If you want to jazz up your wooden stair case during a remodel, consider adding a painted faux stair runner. A faux stair runner saves all the hassle of installing carpet, and you are able to unleash your creativity.
Another good thing about faux stair runners is they eliminate tripping, and they will last longer. You don't need advanced DIY skills to complete this project. Here are tips to paint a faux stair runner
Prepare to Work
For this project, you need:
- work gloves
- safety glasses
- damp rags
- drop cloths
- tape measure
- pencil
- sandpaper
- wood filler
- paint brush and roller
- neutral-color base enamel paint
- semi-gloss or enamel floor paint in one color and two or three accent colors
Open a window or run a fan to ventilate. Plan your design, and draw it on paper if needed. Clean the stairs with a damp rag, and let them dry. Fill wood holes with wood filler, and let it dry.
Mark the desired pattern with a pencil and tape measure to mark the position for the design and for painter's tape or masking tape. Attach the tape to the marks, and anywhere else you don't want the paint to touch.
Strip Paint or Sand and Prime
If there is old paint, remove it with paint stripper. If the stairs are unpainted, sand the stairs, treads, and risers. Wipe sand dust with a tack cloth.
Unfinished stairs need priming to seal the wood. If your stride is long, prime every other step, and let it dry, to avoid walking on primer. You can also prime the right side first, then prime the left side. Apply the primer evenly; ensuring it leaves no drips, and let it dry.
Paint
You may prefer to practice the pattern on cardboard first. Apply a thin coat of neutral paint for the base coat. Let it dry, and add another layer.
Measure the stair, and divide this by two to get the center. Mark a line down the middle of the stairs being certain each side is an equal length. Mark the line on treads and riser, and measure each section to ensure evenness.
Tape the area to be painted with masking tape or painter's tape on the outside edge of the marks, so the paint will hide them. Use a plastic card or your fingernail to smooth tape edges.
Start painting the design on the top step. Let the first color dry, and add another layer of the same color. Let it dry, and paint accent colors.
Your stair case will look like it has a runner. If you don't trust your skill, or you need additional jobs done, consider hiring a general contractor.
