From This Old House.
In this video, with two big dogs in the house, a homeowner needed to protect his stairs while upgrading. Paint expert Mauro Henrique came up with a plan and chose the right products and techniques for the job.
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High-traffic areas take a lot of abuse. When it’s a staircase, the traffic is condensed to an even smaller area. When that traffic is caused by two big dogs, the abuse can be intense. When a homeowner grew tired of his dogs gouging and scratching his steps, it was time for an upgrade. Mauro Henrique helped prep and paint the steps and handrails so they could withstand years of traffic.
Where to find it?
The stair treads and handrails worked on were unfinished wood. The stair treads had a lot of scratches and marks, so Mauro used a 120-grit sandpaper [https://homedepot.sjv.io/e1Av7j] on a power sander [https://homedepot.sjv.io/R53n3b] connected to a HEPA vacuum [https://homedepot.sjv.io/POrgjQ]. 220 – 320 grit sandpaper was used all over afterwards. The same grit sandpaper was also used on the handrails. N95 masks [https://homedepot.sjv.io/qz2BQL] and safety glasses [https://homedepot.sjv.io/0ZkGbY] were worn while sanding. And before every coat of primer and paint, the area should be lightly sanded with 220 to 320 grit sandpaper and vacuumed.
Drop cloths [https://homedepot.sjv.io/N96mdK] were used to protect the floor and stair treads when they were not being worked on. Painter’s tape [https://homedepot.sjv.io/1roGjD] can be used to protect the balusters, risers, and skirtboards.
Mauro used a quart of an oil-based primer for both the treads and handrail. Oil-based primers are ideal for untreated wood.
For the handrail and post, Mauro used a semi-gloss white paint [https://homedepot.sjv.io/Qj6Wq3] that is good for high-traffic areas. Paints made for trim, cabinets, and doors work well for something like a handrail that will be touched a lot. Glossier finishes are easier to clean and are more durable than flat finishes.
For the stair treads, Mauro used a high gloss white floor [https://homedepot.sjv.io/gOW4z9] interior and exterior paint. A floor paint made for interior and exterior uses is ideal for stairs. Especially for the stairs Mauro worked on that are right next to the front door and in a home with two large dogs that will be constantly using the stairs after being outside.
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Materials:
Sandpaper (120 and 220 grit) [https://homedepot.sjv.io/e1Av7j]
Drop cloth [https://homedepot.sjv.io/N96mdK]
Painter’s tape [https://homedepot.sjv.io/1roGjD]
Oil-based primer [https://homedepot.sjv.io/K0ZWRx]
Railing paint (semi-gloss) [https://homedepot.sjv.io/Qj6Wq3]
Tread paint (high-gloss) [https://homedepot.sjv.io/gOW4z9]
Tools:
Dust mask [https://homedepot.sjv.io/qz2BQL]
Safety glasses [https://homedepot.sjv.io/0ZkGbY]
Hand sander (square for corners) [https://homedepot.sjv.io/DykJY2]
Power sander [https://homedepot.sjv.io/R53n3b]
Wet/dry vac [https://homedepot.sjv.io/POrgjQ]
Paint brushes [https://homedepot.sjv.io/xkVB75]
Paint roller [https://homedepot.sjv.io/PyJoPY]
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How to Paint Stair Treads | Ask This Old House
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