dictionaries for breakfast! 🤣

Good luck with your project!

Cheers 🤗

Brian101

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/32436#Comment_32436

Thanks Tyro,

Do you think I woudl be able to get all the blue paint off? or would it all need to come off? What is the best way to strip back?

Thanks,

Brian

Brian101

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/32408#Comment_32408

Thanks Ericl,

I appreciate your advice. How is best to seal the nail heads on the ballustrading from rusting?

Thanks,

Brian

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/78620#Comment_78620

Hi @Brian101,

You will be able to get all the blue paint off, though due to the rough surface of the timber, you'll need to sand them extensively to achieve this. If you are staining the stairs, all the paint must be removed. If you are painting the stairs, the paint wouldn't need to be removed. Please remember that if you paint the stairs with a brown paint, they will have little resemblance to your decking. You can't effectively match a deck timber colour with paint; you just end up with brown paint. I'd suggest sanding and staining the timber, which would be the best approach if you're looking to match the decking.

For the nail heads, you should then tap them with a nail punch and hammer slightly below the surface of the timber, then fill over them with timber putty. You'll then sand the timber putty back until it is smooth. This conceals the nail head under the putty, and you'll be free to paint or stain the area.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

Tyro

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/78619#Comment_78619

Hi @Brian101

As @MitchellMc advised, all the blue needs to come off prior to staining. A long job if the stair timber has a rough surface. Have you considered a contrast paint colour? Feast Watson have a Black Japan stain, which is alot nicer than it sounds! The dark colour might be enough to hide any stubborn blue. But I'd get a sample pot first and try it out on the underside of a stair. The staff at Bunnings might well be able to match the colour in a paint too (they always seem to have a great talent at solving problems!)

https://www.bunnings.com.au/feast-watson-4l-black-japan-timber-floor-stain-and-varnish_p1520372

Some other Dulux colours that could work might be Brunswick Green, Deep Brunswick Green, Earth or Iron Brown. I've attached the colour chart with the colours circled - didn't come out as well as I hoped tho 🙁

https://www.dulux.com.au/colour/traditionals/

I've received great ideas for complimentary decor and paint colours from the Dulux help line too.

https://www.dulux.com.au/support/help-and-advice/

I hope all of that is of some help to you!

Good Luck

Tyro 🤗

Brian101

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/103530#Comment_103530

Thanks everyone - I really appreciate the advice,

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/118816#Comment_118816

Please keep us updated on your project @Brian101 and reach out again if you need further advice.

Mitchell

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