Ladders are challenged every day and it's not just about physical activity. Regardless of its location - outdoors or indoors, the structure is negatively influenced by the environment: temperature drops, sudden changes in humidity, exposure to sunlight. In addition, they are periodically washed using a wide variety of detergents and not all of them are gentle on the surface of the stairs. All materials, from wood to metal, have certain vulnerabilities. In order to extend the service life of the structure, you need to take care of its protection in advance. Painting stairs is a great option that doesn't require any special skills or knowledge. The whole procedure can be done by hand.
How to paint a wooden staircase inside a house
First of all, you need to understand that different types of wood react differently to a particular coating. Loose wood will absorb much more consumables, and if you do not take this into account, then the paint may simply not be enough. If we are talking about conifers, then their main feature that you need to remember is the tendency to release resins. Because of this, the paintwork may not lie flat. Hardwood stairs do not have this feature, so it is much easier to work with them.
The following paints and varnishes are mainly used:
- paints;
- varnishes;
- polishes;
- enamels;
- impregnation.
Advice! When choosing a material for painting stairs, choose a shade that matches the natural one as much as possible. Otherwise, there is a chance to spoil the natural beauty of the wood.
Painting a metal staircase
Houses with more than one floor are equipped with staircases leading to the next floor. Many people prefer to make them from metal, arguing the choice of high strength and reliability. In addition, the possibility of installing forged elements will significantly transform the design of the stairs and the room as a whole. Despite all the advantages of a metal ladder, it has one, but a very significant drawback - it is prone to corrosion. With proper fabrication and treatment of the metal with a protective coating, corrosion can be prevented.
According to experts, the duration of the operation of a metal structure in a house directly depends on the quality and timely service. If you neglect the recommendations, the material will very quickly lose its appearance and the structure will lose strength, and as a result, it will no longer be safe enough.
Important! The key to the long-term operation of a metal structure is a multistage surface treatment.
How to paint a staircase made of metal? Before proceeding, it is necessary to determine its condition.
Training
As with any such work, painting a staircase begins with preparing the “foundation”. If places with rust are visible with the naked eye, then first of all you need to get rid of it. Otherwise, it will spread further, which can lead to complete destruction. For processing, you will need a metal brush or sandpaper. It is necessary to clean until there are no peeling "flakes" left.
After that, you need to apply a rust converter. This substance has an amazing ability. On contact with rust, a chemical reaction occurs, during which it turns into a neutral soil layer. Rust converters testing
Important! DIY stairs usually have welded seams. They must be cleaned to a shine without fail, because the welding places are most susceptible to corrosion.
If the surface of the metal has no traces of rust or the staircase in the house is new, then it is necessary to degrease it with a good solvent and only then proceed with the application of the primer. Thanks to this material, the adhesion to various surfaces is significantly improved. If the paint does not adhere well, cracks will appear in the coating and water will surely get into the formed cracks, which will destroy the metal very quickly.
Provided you use a quality primer, you can limit yourself to applying just one layer. You need to start applying the final coat only after waiting for it to dry completely. Otherwise, the coverage will be uniform. It is important to understand that the primer is not protective. If you limit yourself to applying only it, there will be no effect. The primer serves only as a bonding material and not as a protective coating.
Painting itself
If you paint the stairs with your own hands, then you need to choose a good paintwork. First, it must be of high quality. Considering the service life of the metal structure, it is impossible to save. It is better to spend money once and not worry about the consequences. Secondly, the characteristics of the paint must correspond to the operating conditions. Despite the fact that the staircase is in the house, it is still exposed to the negative effects of moisture and sun. If a large number of people will move along the stairs, then you should think about a coating with high resistance to mechanical stress. Several layers of paint and varnish must be applied to the steps and enclosing structures. Each subsequent layer should be applied only after the previous one has completely dried. Step-by-step painting of a metal staircase
Outcome
First of all, you need to understand that such a task requires free time. And the larger the structure, the more it is needed. There is nothing complicated in the process of painting with your own hands. You just need to decide on the paintwork that will be used and get acquainted with some of the features and subtleties of the process. After completing the surface preparation, you can start painting. Careful execution of each stage of staircase painting guarantees the required result and a long service life. On the other hand, you can turn to professionals who will competently complete the work as quickly as possible. Moreover, they guarantee the quality of the result.
With your own hands We make a wooden staircase with our own hands and wiselyDesign is an important thing for absolutely any customer. Millions of styles and colors scroll through his head in literally a matter of days. And now the time comes to complete the perfect picture of your cozy home, all that remains is to order a decent staircase. But here's the trouble - the metallic sheen of the frame does not fit well with the rest of the dwelling. However, there is a solution - paint the stairs!
Fortunately, the modern market for paints and varnishes is really huge, which makes it easy to find the ideal one both from the point of view of the company and from the budget. It is also very important that you can choose not only the desired color, but also the special characteristics of the paint: whether it is the hardness of the coating or resistance to moisture and fading in the sun. There are several options:
Hammer paint
Hammer paint is excellent for finishing furniture, structures (including stairs) and special equipment. It is interesting and important for good appearance that when applied to a surface, its structure resembles hand forged. In a single piece, this adds volume to the railings and walls.
Ignore the name, the paint has nothing to do with the tool, except for the picture on the can. It is used when there is a need to paint metal structures. Hammer paint has high anti-corrosion properties. This feature allows it to be applied directly to the paint without additional treatment or priming. However, this does not mean at all that it is used only for metal: wood goes well with it. It is also important that hammer paint has good resistance against environmental threats. Therefore, even on the street, she will show herself perfectly.
Oil paint
Oil paints are equally popular when painting metal stairs and fences. They not only give a rich color, but also perfectly protect against moisture, which is necessary for metal. It is also extremely important that the color scheme of this type of paint is impressive. Finding the right shade will be easy. Even the pickiest designers will be pleased.
The price for painting stairs can vary dramatically. You can buy inexpensive paint that will perform its function well, or you can spend money and not worry about quality. Budget options will cost about several hundred rubles, while expensive ones will cost several thousand. Choose the option you like and contact us soon! After all, "Vertical" will be able to make a staircase on a metal frame, and immediately paint it professionally. Write, call!
Ladders are very sensitive to environmental influences. Even plain water has a negative effect on the coating, and in fact, various detergents are often used during cleaning. It must be borne in mind that all materials, be it wood, metal or concrete, have their weaknesses and can be damaged during operation. Even those stairs that are inside the premises are exposed to changes in humidity, temperature fluctuations, and sunlight.
If you do not take care of the surface protection in time, external factors will significantly reduce the service life of the product. 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.
Oil paints
When choosing a paint, consider the design of the room. The staircase should be in harmony with the interior, and not contradict in any way. Alkyd paints are easy to apply, urethane-alkyd paints are great for already painted surfaces, and pigmented paints will hide minor defects.
They are painted into thick grated, sold in the form of a powder, which must be dissolved with linseed oil, and ready to use. Drying oil can be artificial or natural. Artificial drying oils are cheaper, but give a lower quality coating.
For painting interior products that will only experience mechanical stress, paint for stairs on artificial linseed oil is suitable. If it is intended to process street structures, then mixtures are needed exclusively on a natural basis;
Stair lacquer
If you want to paint a flight of stairs and at the same time emphasize the beauty of natural wood, then you better buy a staircase varnish. Most of them dry quickly and apply easily. To decide what kind of varnish to cover a wooden staircase, pay attention to the conditions of its use and the type of wood from which the product is made.
Oil varnishes
Is a mixture of vegetable oils with artificial or natural resins, for example, oil rosin varnishes. When dry, the varnish forms a yellowish hard layer. Due to their low resistance to external factors, oil varnishes are used to paint stairs installed inside the house.
Alcohol varnishes
When alcohol interacts with natural resins such as sandarak and shellac, varnishes with a concentration of 30-45% are obtained. 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. The result is coatings with excellent resistance to mechanical damage and adhesion to most materials. The treated surfaces are well polished, but have low water resistance.
Today, oil and alcohol varnishes are produced in small volumes, since they require expensive natural raw materials. Typically, they are used in special cases such as covering musical instruments.
Alkyd varnishes
The films are transparent, solid, with a slight shade. They have good adhesion to many surfaces and are water resistant. 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 effect on the characteristics of the final product, alkyd varnishes differ from oil varnishes in chemical and qualitative composition and significantly surpass them in properties.
Nitrate cellulite varnishes
Nitro lacquers 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 excellent for indoor use, less often they are used for protection from natural factors.
Polyester varnishes
Surely, many used 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 volatilize during the hardening process, but polymerizes with the dissolved resin; form solid thick films resistant to water and other reagents.
On their basis, high-quality automotive fillers 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 characterized by increased resistance to water and alkalis, compatibility with other coatings and mechanical strength, however, they remain insufficiently weather resistant.
Polyurethane varnishes
They are distinguished by exceptional mechanical strength and high wear resistance. Perhaps the best lacquer for stair treads. Polyurethane coatings are expensive, but the outstanding performance and durability offset 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 very varnishes.
Water-based polyurethane varnish is an innovative development. It combines the environmental friendliness of acrylic varnishes and the strength of polyurethane. Water-based varnishes are inferior to purely polyurethane varnishes, 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 a ladder treated with this coating only a week after painting. If you are not satisfied with this prospect, use another paintwork that is also durable, 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 pigments and varnishes, combining the advantages of both materials. Enamels, like varnishes, envelop the surface with a shiny protective film, and, like paints, impart a certain color. However, the enamel is destroyed by water, which is why it is almost never used for covering stairs.
There are glyphtal, oil, nitro enamels and other types of enamels. Depending on the type of varnish added, it is possible to obtain a glossy, matte or semi-matt surface.
Stains and impregnations
Stain is a type of impregnation that also has antiseptic properties. After staining, the wood 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 the staircase varnish 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 deciding what kind of varnish to cover a wooden staircase, we recommend impregnation on a wax or oil base, which can be applied in several layers. There are also alcohol impregnations and nitro impregnations.
Staircase oil
Today, oils are made using modern technologies and are based on wax and natural vegetable oils. The product contains:
- jojoba oil;
- sunflower oil;
- flaxseed oil;
- candelilla wax;
- carnauba wax;
- beeswax.
Staircase oils 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 emphasizes the texture of the 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 high traffic areas.
Advantages:
- ease of application;
- possesses water-repellent properties;
- suitable for local repairs;
- increases the level of wear resistance;
- there is no unpleasant smell;
- 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 professional help, but remember that this will affect the final cost. If you are going to do everything with your own hands, then let's take a closer look at how to paint a wooden staircase.
How to paint a wooden staircase
Prepare the surface 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, to highlight it, and what exactly you decided to cover the staircase with.
Preparatory work
If dense staining is expected, then the surface of the stairs must be carefully cleaned and covered with a putty that will hide all the 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 flat, does not flake or warp, then you can continue. Otherwise, you will have to remove the old paint. To do this, use a cleaning compound. Alternatively, you can try heating the wood with a blow dryer and then scraping off the paint with a spatula.
Deresinization of coniferous wood
Coniferous staircases, such as pine, require special attention. This material, due to its low cost and ease of processing, is very popular, but it requires additional processing - resin removal. It is necessary for several reasons:
- protruding resin creates a sticky film that prevents the absorption of the protective compound;
- places where resin accumulates darken and look ugly;
- because of the resin, the product is colored unevenly and of poor quality.
Deresinization of wood is the process of treating the surface of wood in order to completely or partially remove excess resin. Basically, all kinds of solvents are used for demineralization. For pine, the best choice is a 25% solution of technical acetone, which should be applied with a brush, and then rinse the treated surface with warm water and dry thoroughly. Too large tarred areas will have to be cut with a knife and the irregularities will have to be repaired with putty.
Listed below are the components that make up the resin solution.
- hot water - 1 liter;
- potash - 50 grams;
- baking soda - 45-50 grams;
- soap flakes - 30-40 grams;
- acetone - 200 grams;
- alcohol - 10 grams;
Further painting of the pine staircase is possible only after the tree is completely dry.
DIY painting a wooden staircase
It is important to know not only how, but also how to paint the stairs. The best way to apply paintwork is by spray. There are electric and pneumatic atomizers. With their help, you can cover the product with an even layer. But if this device is not available, ordinary wide brushes will do. For thick and slow-drying paints, it is recommended to work with brushes with a short and hard bristle. For thinner coatings, use soft hair brushes, also known as flutes. The brush should be held at a 45 degree angle to the work surface. To clean a brush, soak it in solvent or turpentine.
The paintwork should be applied in 2-3 layers, evenly spreading over the entire surface of the product. First they paint one side, then turn it over and cover the other. In this case, it is necessary to have time to paint the entire surface before the coating dries, so that there are no irregularities and smudges. In order to make it more convenient to work, and the paint or varnish is not smeared, it is necessary to adapt the wooden coasters. And by occasionally 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 a lacquer for the steps of the stairs, then give preference to matte or semi-matt coatings, which will hide the flaws;
- If you know how to paint a wooden staircase correctly, then it is no secret for you that the paintwork should be applied in three layers. The first layer of paint is applied along the structure of the tree, then across the grain 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 emergency lift, it is recommended to cover the wooden staircase with varnish through the step. So you can use it, although it is not very convenient;
- Before painting or varnishing a staircase, make sure that not only the steps and railings shine clean, but the entire room is cleaned. Otherwise, the dust will settle on the not dried surface and ruin the whole work.
How to paint a metal staircase
In a private house, you will definitely find 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 rust removal. For this, a grinder with a stiff wire brush, sandpaper or special solvents can be used.
After the rust is removed, the metal surface is degreased and covered with a primer. The stairs can only be painted after the primer is completely dry. It is recommended to treat the places where there was rust with extra care.
If you are working with a staircase that has welded seams, be sure to clean them to a shine.
The coating of a metal staircase must be highly resistant to abrasion and environmental influences. By choosing the desired enamel or paint , proceed directly to the application of the 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 show through it, you can continue to work. If you are not satisfied with the quality, the old paint will have to be removed.
The painting of the steps must be carried out very carefully, usually twice as many layers are applied to them than to other elements.
Painting concrete stairs
Painting the concrete not only makes the product look more attractive, but also protects the surface from premature wear, damage, and the effects of atmospheric factors.
The following options are possible:
- adding coloring pigments to the concrete mixture;
- painting of an already 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. For cleaner tones, white concrete is recommended. This method allows for a richer color and even coverage. The disadvantage is the high cost, laboriousness and inability to use for ready-made concrete stairs.
The second option provides that the flights of stairs are covered with special paints for concrete:
- one;
- acrylic;
- polyurethane.
During the preliminary preparation phase, the ladder is sanded to eliminate unevenness and primed to provide 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 pile.
Natural wood is a traditional material for the manufacture of indoor staircases. Such structures can have wooden or forged fences. In modern interiors in the style of high-tech, minimalism, loft, metal structures are often found.
To give an aesthetic appearance and extend the operational life of the structure, it must be treated with special compounds, painted or varnished. How to paint a staircase in a house with your own hands will be discussed in this article.
Structural elements made of natural wood - steps, regardless of their design features, experience stress from day to day. Not as serious as outdoor structures, which are affected by environmental phenomena, but sufficient to damage and wear their surface.
You can preserve the aesthetic appearance and organically fit the structure into the interior with the help of a well-chosen shade of paint or impregnation. Using varnish, you can preserve and even emphasize the rich natural pattern of wood, at the same time preserving its qualities for many years.
Important! Wood is a soft plastic material, so it can be damaged by mechanical stress - processing with special compounds can protect its surface and increase the resistance of the material to abrasive loads. This is especially true for handrails and steps. If you refuse to process the staircase, then after a few years it will begin to collapse - the frame and steps will suffer first.
There are several aspects that affect the duration of the operational life of a wooden structure:
- The design is selected in accordance with the operating conditions and the forthcoming loads. In particular, this applies to the thickness of the timber, which is used for the construction of load-bearing elements. The service life of the structure without major repairs depends on their correct selection;
- It is important to take into account the microclimate of the room in which the structure will be installed - temperature drops, humidity affect the behavior of natural wood material. With a negative impact, the base of the stairs can lose its former strength over time;
- Particular attention should also be paid to the level of illumination and heating of the room by the sun's rays and heating sources. Wood contains a certain percentage of moisture in its structure. Losing it, the material shrinks and deforms due to a decrease in strength and elasticity. Therefore, the painting of the structure must be carried out in a timely manner;
- The handrails and steps are subjected to the most loads - they leave traces of dirty shoes, wet and greasy hands. As a result, the staircase takes on a sloppy appearance. The central areas of the treads are especially affected - they wear out, sag, a creak appears. In order to "preserve" natural material and preserve its unique properties, it is necessary to use special impregnations.
Instructions on how to paint the stairs correctly will be given below.
How to perform high-quality staining
In order for the staining to be of high quality, it is necessary to choose the main compositions - an antiseptic, fungicide, stain, fireproofing, primer, paint and varnish. It is equally important to use all of these formulations correctly. Usually, instructions for use are indicated on the packaging.
So, before being applied to a wooden surface, the paint should be diluted to the required consistency, at which the distribution and absorption of the coloring composition on the surface will occur evenly, and such a layer dries faster.
What paint to paint the stairs to the second floor so that it does not stand out in the interior - of course, white
Important! To achieve the best result when painting a wooden structure, the composition is applied successively in 2-3 layers, allowing the previous layer to dry first. Equally important is the quality of the tool used, which must match the type of work being done. This can be a roller, a brush, nozzles and equipment for applying the coloring composition in a mechanized way (spray gun, spray gun).
- Hardwood structures are carefully sanded before being varnished or stained. In this case, the surface is not primed in order to preserve and emphasize the natural pattern and texture of the material. Such a staircase can be decorated with artistic carvings, which will only emphasize the expressive appearance of natural wood in its original form;
- When processing a wooden structure with varnish, a matte, semi-matt or glossy surface is obtained. It is necessary to understand that gloss is not suitable for every interior. Matte wood surfaces with a pronounced natural texture look more natural;
- It is important to observe safety precautions when working with paints and varnishes indoors. Compositions with a toxic base and a pungent odor are not recommended for use. Also, it is not necessary to use facade compounds and impregnations for external use indoors, since after them an unpleasant pungent smell remains for a long time;
- On sale you can find many different coloring compositions and solvents with a subtle odor, which quickly disappears and is completely absent after the coating has completely dried. You can also purchase ready-to-use solutions and varnishes;
Important! If in the process of work it is required to use chemical reagents for the preparation of the coloring composition, then these manipulations should be carried out outdoors.
- Before painting a staircase in a house with quick-drying solutions, you need to understand that it will have to be applied accurately and quickly, in a thin layer, timely removing sags and smudges. Such work may require some skill and dexterity. The advantage of a quick-drying paint is that it sets quickly and is odorless.
Important! The key to high-quality, durable, durable and aesthetically pleasing coloring of wooden elements of an internal staircase will be the exact observance of all recommendations regarding each stage of the work carried out and the requirements of the manufacturer of the used compounds and solvents.
Choosing a dye - stain, varnish or paint
Before choosing a paint for a staircase, you need to decide on the desired effect - this is the main criterion when choosing a coloring composition and technology for its application.
When choosing how to paint the steps of the stairs and the rest of its elements, take the following into account:
- If it is assumed that the structure of the wood should remain visible, then use a glossy or matt varnish. In this case, paint is not used, since it will completely hide the natural pattern;
- To maintain the vapor permeability of wood, it should not be treated with soil. It is better to use formulations with the same quality;
- To work indoors, it is necessary to purchase quick-drying formulations without a pungent odor;
- When purchasing a material, you need to make sure that there is a quality certificate for it;
- The coating will retain its gloss longer and "fresh" look for a long time, if the chosen coloring composition has high abrasion resistance and strength.
When choosing a topcoat, take into account the type of wood from which the structure is made. So, conifers emit resin for several years after the staircase is installed and operated as intended.
As the resin escapes from the resin pockets, the adhesion between the wood and the paintwork is reduced. Resin deforms the paint coating and creates unaesthetic beads under its surface.
How to paint the stairs to the second floor, made of pine, will be described below. Hardwood is more ductile and malleable when processed if it does not have knots or other defects.
The type of wood affects the amount of coloring composition that will be required to process it. Conifers and deciduous species absorb colorants and treatments in different ways. A material with a soft and porous structure quickly absorbs liquid compounds, and hard wood requires several dyeing steps.
In order to maximally emphasize the natural beauty and specific structure of natural wood, it is recommended to use varnish. When using paint, small defects and irregularities on the surface of the material, knots and other imperfections are effectively masked.
Choosing paint
He will talk about how to paint the stairs to the second floor, the video at the end of the article, but first you should familiarize yourself with the nuances that will come in handy in your work:
- It will be possible to preserve the aesthetic value of the natural pattern of natural wood when using a solution that has a shade close to the color of the surface of the structure;
- If wood is used for the manufacture of a structure, on the surface of which there are irregularities and defects that are eliminated with putty, then the finishing coating is performed with a solution with a dense pigment;
- When purchasing paint, you should immediately choose a quality tool for working with it, taking into account how it will be applied - with a brush, roller or spray gun, which is often used to paint street structures.
There are many varieties of paints for interior woodworking.
Thanks to the acrylic binder in the composition of this paint, after evaporation of moisture, the wood surface is covered with a thin elastic film that is vapor permeable and moisture resistant. This allows the use of such compositions, both for internal and external work, without fear of destruction of the face layer under the influence of negative factors. One of the advantages of this composition is the absence of a pungent odor after application.
The following positive qualities can be noted:
- Such formulations are quick-drying, do not have a pungent unpleasant odor;
- Possesses high wear resistance;
- The surface throughout the entire service life will not fade and will not lose its original saturated shade;
- One of the advantages of such paint is the creation of a vapor-permeable layer;
- A large selection of shades, despite the fact that the price of the material is very affordable.
Of the positive qualities of alkyd paint, the following can be noted:
- Fast drying of the coloring composition;
- Thanks to the antiseptics that are part of the paint, the wood is reliably protected from mold, mildew and insects;
- The composition does not include substances harmful to human health and the environment;
- After application to the steps, a strong layer is formed on their surface, which protects against mechanical damage;
- A wide range of shades at an affordable price.
This type of paint will reliably protect wood from moisture, but in terms of physical and mechanical properties, it is in many ways inferior to other alternative materials:
- One of the advantages of this composition is its low cost and economical consumption of material;
- High moisture resistance is due to the fact that when oil paint is applied to wood, the structure of the natural material is completely painted over, which, as a result, loses its ability to "breathe";
- The oil paint coating is not abrasion resistant and very quickly loses its attractive appearance. Such a coating is easily damaged by mechanical stress, therefore it is better not to use it on the steps or additionally protect them with a carpet runner or textile overlays;
- When applying the composition, a sharp unpleasant odor is released, and the painted surface subsequently dries for a long time.
This composition belongs to a type of water-dispersion paints in which the binder is latex. It binds a large number of colored pigment particles in an aqueous emulsion.
Of the positive qualities of such a composition, the following are noted:
- The paint is suitable for indoor and outdoor use;
- The composition is odorless, and therefore comfortable to work with;
- The advantage of this paint is its high drying speed;
- The composition is unpretentious to the quality of the surface on which it is applied;
- The resulting coating is vapor permeable;
- The coating has a long-lasting color and does not fade;
- Resistant to abrasion;
- It has elasticity due to the fact that the paint contains acrylic resins;
- The surface takes on a pleasant silky shade.
Enamel paint
The enamel has a denser and more uniform texture, which distinguishes it from ordinary paint. After processing with enamel, the wood is "preserved", its surface becomes smooth and reliably protected from external influences.
Of the positive qualities, the following can be noted:
- The composition dries quickly, can be used for interior work;
- High protective properties of the coating extend the service life of the wooden structure for many years;
- A wide range of shades at an affordable cost.
Important! When working with enamel, it is necessary to periodically ventilate the room.
Wood enamel is also available in the form of spray cans. Inside the aerosol there are balls that, when shaken, mix the components in the form of plasticizers and pigments.
When choosing such a material, take into account the following:
- Before applying the paint, the can is shaken vigorously in order to achieve a good mixing of the components inside the container. In this case, previously gel-like, the enamel becomes liquid and plastic;
- The highest quality technical characteristics are typical of Finnish and Italian enamels. The white shade of such enamel will not turn yellow over time, it will lie down evenly and dry quickly;
- With the help of enamel, a glossy or matte surface can be obtained;
- The advantage of using an aerosol can is that no additional tools are required to work - it is completely ready to use.
Important! When spraying enamel, microparticles can get on furniture and walls, so it is recommended to cover them with paper or polyethylene. It is necessary to work with the use of personal protective equipment - gloves, glasses, respirator.
Waterborne fire retardant paint
Of the positive qualities of this composition, the following can be noted:
- Designed for interior work;
- Increases fire resistance of wood for up to 5 years;
- The coating acquires resistance to aging;
- The high bio-protective activity of the paint makes the wood resistant to the effects of fungus, mold, and decay;
- The coating is matte, with vapor permeability;
- Available in white, but can be tinted in any shade;
- Possesses high adhesion;
- Available in a ready-to-use form.
Stain is distinguished from paint by the fact that after it is applied to the wood, a dense layer does not form, hiding the pattern and color, but on the contrary, due to the penetration of the composition into the wood structure, only the necessary shade appears (the range consists from light walnut to mahogany shades). Visually, wood looks natural, retaining a natural, natural pattern, but at the same time it is reliably protected from negative factors.
There are several main groups of wood staining compounds:
The most common type are water stains, with which wood can be painted in any shade of brown. A significant drawback is that this type of stain "lifts" the fibers and is exposed to moisture;
|
|
| Alcohol stain consists of aniline dyes dissolved in denatured alcohol. Such a composition is produced in finished form or in powder form. The disadvantages include too fast drying time, as a result of which stains may form on the surface; |
|
| Oil stain is the most convenient to use, since any tool can be used for its application - brushes, rollers, sprayers. The composition lays down evenly, does not raise the fibers and has the richest and richest shades than other stains; |
|
| Modern materials include acrylic and wax stains. Under their influence, the structure of the wood remains unchanged, while acquiring any shade and a protective moisture-resistant coating. |
|
Choosing a varnish
When using clear lacquer, natural wood retains its natural structure and gains high strength. These formulations are easy to apply and dry quickly.
Gives the wood a matte or glossy finish. The natural properties of the material are "preserved", so the service life of the ladder is increased many times over.
There are several types of wood varnish:
- Oil;
- Resin;
- Alkyd;
- Alcoholic;
- Alkyd-carbamide;
- Epoxy;
- Polyester;
- Nitrocellulose;
- Acrylic-urethane;
- Alkyd-urethane;
- Polyurethane;
- Acrylic.
To understand how stairs are painted with varnish, you need to familiarize yourself with the nuances when working with these compositions:
- For staining, alcohol varnish is often used, which gives strength to the front layer of wood. For internal use, organic resinous varnishes with high elasticity can be used. A colorless composition can be used only when processing intra-house structures;
- The use of varnish on the railings avoids the formation of sticky marks from the hands;
- The application of varnish occurs sequentially in several stages, with the complete drying of the previous layer;
- According to experts, varnishes of Dutch, Finnish and German production are distinguished by increased wear resistance and ease of use;
- After the structure has been varnished, it is not recommended to operate it for about a week;
- To polish the varnish, a polish is used at the final stage, due to which the wood acquires an aesthetic appearance. The polish should be selected in accordance with the shade of the base.
Choosing a color
When choosing what color to paint the stairs to the second floor, take into account the following recommendations:
- The color scheme of the construction depends on the surrounding interior and its style;
- The color scheme in the room, when combined with the shade of the stairs in the complex, create an atmosphere of harmony and comfort;
- You can complement the interior of the room with the help of a staircase, making it an accent element, by painting it with a color that differs from the tonality of the walls and floor;
- You can paint the steps in a contrasting color with the rest of the shade of the structure, or leave all the elements in the same tone. The steps painted in bright colors look interesting;
- If the structure is supposed to be painted in several colors, then all elements can be painted separately before assembly;
- To make the railings and steps take on a darker shade, mix the impregnation and the topcoat. This will promote faster penetration of the composition into the structure of the wood and retain its color for a longer time;
- To lighten the wooden area, you can use translucent glazing agents with light coloring pigments.
Wooden structure staining process
If all the elements are ready for painting, but the assembly of the structure has not yet been carried out, then it is better to paint all its fragments at this particular stage. In this case, you will get high-quality staining, especially those elements and areas that are located in hard-to-reach places.
If an already existing structure is being finished, then the steps are painted through one, so that you can use the structure while they dry. But this method is possible if one color is used. How to paint the steps of the stairs will be described below.
Main steps
To paint the stairs, special skills are not needed, it is enough to adhere to the following order of work and recommendations:
- In order to prepare the stairs for painting, all wooden elements are processed with fine sandpaper, moving in the direction of the wood fibers;
- If there are defects - grooves, irregularities, then they must be putty with a special compound for working with wood;
- Wood dust that forms during the processing of the structure with sandpaper must be completely removed from the surface at the end of this stage of work. To do this, you can use a vacuum cleaner;
- The surface is primed, thereby providing a strong adhesion between the wood surface and the paint;
- The paint is applied according to the instructions, the finishing strokes are applied along the fibers;
Advice. It is recommended to apply stain, antifungal impregnations and other liquid dyes with a spray gun or a spray gun so that the coloring composition evenly falls on the surface. This method allows you to achieve high-quality processing of a wooden surface and reduce paint consumption.
- To work with thick paint with an oily consistency, use a paint brush with bristles. It is necessary to apply such paint in several layers, while the first is done using a diluted liquid composition so that it better impregnates the wood;
- To work with liquid paint, choose brushes with a long nap, which are called flutes. The thick paint is applied with brushes with a short nap. Upon completion of the work, the brushes are soaked in a solvent and cleaned of paint;
- To calculate the required amount of paint, take into account the manufacturer's recommendations, the consistency of the composition, the area of the painted surface and the number of layers applied. It is recommended to purchase paint with a stock from one batch;
- As practice shows, when painting a staircase, it is enough to apply two layers, and the third one - on the surfaces that are most intensively used (steps and railings).
Separately, it is worth considering the technology of painting a structure made of coniferous wood. Below we will tell you how to paint pine stairs.
Painting a wooden staircase made of pine
Before painting a staircase made of coniferous wood, in particular from pine, it must be prepared in a special way - degummed.
It is the resin that is released on the surface of the wood that causes the following troubles:
- The resin, protruding on the surface of the wood, forms a film coating that prevents the penetration of the solution into the fibers;
- Over time, the areas where the resin is formed begin to darken and the structure takes on an untidy appearance;
- Covering the resinous mark on the surface of wood with paint or varnish is very problematic. The result is uneven, poor-quality and not aesthetic staining;
- As noted earlier, resin can deform and peel off the paint layer.
Various solvents are used to remove the resin from wood. For pine, a technical 25% solution of acetone is chosen.
Using a brush, it is applied to the steps and railings, and then the surface is treated with warm water and the structure is allowed to dry completely. If there are resin pockets that give off a large amount of resin, they are cut out and the hole is treated with wood putty.
After drying, such a ladder can be painted. Diluted enamel paint is used to leave the structure of the material visible, and thick dye is used to hide it.
Important! Painting is done only on a clean and dry surface.
When using pigmented dyes, you can effectively hide imperfections on the steps in the form of defects and chips. Alkyd-based colorants are easy to apply and dry quickly. Previously painted wood will be more thoroughly painted over if using a urethane-alkyd compound.
How to paint a wrought iron staircase
Wooden structures are often performed with forged fences - this visually lightens the structure and makes it more elegant. Forging goes well with natural stone structures in classic interiors.
In modern styles, there are more often combined structures with metal elements or completely iron staircases - spiral or marching, relevant for the loft style. How to paint an iron staircase will be described below.
As in the case of wooden stairs, painting a metal structure has not only an aesthetic, but also a practical function - it protects it from corrosion. There are several ways to apply the dye and a large number of their varieties.
But they all must meet the following requirements:
- The dye must have anti-corrosion properties so that the structure is reliably protected from the appearance of rust - otherwise it will spoil its appearance and affect the duration of the service life;
- The resulting coating must be durable and durable;
- The dye should not release toxins harmful to humans and the environment;
- Metal surfaces, especially forged ones, are not always even, so the paint must be plastic and lay down in an even dense layer.
There are several types of metal paints:
| Alkyd enamel is the most preferable, since when it is used, a strong film forms on the metal surface, which reliably protects the structure from corrosion. Another advantage is that after drying, the coating becomes shiny and looks quite aesthetically pleasing. |
|
| The oil solution is characterized by low cost and economical consumption. The downside is low resistance to mechanical stress; |
|
| Water-based acrylics are easy to use and suitable for iron and steel structures; |
|
| If you need to paint the old stairs, you can use compounds that are applied directly to the rust. With formulations with a high content of zinc ions, a decorative anti-corrosion coating can be obtained. |
|
How to paint a metal staircase will be described below.
Training
Before applying the solution, the metal structure, like the wooden one, must be prepared.
It happens as follows:
- If there is an old coating or rust on the surface, remove them with a spatula. It is impossible to apply paint to the existing coating, as it will disappear after a few months;
- Using a sander with a brush attachment, the metal surface must be cleaned so that it shines. Weld seams, which are most vulnerable to corrosion, are especially carefully treated. You can also use a building hair dryer, sandpaper or a special chemical composition - a remover;
- Then the metal surface must be dust-free and degreased with an organic solvent;
- Then the surface is treated with an insulating primer, which contains anti-corrosion components;
- You can paint the structure after the primer is completely dry. To apply the solution, use a spray gun, brush or roller.
Methods for painting a metal staircase
There are two ways to paint a metal surface - liquid dyes and powder.
Before painting the metal surface, the liquid solution must be stirred and, if necessary, diluted with a solvent to obtain a uniform consistency. The composition is applied in a thin uniform layer without the formation of smudges. When the first coat is dry, apply the second. To prolong the life of the coating, it can be treated with a clear protective varnish.
The advantage of powder coating is the economical consumption of the composition, but a special tool is required for its implementation.
After the dye is applied to the part, it is baked in a special oven. As a result, the coating is monolithic, strong and durable. It is clear that such staining is carried out in private workshops or in a factory.
When manufacturing a metal structure to order, you can get a structure already painted in this way, for handrails and metal fragments of which high protective properties and an aesthetic appearance will be characteristic.
The positive qualities of staining with powder dyes include the following:
- The coating has high anti-corrosion protection;
- It is resistant to fading;
- Not afraid of temperature changes;
- Possesses high resistance to mechanical and chemical influences;
- In a similar way, you can create smooth, glossy, embossed textures, as well as imitate natural wood and stone;
- Powder dyes are provided in a wide range.
The video in this article will tell you what color fire escapes are painted in.
Wood is rightfully considered the most demanded building material for the manufacture of stairs of any structure. But when arranging flights of stairs, it must be borne in mind that each type of lumber is processed differently.
For example, resin is present in the structure of coniferous materials, which negatively affects the paintwork. Therefore, you not only need to know how to paint a wooden staircase, but also what paints for wooden stairs are best used for a particular type of wood.
There are two traditional types of timber coloring:
- opaque;
- transparent.
Covering the wood with a transparent or translucent varnish allows you to highlight the natural beauty of the wood. Processing wood with opaque compounds allows you to create a uniform colored film on the surface of the material, the shade of which will correspond to the declared dye.
How do professionals paint wooden staircases, and what paint to paint a wooden staircase in a house so that it blends harmoniously with the interior of the house?
The trading network offers a varied selection of high-quality paints and varnishes and additional materials for processing internal and external wooden structures - these are:
- varnishes;
- paints;
- enamels;
- stains;
- polishes.
In order to confidently navigate the variety of the above dyes and know the best way to paint a wooden staircase in a house, you need to familiarize yourself with the approximate characteristics and properties of paints and varnishes. So you can understand what paint or varnish needs to be used to finish a particular element of the staircase structure.
Lucky
Varnishes for wood finishing, according to their composition, are divided into five main categories:
- nitrocellulose;
- alcohol varnishes;
- oil varnishes;
- polyurethane;
- acrylic varnishes.
Nitrocellulose paints and varnishes
Nitrocellulose varnishes are a composition of varnish colloxylin, various resins and low molecular weight plasticizers in combination with volatile organic solvents. They are distinguished by their speed of drying and increased durability of the applied coating.
They are characterized by high resistance to seasonal weathering, due to this property nitrocellulose varnishes can be used for painting wooden external stairs.
Hints: for example, if a decision is made to paint the wooden porch of a residential building, then the question: how to paint a wooden staircase on the street must be divided into two components. The first component is the choice of paint or varnish for outdoor use, taking into account the color of the parapet of the staircase. The second question is how to paint the steps of a wooden staircase, and it is already connected with the choice of paint or varnish only for the steps of the staircase, since the operational requirements for covering the steps differ from the requirements for the stair railings.
Solutions of vegetable resins in alcoholic solvents (usually ethyl alcohol) are called alcohol varnishes.
The most popular of alcohol varnishes:
- shellac;
- rosin;
- carbinol.
Varnishes based on alcohol essence dry quickly and polish freely to a mirror finish. The main disadvantages of alcohol-containing varnishes are their price, low moisture resistance and negative frost resistance. They are used only for painting work in dry interior rooms.
Oil varnishes
The basis of oil varnishes are vegetable oils and resins of synthetic or natural origin, which have undergone heat treatment.
Varnishes are produced in two coating options:
- glossy oil varnish;
- matte oil varnish.
The most popular varnish with a matte shade. After drying of the coating, depending on the chosen dye, a transparent yellowish film is formed on the surface of the material. The disadvantage of oil varnish is its slow drying, which significantly lengthens the finishing time for elements of a wooden staircase.
Paints and varnishes based on oil solvents have low moisture resistance and low resistance to variable mechanical stress. Therefore, the use of oil varnishes for finishing works is limited to internal staircase structures.
Polyurethane varnishes
Polyurethane varnishes are compounds of high molecular weight resins that form durable coatings with high performance characteristics: wear resistance, resistance to chemical and active mechanical stress. They are widely used for painting steps and railings of external wooden stairs.
Acrylic varnishes
This is a special type of paintwork - a combination of a plastic dispersion with a synthetic acrylic material dissolved in water. The ready-to-use acrylic varnish contains antiseptic and plasticizer additives, which give strength and transparency to the finish coat.
According to their composition, they can be:
- one-component;
- two-component.
Two-component acrylic varnish is a combination of acrylic and polyurethane binders. Acrylic varnish is unique in its technical characteristics and versatile in its use. Here's how to paint wooden stair treads to meet the most stringent operational requirements.
In addition, the surface covered with acrylic varnish dries quickly and serves as a reliable protection of wooden stairs from mechanical damage.
Special compounds for wood processing
No matter how beautiful the natural structure of wood is, over time and under the influence of external factors, the wood and the lacquered surface of the stairs lose their presentation and attractiveness.
To extend the life of wooden stairs or to preserve the original gloss of the lacquer coating, special compounds are used:
- primers;
- antiseptic compounds;
- stains;
- polishes.
For example, how to paint a wooden staircase in a house before finishing a transparent coating with a colorless varnish in order to change the visible structure of wood (tint) to suit your individual preferences. The most acceptable option is stain.
Stains
Stain (stain) is a special liquid (impregnation) for giving the wooden elements of the stairs the required color. Usually this is the color of noble wood species.
Stains differ from varnishes in that the active impregnation elements penetrate deep into the structure of wooden structures and paint them from the inside, preserving the natural texture and grain pattern of the material. The process of painting a wooden staircase takes place without the formation of a surface film, in contrast to the painting of wood with varnishes or enamels.
Stains or stains are:
- aquatic;
- alcohol;
- based on nitro solvents (nitric).
Nitric and alcohol stains are characterized by protective properties, while simultaneously performing all the functions of antiseptic impregnations.
In the subgroup of such wood stains, there are compounds that do not stain wood, but serve solely to protect it. This makes it possible to use a colorless transparent varnish coating after tinting and antiseptic protection of wood with stains.
Water stains are rarely used for painting stairs. They are mainly used for painting small parts of wooden structures.
Alcohol and nitro stains dry quickly, are easier to work with and have a wide range of dyes used. Available in the form of a dry powder or ready-to-use liquid solution.
Polishes
Varnishes are special liquids based on resinous substances used for polishing the varnish surface of wooden structures. After covering the flight of stairs with paint or varnish, you can refine the glossy base by rubbing the wooden surface of the stairs to a mirror-like shine with polish.
The polishes are produced:
- alcohol;
- nitro-based.
The most popular are alcohol polishes. Polishing a wooden staircase with alcohol polish is carried out using a cloth swab moistened with polish.
For polishing surfaces lacquered with nitrocellulose varnish, only nitro polishes are used.
Paints and enamels
Paints are suspensions of pigments or their solutions with fillers dissolved in drying oil, oil, latex, etc. Paints, when used, form an opaque, durable, uniform film on the surface of a wooden staircase.
Paint tools:
- brushes;
- rollers;
- spray;
- solvent;
- clean rags.
The name "enamel" and "paint" are not identical. Enamel is a mixture of inorganic dyes with fillers and additives dissolved in film-forming varnishes, which, after drying, create a glossy opaque film with a varied texture. In terms of such parameters as elasticity and strength of the coating, enamels are superior to oil and water-dispersion paints.
And again the questions - how to paint a wooden staircase in the house and what paint is most acceptable for the steps of a wooden staircase? Or maybe enamel is better?
We will consider these and other questions regarding paints and enamels further in the following sections, and for a more visual demonstration, watch the video on painting the stairs in this article.
Paints: properties, characteristics of the material
Wooden stairs are painted with a variety of paints and enamels. The task of the staining procedure is to cover the surface of the wood in order to protect the wood surface from harmful influences, or in order to imitate any valuable wood species.
Paint for wooden stairs inside the house can be:
- oil;
- acrylic;
- nitrocellulose;
- enamels.
Oil paint for wooden stairs
Oil paints are characterized by good adhesion to wood substrates and provide reliable protection of wood from various atmospheric influences. The surface of a wooden staircase, painted with a composition of oil paint, has a long-lasting smooth finish with a beautiful semi-glossy sheen.
Can be used as paint for wooden stairs inside the house, and for outdoor wooden stairs. But with one caveat - do not use oil paint as a coating for the steps of indoor and outdoor stairs.
The service life of the coating painted with oil paint is 10 years, provided that the painting was carried out on a new clean wooden surface, and the original instructions of the manufacturer were used during the finishing work.
Acrylic paint for wood
Acrylic paints are synthetic compounds based on polyacrylates. The binding components are water and coloring pigments. When moisture evaporates, particles of plastic polymers create a stable and elastic film on the surface of the wood.
Acrylic paints are odorless and, despite their watery content, are highly moisture and temperature resistant. The surface of the stairs, covered with acrylic paint, is easy to clean with any cleaning agent.
Acrylic mixtures are easy to tint, do not burn, dry quickly and are not affected by ultraviolet rays, which allows their use for painting external wooden stairs.
Acrylic synthetic compounds have a long service life (more than 15 years) and are much cheaper than other water-based paints.
Nitrocellulose paints
Nitrocellulose wood paints provide ease of use, increased wear resistance and excellent finish. High surface elasticity, heat resistance, moisture resistance - this is not a complete list of the advantages of nitrocellulose paint.
When applied to the surface of a staircase, a thin, almost transparent film is created. The period of complete drying of the nitro paint surface is 2 hours. Nitrocellulose paints can be used both outdoors and indoors.
Enamels
Enamel is very similar to paint and differs only in its composition. It is a compound of fillers and pigments dissolved in a synthetic polymer blend. An enamelled staircase has an expressive gloss and is more durable than a similar paint coating.
Apply the enamel with a brush or spray gun. Wood enamels are used only for interior work. Drying of the enamel coating should take place at an air temperature of at least 20 ° C within 72 hours.
Finishing wooden stairs
The process of finishing wooden elements of stairs includes the following operations:
- mechanical surface treatment (grinding, etc.);
- covering wooden stairs with special compounds (antiseptics, primers);
- painting surfaces.
Wooden stairs in the house are often made with an opaque finish. This is not the norm, but just a common tradition.
Because for a transparent coating with paints and varnishes, hard woods are needed with a careful selection of elements in texture, color and quality, which is slow and expensive.
In addition, when choosing how to paint the wooden steps of the stairs in the house, it is better to stay on an opaque coating. An opaque coating is applied to the surface of the stairs in several layers, which allows you to hide all the defects made during the manufacture of steps. Especially if these steps were done independently.
DIY stairs can combine two types of coverings. For example, the railings are painted with enamel, and the steps are varnished, or the same parts are varnished in two different shades.
Grinding
Before painting a wooden staircase, the following list of preparatory work must be carried out:
- remove villi (scuffs) from the front surface of the wood;
- putty (with an opaque coating);
- primer;
- antiseptic treatment.
Thereafter, sand the surface of the wooden ladder with sandpaper attached to a wooden block or with an electric sander is used.
Tips: Use an electric sander with caution - pressing hard while sanding can only increase the blemishes you were trying to fix.
A piece of sandpaper is glued onto a wooden block 10-15 cm long and set to work. For the convenience of work, make three bars at once: with fine, medium and coarse grain.
Grinding of parts of a wooden staircase is carried out along the fibers, and not across. The surface of the sandpaper must be periodically cleaned from wood dust.
The wooden surface of the stairs intended to be covered with transparent varnish must be immaculately flat and smooth. Therefore, after grinding with sandpaper, the surface of wooden blanks or structures is wiped with a coarse woolen cloth.
At the end of sanding, thoroughly clean the surface of the stairs from wood dust and small inclusions.
Staining of wooden structures of stairs
One of the simplest, and therefore convenient dyes, is the stain. However, you need to know that wood stain colors different types of wood in different ways. It depends on the difference in the content of a chemical such as tannin in the structure of the tree.
For example, if you stain the base of a staircase with oak stain, the wood will turn dark brown. At the same time, a pine or maple staircase will be yellowish.
Tips: Special attention should be paid to conifers: the resin of such wood absorbs the stain strongly, which leads to an uneven color of the wood surface. Therefore, for staining the surface of coniferous materials, you need to remove the resin from the base of the processed product.
There are several methods of staining the wooden base of the stairs:
- trituration;
- spraying;
- using a roller or swab;
- with a brush;
- immersion of parts in a stain solution.
In the case of the first method, the surface of the wood is covered with a stain, located horizontally, and rubbed evenly over the entire plane of the product (for example, stairs). The grinding method is used mainly for porous wood species. Stains that dry for a long time are suitable for this method.
Spraying method - the stain is applied to the wooden surface of the stairs using a spray gun. This order of application of the composition is intended for staining vertical surfaces. The coating is smoother than the rubbing method.
Staining the wood surface with a tampon or roller allows you to get a better, even finish. A roller is used for large areas, a swab for small parts. Instead of a standard swab, you can use a sponge or rag.
Staining horizontal or vertical staircase structures with a brush allows you to get a more contrasting color in terms of coverage than when using other covering methods with the same number of superimposed layers. Immersion is used only for staining individual small parts of the stairs.
Alcohol stains are applied to the wooden surface of the stairs by rubbing in two layers. The initial layer is applied along the grain of the wood, the last one - across.
Upon completion of the application of the planned layers of stain, wipe the surface of the stairs with a clean cloth. After drying, the parts of the stairs are cleaned with a fine-grained emery cloth.
The surface prepared in this way can be opened with a transparent, colorless varnish. This must be done, since the stain does not form a protective film on the surface of the wood, but only tints with the desired color and in rare cases can serve as an antiseptic.
Painting a wooden staircase with paints and enamels
Wooden stairs are painted with various paints and enamels (see chapter "Paints and enamels"). According to their properties, they are divided into paints for indoor and outdoor use.
For example, paint for a wooden staircase in a house can only be used to paint indoor staircase structures. When using this type of paint for outdoor use, the coating will crack, flake off and eventually deteriorate.
As tools for painting work are used:
- brushes;
- sponges;
- rollers;
- foam tampons;
- spray guns.
In addition, for small parts, individual products are dipped in dye.
The painting of wooden structures should be started with a primer on the surface. The choice of primer grade depends on the composition of the paint or varnish for the topcoat and the operating conditions for the finished substrate.
Wooden stairs must be painted from top to bottom. This is very important if the finished steps are painted and there is no second staircase in the house. Do not paint wooden staircase structures in sections. As a result, a non-uniform coating of different color shades can be obtained. Paint drips during the painting process are eliminated with a clean, damp cloth.
Traditionally, there are several methods of painting wooden stairs with paints and enamels. The most common is the one-color painting of structural parts (see photo).
The best quality and most durable coating is obtained by painting the stairs with a spray gun. If brushes or a roller are used for painting, then you need to complete the painting of the wooden surface with long strokes along the entire plane of the product.
The method of painting a wooden staircase with a brush is the most difficult:
- Paint for wooden structures of stairs should be applied to the surface of the parts of the staircase with a free translational movement of the brush along the threadlike fibers of the tree in one direction.
- After completing the painting of each layer, you need to wait a little, and without dipping the brush into the paint, correct your strokes, and remove paint drips, if any.
- When using a sponge or swab, paint must be applied to the surface of the wood at least three layers. Due to the high complexity of the process, this method is rarely used.
There is also a way to paint wooden surfaces with a two-tone texture. With the help of paint or enamel in two shades, a drawing is created that imitates the structure of a tree or represents any abstract composition. The main paint color is used for the background coating, and the second color is applied to the background surface as a texture or image.
In addition, paint can be water-based to create a texture or image, but in this case, the painted surface of the stairs must be varnished with a spray gun or a soft brush. After that, the base of the steps or stair railing is dried for at least an hour, then the surface is lightly sanded and varnished again.
Nitrocellulose paints dry quickly (20–30 min.), Which makes it possible to quickly paint parts of a wooden staircase. Thanks to the rapid drying of the paint, you can not only save time, but also reduce the risk of dust and insects sticking to the painted surface.
Alkyd enamels and traditional oil paints are most popular for both interior and exterior wood staircase structures. Oil paints are familiar and familiar to us. Alkyd compositions are characterized by positive performance characteristics and are more modern.
Varnishing of wooden stairs
Before varnishing a wooden staircase, the following preparatory work must be done:
- grinding;
- primer;
- waxing.
For sanding the surface of the stairs before the lacquer coating, fine-grained sandpaper is used. The sanding technique is described above.
Priming of wooden structures can be done with a stain or a special primer in the same solvent as the future varnish coating. The type of primer should be chosen individually for each brand of varnish or vice versa.
The lacquer coating of the stairs is characterized by the following parameters:
- brand and type of varnish;
- coating method;
- the number of layers of varnish.
The quality and durability of the varnish film depends on the correct choice of the brand of varnish used.
The procedure for applying varnish on a wooden staircase is as follows:
- The varnish is applied to the prepared dry surface of the stairs in even layers using a brush, swab or spray gun. Volumetric details are varnished with a spray gun or with flutes brushes.
- The ends and edges of a wooden staircase are varnished using small-diameter brushes. In some cases, with a transparent finish, it is allowed to use a putty of the same color as the future coating to eliminate minor wood defects.
- Before making an opaque staircase finish, you can easily use a putty to remove chips, dents, etc.
- After sanding, priming and filling, several circles of paint are applied to the surface of the wooden structure.
- To obtain a durable and high-quality varnished coating, one passage of varnish is not enough. After a well-dried first layer, the varnished base must be sanded with fine emery cloth to create a perfectly flat and smooth wood surface.
- After sanding, with a clean cloth or dry brush, we clean the surface from wood dust, and apply a second layer of varnish, diluted a quarter with solvent.
In painting works for painting wooden stairs, oil and synthetic paints and varnishes are most often used. They are used for the device of paint and varnish coatings on wood both inside and outside the premises.
The most common brands of varnishes are:
- Oil varnishes- suitable for varnishing all types of wood. Coating with oil varnish is the most durable, water-resistant, with a strong pleasant shine. The varnish composition is applied in two layers with a swab or brush. Drying time of the coating is 48 hours.
- Oil pentaphthalic varnishes (PF) are used to cover the surfaces of stairs, painted with oil compounds inside the premises. Before use, diluted with solvent or white spirit. To apply pentaphthalic varnish to the surface of the stairs, brushes or spray guns are used. Drying time 36 hours.
- create a more elastic, but less moisture resistant coating than when using oil varnishes. The gloss of the alcohol varnish is the softest and most subdued. The most common are shellac-based alcohol varnishes.
- If it is decided to varnish with nitrocellulose compounds then it is better to choose glossy varnishes. When applied, the surface is better. Nitrocellulose varnishes are applied to the surface of the stairs in several layers - with a brush, swab or spray gun. Nitrocellulose varnishes form a high-quality water-resistant base with a high gloss.
Nitrolacquer must be applied in even layers, and any next layer must be perpendicular to the previous one.
Then, after applying the final layer, the surface of the stairs is left for final drying for a day. Then it is sanded with an emery cloth, wiped with a clean cloth and polished.
We analyzed a variety of paints and varnishes that can be used to paint the surface of wooden exterior and interior stairs. We considered how to paint a wooden staircase on the street and what paint to paint a wooden staircase in the house.
When choosing a varnish or paint for finishing your stairs, do not be afraid to experiment. It is important that the coating meets safety requirements and fits harmoniously into the interior of your home.