Processing of wooden stairs. The choice of paint for the stairs to the second floor, taking into account the peculiarities of the painting process. Compositions for work inside the house

31.10.2019

For the manufacture of most interior stairs, wood is used. To ensure a long service life and give a beautiful appearance, a special coating is applied to wooden stairs. How to cover a wooden staircase depends primarily on whether it is in the house or on the street.

The main types of coatings for wooden stairs

The properties of wood as a material have their own characteristics that determine the necessary properties of the coatings used for it and the preparation of the surface for coating.

Important! It should be borne in mind that not all parts of the stairs are subjected to the same mechanical stress. Therefore, when choosing a coating for wooden stairs you can combine different types.

To cover wooden stairs, the following types of coatings are used:

I.Primers for woodand stains. Wood has a porous and heterogeneous structure, which is why it has the ability to unevenly absorb the applied coating. Therefore, before applying the layers of the main coating, first apply special primer mixtures that reduce consumption paintwork materials and improve their adhesion to the wood surface. This will also ensure that the finish is even.

The heterogeneous density of wood is externally manifested by a characteristic pattern, which represents the main aesthetic value. Using tinted primers, you can achieve a beautiful wood structure. In addition, primers contain special additives that prevent wood decay. Therefore, before covering the wooden steps of the stairs on the street with paint, they must be treated with antiseptic impregnation.

II. Oil paints . If you are thinking about how to cover a wooden staircase on the street, the most the right choice will Oil paint. Drying oil, which is part of their composition, penetrates as deeply as possible into the structure of wood, which creates a barrier to atmospheric moisture.

Alkyd and urethane components of paints create a durable, but at the same time elastic coating, which long time will be able to expand with the wood without the formation of unwanted microcracks. Interior stairs can also be covered with paint. If your staircase inside the house is made of low quality wood, on the surface of which there are putty cracks and rotten knots, then there should be no hesitation about how to cover the wooden staircase to the second floor: the best option there will be paint.

III.Lucky. This is the most common type of coverage. At the same time, the high aesthetics of the varnish coating comes to the fore. It retains the unique pattern and tone of the wood. Their composition determines the physical and mechanical properties of the resulting coating.

According to the reflective characteristics of the resulting surface, varnishes are glossy and matte. According to the principle of film formation, varnishes are available with the use of solvents or two-component varnishes with the use of chemical hardeners. The most common and affordable are solvent-based varnishes. They are of 4 types:

Oil varnishes. It is a mixture of oils and resins. Drying oil usually acts as a solvent oil, resins are a film-forming component. Such varnishes are not resistant to atmospheric influences and are used for interior work.
Alcohol varnishes also do not have moisture resistance; they are used to perform high-quality coatings in protected areas. Such varnishes are more used in furniture production.
Nitrocellulose varnishes. Also used for interior work. The film obtained by using such varnishes is especially transparent and colorless, completely preserving the original shade of the wood.
Water based. Such varnishes have low toxicity, which is important when working in habitable premises.

The strength characteristics of the lacquer coating depend on the film-forming component of the lacquer. They divide varnishes into the following types:

Alkyd varnishes. They form a sufficiently strong film that allows the use of such a coating for steps. They are weather resistant and therefore suitable for outdoor use.
Polyurethane varnishes. These are the most durable and weather-resistant varnishes with an affordable price. If you do not know how to cover the steps of a wooden staircase so that they last a long time and keep a good appearance, it is recommended to choose this type of varnishes.
Multicomponent varnishes. They are obtained by mixing several components, which, as a result of a chemical reaction, harden to form a durable coating. Such components are mixed immediately before application. These varnishes include high-strength acid-formaldehyde-based parquet varnishes and epoxy varnishes with hardeners. Many of these varnishes are toxic, when working with them you need to use products personal protection. But after hardening, they become completely safe, and the coating is very durable.

Important! Pine wood differs from other varieties in resinous secretions, which create problems during coating, especially with additives of dyes. Before covering a pine wooden staircase, its surface must be cleaned of wood resin by wiping with a cloth moistened with turpentine.

Factors influencing the choice of the type of coating of a wooden staircase

By itself, wood is not very resistant to mechanical stress. The environment also has a destructive effect on the wooden parts of any structure, including stairs. When deciding how best to cover a wooden staircase, one should proceed from the conditions of its operation.

These parameters, which are of decisive importance when choosing the type of coating, include:

The intensity of the operation of the stairs. Stairs located on routes of heavy traffic of people will experience increased mechanical stress, especially the surface of its steps.
The location of the stairs indoors or outdoors. It is clear that the staircase, located on the street, will be exposed to precipitation, temperature changes and air humidity. Such conditions will be the best for rapid destruction. wooden parts stairs.
Aesthetic requirements for the appearance of the stairs.

Ladders intended for infrequent use or that will not be walked in rough-soled shoes can be covered with inexpensive oil varnishes.

Important! In any case, scratches will appear on the steps of the stairs, so it is advisable to use matte varnishes to cover them.

To save money, the stairs can be finished different types coatings. This is useful when the ladder is covered prior to assembly. At the same time, the steps are covered with a more expensive and durable varnish, and the railings and treads are covered with an inexpensive oil varnish. In the same way, the design of the stairs is made different colors or shades.

Sometimes the task is to update the old covering of a wooden staircase. Usually outdoor wooden stairs need such maintenance, which quickly lose their good appearance. The main difficulty in this case is the preparation of the surface for applying a new coating, because the old one must be carefully removed.

When applying layers of different materials, the compatibility of the coating components should be taken into account. For example, if you apply nitro varnish to an oil varnish layer, it will curl up, ruining all your work. But applying oil varnish on a dried nitro varnish will not cause any negative consequences.

The coating of wooden stairs involves the application of a primer layer and at least two layers of the coating itself.

Knowing the conditions in which the staircase will be used, you will be able to determine what kind of varnish it is better to cover the wooden staircase so that it lasts a long time, while maintaining a beautiful appearance.

Being a natural material, wood is in great demand for the construction of buildings, partitions, for the production of furniture and as additional interior elements. However, the tree is very susceptible to some atmospheric phenomena, and it is also afraid of rodents and insects. That is why the correct processing of wood is very important, and if you want the duration of the operation of a wood product to be maximum, then you should know not only the names of suitable solutions, but also the processing technology with certain mixtures. Today I want to talk about how do-it-yourself staircase painting is done, how to paint a wooden staircase to the second floor, and what is the peculiarity of painting a pine staircase.

The need for painting

Stair painting

Many do not understand why paint wooden surfaces if they have such a beautiful texture that can change due to chemical materials. However, the application of impregnations and dyes is necessary for:

In order to protect your flight of stairs from various pests
To prevent its rapid wear
From the negative effects of sunlight
Moisture, mold manifestations, or vice versa, excessive drying of the material

One of the main advantages that are not related to protective functions is the appearance of the stairs after painting. Since with its help you can fit this element into any interior solution.

Important! As you can see, the need to paint a wooden staircase with your own hands on your face. An unfinished transition will not be able to serve you for a long time and with high quality, and the ability to replace some parts or the entire structure is an expensive pleasure.

If you use the right tools for processing a pine staircase, then you will not only not spoil the appearance of the structure, but also emphasize its advantages. Materials can be:

wood stain
Enamel
Dye
Varnish

Benefits of pine stairs

Painting a pine staircase

When I built on my own suburban area house, then the construction of the second floor was fundamental for me. In order to save a little, I decided to use a pine massif as a material for erecting stairs. Therefore, let's talk a little about the properties inherent in a wooden staircase:

Being a budget material, pine is perfect for economical construction.
Despite the fact that pine is not as durable as oak or larch, it has a favorable appearance, as well as good wear resistance.
If we compare spruce and pine, then the second material is much better, as it has fewer knots, as well as a denser texture.
Unique pattern and light pine color is an added plus

Important! The growth time of the tree directly plays a role in the density of the pine tree. And since this process it is impossible to control, then when purchasing the material and after processing, you may notice that the funds are absorbed unevenly.

During the arrangement of the stairs with your own hands, its step is most often made of edged massive board. However, glued boards can also be used for steps, which are more durable and wear resistant.

How to paint stairs

Painted pine staircase

If you are thinking about how to process a pine staircase, then here is a small list and short description possible materials:

Impregnation with antiseptic and fire protection properties - can be made on a water, acrylic, as well as alcohol or wax basis
Stain for toning - the texture of the wood remains the same, while becoming more expressive. It can be produced on the above bases and additionally on chemical
Polish is a transparent mixture that does not give the material a new shade and retains the existing color and texture. Very often, polish is applied over paint or varnish, thereby giving an even more favorable look to the stairs.
Lacquer - is a transparent protective layer that should be applied over the stain
Enamel is a pigmented lacquer that can create matte or glossy layers.
Paint is a very popular material that carries not only protective, but also decorative properties. You can choose the paint for any interior and design of the room

Painting a wooden staircase can be done independently, but before that you should take a look at the table. When we figured out how to paint the stairs, it is worth knowing the advantages and disadvantages of the types of paint:

Type of paintwork	pros	Minuses
oily	It is moisture resistant and has a rich color. When stained, it forms a dense and protective film.	They are not breathable and take a long time to dry. Exfoliation may start over time
Enamel	It has the property of quick drying, is moisture resistant and evenly applied	Can only be used for interior spaces, also produces a single matte surface
Acrylic, Acrylic	Glides on smoothly, water soluble and dries quickly. Is "breathable"	Matte finish
Alkyd	Ability to create smooth surfaces, dries quickly, moisture resistant	There is a pungent smell, solvents are present in the content. Is a non-durable coating

The stairs can be painted using any of the above materials, which type to use is your choice. I hope with the help of the table you will be able to choose the most paint.

DIY painting

Do-it-yourself painting of pine stairs

Before you paint the stairs, you should study the technology of work. At the same time, I want to give some tips on how to paint a pine staircase in order to get a coating with a maximum service life.

So, how to paint a wooden staircase made from solid pine:

The first step is to deal with the problem of pine - it's resin. To do this, use acetone or turpentine. These materials remove all resin manifestations, and the processing tool is an ordinary rag
At the next stage, there are preparatory work, which consist in filling the damaged areas. For this process, it is better to choose acrylic putty for wood. Since the material shrinks upon drying, the mixture should be applied in 2-3 layers, while the surface should be polished between layers. Since we will paint our stairs in the future, the color of the putty can be any. But if you have to apply varnish, then you need to choose a putty to match the color of the stairs
Grinding is a mandatory and important event. The use of a grinder will help you in this process, but be prepared for the fact that hard-to-reach places will still have to be processed manually. Sandpaper is used in different grits, but you should not jump from finer to coarser grit. Zeroing during processing is used only at the stage of grinding between layers
Painting a flight of stairs should be done with a brush. Due to their viscosity, alkyd enamel and varnish cannot be applied with a spray gun, and the use of a roller is not permissible due to the complex surface. The material is applied in several layers, and if you decide to use polyurethane varnish, then get ready for the fact that the number of layers can increase to 6-7. After you have applied the first coat, let it dry well and sand it down with zero sandpaper. This is important when using pine enamel or lacquer, as raising the pile prevents a quality finish, and we don’t need it at all.
Do not forget that before starting any finishing work related to coating with various coatings and impregnations, you should very carefully clean the room where the pine staircase is located. The fact is that dust can harm the appearance of the coating, settling on it at the most unnecessary moment. The paint material must be of high quality, so think about choosing the type of paint in advance

Self-painting pine stairs

Cleaning of the premises is carried out after work with grinding the surface, as this process is very dusty. Before painting, several layers of primer should be applied, and if in this case the villi begin to rise and swell, then it is necessary to re-grind and apply the primer. When applying paint, which is more liquid than varnishes, you can use a pneumatic spray - but do not forget to use a respirator when doing this. When several layers are applied, the second should be applied perpendicular to the first, and the third perpendicular to the second. Do not forget that subsequent layers can be applied only after the previous one has dried, so you will not have smudges and the coating will be of the highest quality without color transitions. When you paint an already installed ladder, always start at the top and go down - this way you won't catch on the already painted surface.

Never be afraid to do something with your own hands, because without trying you will never know about your abilities, and if you succeed, then you can really save not only on purchasing a structure from available material, but also on the carrying out of the painting work itself.

Constant walking on stairs and using handrails leads to damage and rubbing of both wood and metal. The material can be protected by staining. However, in order to maximize the life of the structure, it is important to know how and what is the best way to paint the stairs.

The use of paint products for painting steps and stair railings is a must. There are several main reasons for this:

As a result of frequent use of the structure, its unprotected surface is wiped. Varnishes and paints create a shell on the wood, which takes on the main mechanical load;
Even being in a room with its own microclimate, wood is exposed to atmospheric phenomena such as changes in temperature and humidity. Without protective impregnation, it can crack. Also, the tree is actively influenced by the sun's rays penetrating the house and contributing to the drying of the material.

Also, painting the stairs is necessary to give it an aesthetic appearance and create a harmonious interior.

Requirements for dyes

Before you start painting a wooden staircase in the house, it is important to choose the right coloring agents. The main condition put forward to the paint is its safety. However, depending on the type and color of wood, as well as the installation location of the structure, the following requirements may be imposed on coloring agents:

When placing stairs on the south side of the house, colorants should create increased protection from ultraviolet radiation.
The tool must be designed for wood processing.
When the active use of a wooden structure is expected, paintwork products should create a coating with increased wear resistance.
If there are any defects on the surface of the wood, it is better to cover the material with covering paint. It will provide a complete change in the color of the wood to the selected shade. The varnish will give brightness to the natural color of the wood, or, when choosing a tinting composition, it will slightly change it.

Coniferous trees require especially careful application of varnishes, since a large amount of resins does not allow the products to be evenly absorbed into the wood. You should also pay attention to the type of coverage. It is impractical to use glossy compositions to cover stairs, as they are quickly wiped off, and also highlight all the irregularities of the material.

Varieties of paints

Several types of paints are suitable for wood processing at once:

Alkyd;
Acrylic;
Oil.

All of them have both advantages and disadvantages. However, most often, when working with wood in rooms, alkyd and acrylic compounds are used.

Alkyd

After application and drying, the paint forms a water-repellent layer, effectively protecting the material from moisture. This coating is resistant to temperature extremes. Many products contain antiseptics that protect wood from pests. At the same time, one layer of the coating dries for about 8-12 hours.

The disadvantages of the compositions include their fragility. The paint does not penetrate deep into the material. Also, the compositions have a persistent bad smell. Therefore, work with them should be short-term and carried out under conditions of good ventilation of the room.

Acrylic

Acrylic formulations are environmentally friendly, they are easy to apply and practically odorless. The paint dries quickly and retains its appearance for a long time, even with the active use of the stairs. The advantages of mixtures include the fact that they do not create a dense film on wood. Due to this, air exchange occurs in the material. You can apply paint with a spray gun or with a regular paint brush.

The disadvantage of the product is its higher price compared to alkyd paint.

Oily

When working with wood in the house, oil paint is rarely used. Despite the economical consumption and low price, the coating does not last long. In addition, the composition is toxic, and during operation it has a strong unpleasant odor.

The layer of paint forms a dense shell that does not allow the wood to breathe. The applied composition dries in 1-2 days.

Additional components for painting

In addition to paints, other substances are also used to protect and tint wood:

Lucky;
Impregnation, or stains.

Often, impregnations contain substances in their composition that provide not only tinting of wood, but also its protection from fire.

Lucky

In most cases, when processing stairs, varnishes are used to create a strong protective layer. Such compositions are mostly transparent, and after drying, they completely convey the natural color and structure of the wood. Translucent varnishes provide a change in the color of wood by one or more tones.

The benefits of liquids include:

Fast drying;
Creation of a strong protective layer;
Ease of application;
Adding shine to treated wood.

When finishing work with wood, it is recommended to use alcohol-based varnishes. However, it is unacceptable to work with compounds intended for processing ship decks. Such varnishes are toxic. They have a persistent unpleasant odor that remains on the wood for a considerable time after the coating has dried.

Impregnation

To paint the stairs, both wax and oil impregnations can be used. However, to ensure the wear resistance of the coating, it is recommended to apply resinous varnish and polish over the dried stain.

Features of staining technology

For high-quality and aesthetic painting of such a structure as a staircase, it is important to adhere to the following technological rules:

For an unassembled staircase, a separate painting of all parts is carried out.
Work with paint and varnish products of any type is carried out in conditions of good ventilation of the room.
Staining of large areas is carried out in only one approach.
In the process of work, the steps are painted through one. This allows you to use the ladder during the drying of the coloring compositions.
Strokes of paint are applied along the wood fibers.

Stairs must be painted from top to bottom. Work in the opposite direction is possible only if an emergency exit is provided on the second floor.

How to paint a wooden staircase

In order for the result of finishing the stairs to be of high quality, it is necessary to paint the structure correctly. To do this, in the course of work, it is important to adhere to the following sequence in actions:

Carry out preparatory work.
Carry out the impregnation of the material.
Apply paint to the surface of the structure.

When working with any materials, it is worth adding another 4-5 hours to the solution drying time indicated on the package. And in the process of work, it is important that the microclimate in the house be comfortable and not be observed high humidity or dry air.

Preparatory work

The final result largely depends on how carefully and how correctly the preparatory work was carried out. So before painting it is important to consider the type of wood. For pine species characterized by increased resin production, it is important to deresin the tree. To do this, the surface of the material is carefully wiped with a 25% solution of technical acetone. When it is completely dry, it will be possible to proceed with impregnation and painting.

For any type of tree, it is important that at the time of applying the coloring solutions, the material is dry. Wet wood will not allow the compound to penetrate the wood. As a result, the paint layer will turn out to be uneven and may swell from an excess of moisture.

In addition to the resins from the tree, it is important to remove all debris. Irregularities on the surface are masked and corrected with putty.

Impregnation

Protective impregnation is applied to the stairs in a thin layer. After that, the structure should stand for 18-24 hours. After this time, a second layer of stain is applied.

When using two contrasting colors in the design of the structure, the painting of each stair step begins with the application of a lighter composition to the wood. Painting can take place using the following painting tools:

roller;
Brush;
Sprinkler.

Even if the paint is applied to steps and other structural elements perpendicular to the growth of the fibers, each last stroke should be made along the growth of the wood. This will ensure uniform distribution of the coloring composition.

Color variations

When choosing how to paint the stairs in the house, be sure to consider color scheme premises. When choosing shades and colors, it is important that when painting the staircase does not merge with the floor and walls.

Closed wooden stairs can be painted in two contrasting colors at the same time. At the same time, the riser is painted in lighter shades and even White color, and the tread is usually made dark. However, in this case, it is more expedient to paint the structural parts before its assembly.

When using one shade for the entire wooden staircase, it is possible to either lighten the natural color of the material, or darken it, or completely change it. You can lighten the wood with the help of translucent glazing agents with coloring light pigments. Coloring impregnations mixed with a small amount finish coating.

But when choosing shades of coloring agents, you need to take into account the type of wood from which the staircase is made. Some shades most favorably emphasize the texture and main color of wood:

The construction of pine and larch looks good when painted in red walnut or light oak;
Birch looks more aesthetically pleasing when stained in machaon or walnut color;
The oak staircase will eventually acquire a noble dark shade. However, in order not to wait several years until this moment, it is best to paint such wood in red walnut or chocolate wenge.

Of course, you can paint wood in any shade. However, to create a feeling of coziness, the structure should be painted in accordance with the colors used in the room.

The wooden staircase in the house looks amazing. Wood is not just one of the most eco-friendly materials, it has a special energy and is able to bring comfort and magical warmth to any room. At the same time, unfortunately, it is not capable, like, for example, metal or glass, of maintaining its unchanged appearance for a very long time and more often requires restoration. And if the wooden staircase is on the street, the impact of external factors can be merciless.

Protecting and maintaining this noble structure is the task of any good owner. Painting a wooden staircase with your own hands is quite real, given all the nuances and requirements for wood processing. Our article will help you with this.

How to paint stairs?

So, let's deal first with the materials that are used to create a protective coating.

Wood putty.

Used on initial stage. It is necessary to sand and putty the wooden elements of the stairs. This is necessary to get rid of defects, as well as to create a layer of coating that is resistant to moisture penetration.

Acrylic putty- fire and moisture resistant, dries quickly, but not too durable. May crack if applied too thick.
Epoxy putty – resistant to water and various chemical compounds, without smell. Not suitable for further wood staining.
Polymer putty- dries quickly, environmentally friendly, odorless, well levels, expensive material.
Oil putty- takes a long time to dry, but creates a durable coating.

The color of the putty is determined by the color of the wood. There are a variety of brands on the market offering a wide range of materials for wood. different varieties("Tikkurila", "Lakra", "Eurotex", also domestic "Rainbow", "Extra", etc.).

Antiseptic.

It has an antimicrobial, antifungal effect, protects against harmful insects. Types of antiseptics:

Oil . Has water repellent properties. Gives wood a darker shade. Of the minuses: combustible, has a peculiar stable smell. Not recommended for interior applications.
water soluble. It is easy to wash off, when using this composition, you need to allow the surface to dry well.
Organic. Strengthens wood, penetrating deep into the wood. Toxic, gives the tree a greenish tint. It is not recommended to use for internal stairs, as well as structures containing metal.
Flame retardants are combined antiseptics.

There are various brands on the market: Tikkurila, Aquatex, Neomid, Senezh, Pirilax, etc. When using the compositions, it is important to follow the instructions, strictly observing the indicated proportions.

Fire protection impregnation. Necessary requirement for wooden structures. It is carried out at the stage of manufacturing stairs. Then the procedure should be repeated every five years.

Stain.

With its help, you can easily give the tree the desired shade. Unlike paint, it penetrates deep into the structure of the tree.

Water stains are the most popular, however, they raise the pile on the tree, so before applying it is recommended to moisten the surface with water, let it dry, and then sand it.
Alcohol dries quickly, this must be taken into account when applying so that there are no streaks or stains on the tree.
Oil paints are very easy to use, do not raise the pile, have the widest range of color shades.
wax, acrylic- products latest developments. Do not violate the structure of the tree, create a protective layer, water-repellent. More expensive, their price in comparison, for example, with water stains, is 5 times higher.

Primer on wood.

Strengthens the surface by gluing wood fibers, counteracts the absorption of moisture, disinfects, helps to reduce the consumption of paint or varnish. The best option would be universal primer, however, for expensive woods, you can opt for a specialized one. Fresh wood must be processed at least twice, after having previously cycled and polished.

At the final stage of creating a coating, paint or varnish is used. They will be discussed below.

Paint selection criteria

Painting stairs is a way not only to create a protective coating on a wooden surface, but also to implement various design solutions to create unique objects.

The main selection criterion will be the location of the stairs - indoors or outdoors. Based on this, attention should be paid to wear resistance, durability, resistance to temperature changes, external factors, toxicity, elasticity, fire resistance, drying time and coating consumption. Types of paints differ in the nature of the composition, which determines their main characteristics. Allocate:

Acrylic based paints. They are more suitable for interior work, moisture resistant, protect against fungus and mold, do not have a strong odor, are durable, have a voluminous texture, and are easy to use. Helps create deep, rich colors. Matte or semi-gloss options should be chosen so that the steps are not slippery.
Acrylic paints. For outdoor structures. They have good protective properties.
Paints based on latex. Non-toxic, easy to apply, eco-friendly, breathable. Such coatings are durable and pleasant to the touch.
Water-based paints (water-based). Their fire resistance properties are higher than those of others. Temperature resistant, wear resistant. Suitable for external and internal structures.
Staining paints. They are colorless, emphasize and make more expressive the natural structure of wood, are used to create finishing coatings for stairs both inside and outside the room.
Alkyd. They dry quickly, perfectly hide imperfections, have good water-repellent properties, often have a pungent odor, and are less durable. Recommended for interior structures.
Polyurethane. Wear-resistant, durable, heat-resistant, dry quickly.
Oil paints. Cheap, require at least two coats, have a toxic persistent odor that disappears after a few days, are economical in consumption, create a dense, non-breathable coating on the wood, which can crack over time. Currently, they are used quite rarely due to the advent of more modern formulations.

Lacquer selection criteria

The design can be ennobled and protected with varnish. Depending on the composition and properties, the following varieties are distinguished:

Nitrocellulose. They create a durable coating, dry quickly, and are resistant to seasonal environmental influences. They can cover street structures.
Alcohol based. Quick drying compounds, excellent for polishing. They have negative moisture and frost resistance, and therefore it is not recommended to use them for processing stairs on the street.
Oil. They dry for a long time, have low moisture resistance. Used for interior work.
Polyurethane. Strong, wear-resistant, recommended for work with external staircases.
Acrylic. Universal and most widely used. Suitable for both internal and external stairs. They provide the surface with high strength and resistance to mechanical damage.

Enamel selection criteria

Beautiful wooden stairs are also obtained after painting with enamel, which is a mixture of colorless varnish and coloring pigment. The requirements for them are the same as for the above coatings. Enamels from European manufacturers have such properties as high environmental friendliness, resistance to yellowing, strength, and the ability to protect the structure from aggressive environmental influences. We recommend applying them with an aerosol.

How to paint a wooden staircase?

Now let's look at how to properly paint a wooden staircase. Main stages:

Preparatory work:

puttying;
skinning;
sweep.

It is important to achieve a perfectly smooth, uniform surface. Grinding is carried out with fine sandpaper or a scraping machine in two stages with a break of a couple of days in order to remove the villi of the tree that have risen after the first time. For final cleaning use a vacuum cleaner.

Applying a finishing coat. When processing stairs with varnish or paint, a few basic rules should be observed:

Start painting the stairs from top to bottom (the exception is the stairs to the basement, where painting starts from the bottom steps).
It is necessary to paint the stairs 2-3 times. Each new layer is applied only after the previous one has completely dried. Layers are applied in different directions: first we move the brush from side to side, on the next layer - back and forth.
Use a brush or roller to work. Lacquer stain, like some paints, is recommended to be applied with an airbrush to ensure a more even distribution.
Remember to protect your hands and respiratory system especially if you are using toxic formulations.

How to paint a pine staircase?

We will write a little more about painting stairs from this type of wood, since in the process of working with resinous wood it is necessary to perform deresining. This can be done using the following composition. For 1 l hot water 200 ml of acetone, 50 g is taken baking soda, 10 ml of alcohol, 40 g of soap flakes, 50 g of potash.

The solution is applied with a brush, then the wooden surface is washed hot water then you need to let it dry. Paint for pine stairs is also applied in 3 layers, varnish needs 6-7 layers.

What color to paint the stairs in the house, you choose. Modern manufacturers of paint and varnish coatings offer the consumer the widest range of color shades. In the classic version, the color of the stairs is usually darker than the overall tone of the room. AT modern interiors sometimes the most daring design solutions are embodied, but do not forget that the noble, natural color of wood will invariably remain out of competition - this is not an aging classic.

Stairs are very sensitive to impact environment. Provides coverage Negative influence even plain water, but often when cleaning, various detergents. It must be borne in mind that all materials, be it wood, metal or concrete, have their own weak sides and may be damaged during use. Even those stairs that are indoors are exposed to changes in humidity, temperature fluctuations, and sunlight.

If you do not take care of surface protection in time, external factors will significantly reduce the life of the product. by the most effective way to prevent material aging is to cover the stairs with enamel, varnish, paint and stain. Depending on certain conditions, you can choose one or another paintwork. Let's figure out how to cover the stairs for you.

Types of paintwork;
Painting wooden stairs;
metal ;
Concrete.

When choosing paint, consider the design of the room. The staircase should be in harmony with the interior, and not contradict in any way. Alkyd paints easy to apply, urethane-alkyd - great for already painted surfaces, and pigmented - will hide minor defects.

Paints are divided into thickened, sold in the form of a powder, which must be dissolved with drying oil, and ready for use. Drying oil can be artificial or natural. Artificial varnishes are cheaper, but give a lower quality coating.

For painting internal products that will only experience mechanical stress, paint for stairs on artificial drying oil is suitable. If it is supposed to process a street structure, then mixtures are needed exclusively on a natural basis;

Lacquer for stairs

If you want to paint the flight of stairs and at the same time emphasize the beauty of natural wood, then you better buy a varnish for stairs. Most of them dry quickly and are easy to apply. To decide what kind of varnish to cover a wooden staircase, pay attention to the conditions of its operation and the type of wood from which the product is made.

Oil varnishes

is a mixture vegetable oils with artificial or natural resins, such as oil-rosin varnishes. When dry, the varnish forms a hard layer of yellowish color. Due to low resistance to external factors oil varnishes are used for painting stairs installed inside the house.

Alcohol varnishes

When alcohol interacts with natural resins, such as sandarac and shellac, varnishes are obtained with a concentration of 30-45%. Due to the high rate of weathering of alcohol and the low rate of dissolution of resins, it is possible to apply several layers without destroying the previous ones. Coatings with excellent resistance to mechanical damage and adhesion to most materials are obtained. The treated surfaces are well polished, but have low water resistance.

To date, oil and alcohol varnishes are produced in small volumes, since their production requires expensive natural raw materials. As a rule, they are used in special cases, for example, to cover musical instruments.

Alkyd varnishes

The films are transparent, hard, with a slight tint. Have good adhesion to many surfaces, waterproof. They are used for both outdoor and indoor stairs. In everyday life, alkyd varnishes are often confused with oil varnishes - this is wrong, because, although vegetable oils are used in the production of alkyd resins, which have a serious impact on the characteristics of the final product, alkyd varnishes differ from oil varnishes in chemical and qualitative composition and significantly surpass them in properties.

Cellulose nitrate varnishes

Nitro-varnishes cover the surface with a dense, almost colorless, quick-drying film. Usually nitro-varnishes are used for varnishing wooden stairs. However, in some cases, they are used to paint a metal product, applying the last layer. Cellulose nitrate varnishes are great for indoor use, less often they are used for protection from natural factors.

Polyester varnishes

Surely, many have applied the epithet "polished" to the shiny surfaces of wooden fittings - this is the result of applying polyester varnishes. These protective coatings for wood are multi-component mixtures and require special precision. Polyester varnishes do not shrink, because the solvent does not evaporate during the curing process, but polymerizes with the dissolved resin; form solid thick films resistant to water and other reagents.

Based on them, high-quality automotive putties are produced.

Epoxy varnishes

They are used with special hardeners, the volume of which depends on the type of resin and the nature of the hardener itself. Epoxy varnishes are different increased resistance to water and alkalis, compatibility with other coatings and mechanical strength, however, remain insufficiently weather resistant.

Polyurethane varnishes

They are characterized by exceptional mechanical strength and high wear resistance. Probably the best lacquer for stairs. Polyurethane coatings are expensive, but the outstanding performance and extended life make up for the high cost. For example, parquet floors, stairs and fittings in the halls of museums and palaces, which are of artistic value, are covered with these varnishes.

Water-based polyurethane varnish refers to innovative developments. It combines the environmental friendliness of acrylic varnishes and the strength of polyurethane. Water-based varnishes are inferior to pure polyurethane, but the use of special additives significantly improves performance.

For varnishing large areas, a sprayer is useful, and if the stairs are small, then a wide brush will do.

Some varnishes are durable, resistant to wear, absolutely transparent and do not have a strong odor, but at the same time they have one significant drawback: it will be possible to use the stairs treated with this coating only a week after painting. If you are not satisfied with this prospect, use another paintwork that is also wear-resistant, but dries almost instantly. Naturally, it will cost more or be inferior to the first in a number of other characteristics.

enamels

Enamels are obtained by mixing coloring pigments and varnishes, combining the advantages of both materials. Enamels, like varnishes, envelop the surface with a shiny protective film, and, like paints, give a certain color. However, the enamel is destroyed by water, which is why it is almost never used to cover stairs.

There are glyptal, oil, nitro enamels and other types of enamels. Depending on the type of varnish added, you can get a glossy, matte or semi-matte surface.

Stains and impregnations

Mordant is a kind of impregnation, which also has antiseptic properties. After treatment with a stain, the tree becomes non-flammable. Sometimes, a layer of varnish is still applied on top. In this case, care must be taken to ensure that the stain and varnish for the stairs are compatible with each other.

When choosing a stain, it must be remembered that under its action the wood darkens slightly, the color becomes more saturated. For an inexperienced craftsman who decides what varnish to cover a wooden staircase with, wax or oil-based impregnations can be recommended, which can be applied in several layers. There are also alcohol impregnations and nitro impregnations.

Oil for stairs

To date, oils are produced using modern technologies and have a base of wax and natural vegetable oils. The product contains:

jojoba oil;
sunflower oil;
linseed oil;
candelilla wax;
carnauba wax;
beeswax.

Oils for painting stairs are a worthy replacement for traditional varnish. The material is deeply absorbed into the surface, forming a protective coating for wood, withstands significant loads and highlights the texture of wood. The surface of the steps acquires excellent performance characteristics. In addition, the oil has good bactericidal properties: tree fungi and mold do not form on the treated surface. Suitable for use in high traffic areas.

Advantages:

ease of application;
has water-repellent properties;
suitable for local repairs;
increases the level of wear resistance;
no unpleasant odor;
is an environmentally friendly product.

After you have decided how to paint the stairs, you can proceed directly to the processing of the material. If you do not have sufficient experience, seek the help of professionals, but remember that this will affect the final cost. If you are going to do everything yourself, then let's take a closer look at how to paint a wooden staircase.

How to paint a wooden staircase

The surface must be prepared before painting. The painting technology largely depends on the type of wood, on whether you want to hide the texture of the tree or, on the contrary, highlight it, and what exactly you decided to cover the flight of stairs with.

Preparatory work

If dense staining is expected, then the surface of the stairs must be carefully cleaned and covered with putty, which will hide all chips. Then the wood is polished, and the work is carried out in two stages with a break of several days. This is how the maximum result is achieved. After that, a primer is applied.

If painting has been done before, try applying urethane-alkyd paint to a small area. If the layer lies evenly, does not exfoliate or warp, then you can continue. Otherwise, you will have to remove old paint. To do this, use a flush composition. Alternatively, you can try heating the wood with a blow dryer and then scraping the paint off with a spatula.

Deresining of coniferous wood

Stairs require special attention. conifers such as pine. This material, due to its cheapness and ease of processing, is very popular, but requires additional processing - deresining. It is necessary for several reasons:

the protruding resin creates a sticky film that prevents the absorption of the protective composition;
places where resin accumulates darken and look ugly;
because of the resin, the product is painted unevenly and of poor quality.

Wood deresining is a process of wood surface treatment for the purpose of complete or partial removal of excess resin. Basically, various solvents are used for deresining. For pine the best choice there will be a 25% solution of technical acetone, which should be applied with a brush, and then rinse the treated surface warm water and dry thoroughly. Too large tarred places will have to be cut with a knife and patched with putty.

Listed below are the components that make up the deresin solution.

hot water - 1 l;
potash - 50 grams;
baking soda - 45-50 grams;
soap flakes - 30-40 grams;
acetone - 200 grams;
alcohol - 10 grams;

Further painting of pine stairs is possible only after the tree is completely dry.

Painting a wooden staircase with your own hands

It is important to know not only what, but also how to paint the stairs. It is best to apply paint and varnish coatings with a spray gun. There are electric and pneumatic sprayers. With their help, you can cover the product with an even layer. But if this device is not available, ordinary wide brushes will do. With thick and slow-drying paints, it is recommended to work with brushes with a short and hard bristle. For more fluid finishes, use soft hair brushes, also called flute brushes. The brush should be held at a 45 degree angle to the work surface. To clean the brush, soak it in solvent or turpentine.

The paint coating should be applied in 2-3 layers, evenly distributing over the entire surface of the product. First paint one side, then turn over and cover the other side. In this case, it is necessary to have time to paint the entire surface before the coating dries, so that there are no bumps and smudges. In order to make it more convenient to work, and the paint or varnish is not smeared, it is necessary to adapt wooden stands. And periodically stirring the paint, you will prevent the appearance of lumps and sediment.

When deciding how to cover the steps, keep in mind that it is better not to use glossy enamels, as the painted surface will become slippery. If you decide to use varnish for stairs, then give preference to matte or semi-matte finishes that will hide the flaws;
If you know how to properly paint a wooden staircase, then it is not a secret for you that the paintwork must be applied in three layers. The first layer of paint is applied along the structure of the tree, then across the fibers and again along. Each subsequent layer is applied only after the previous one has dried;
In the case when long-drying varnishes or paints are used, and there is no spare lift, it is recommended to coat the wooden staircase with varnish through the step. So you will be able to operate it, although it is not very convenient;
Before you paint or varnish the stairs, make sure that not only the steps and railings shine clean, but the whole room is cleaned. Otherwise, the dust will settle on a dry surface and spoil all the work.

How to paint a metal staircase

In a private house there is sure to be a metal staircase, the durability of which largely depends on the protective coating. Therefore, you need to know how and with what to paint the stairs.

In this case, the preparatory work is reduced to the removal of rust. For this, a grinder with a hard wire brush, sandpaper or special solvents can be used.

After the rust is removed, the metal surface is degreased and coated with a primer. The stairs can only be painted after the primer is completely dry. Places where there was rust, it is recommended to handle especially carefully.

If you are working on a ladder that has welded seams, be sure to sand them to a shine.

Coating metal stairs should be highly resistant to abrasion and environmental influences. Choosing the right enamel or paint , proceed directly to the application of paintwork. If the staircase has been previously painted, coat a small area. If, after drying, the paint lies well and the old layer does not shine through it, you can continue to work. If the quality does not satisfy you, the old paint will have to be removed.

The painting of the steps should be carried out very carefully, usually twice as many layers are applied to them as to other elements.

Painting a concrete staircase

Painting concrete not only gives the product a more attractive appearance, but also protects the surface from premature wear, damage, and weathering.

The following options are possible:

adding coloring pigments to the concrete mixture;
painting a finished staircase, as in the case of a wooden or metal structure.

In the first case, special pigments are used that are resistant to moisture and sunlight. To achieve cleaner tones, it is recommended to use white concrete. This method allows you to get a more saturated color and uniform coverage. The disadvantage is the high cost, laboriousness and inability to use ready-made concrete stairs.

The second option provides that flights of stairs covered with special paints for concrete:

one;
acrylic;
polyurethane.

At the stage of preliminary preparation, the stairs are sanded to eliminate irregularities and primed to ensure better adhesion to the surface. And then, having decided what color to paint the stairs, you apply the coating to the steps using a wide roller with a medium length pile.