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How to Paint a Stair Runner

Make every entrance a bit grander with this fanciful stripe.

Filed Under: Decorating, Do-It-Yourself, Domino

1. Create a Base Prep the stairs (wash, rinse and allow to dry; sand to a smooth finish), apply the primer and let dry. With the white paint and a 3" angled brush, begin with the top step and work down using vertical strokes: Paint the treads (the part of the stair you step on), back to front; the risers, top to bottom. Do one coat and allow to dry completely. Apply a second coat.

2. Paint Runner To create a 20" runner like the one shown, measure the width of the steps, subtract 20" and divide in halfthis is the width of your margins on either side. Mark the runner's edges with painter's tape; the space between the inside edges should be 20". Apply two coats of red paint with a 2" angled brush in horizontal strokes (allow to dry between coats). Slowly peel off the tape. TIP: For a more textured, crosshatched finish, apply second coat with vertical strokes.

3. Add Border Lay painter's tape along the outside edges of the runner. Line up another strip of tape on the runner exactly 1" from the edge. With a 1" angled brush, apply black paint between the two strips using crosswise strokes. After a second coat, remove tape and let dry.

4. Seal With a tiny paintbrush, smooth any feathering edges and fill in any errant spots. Allow to dry. Apply two or three coats of acrylic polyurethane. Let dry between coats. BTW: With drying time, this project will take a few days. If exile from the upstairs isn't an option, paint and seal every riser and every other tread. After those areas dry, do the remaining treads.

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9 comments

STONEZONE9 08:23:02 PM Aug 08 2008

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My steps are already painted battleship grey and I abhor them.This is a fun look. I will paint the steps in bright primary colors just like the gameroom they lead into.Thanks for the idea.

Robtice2 03:41:15 PM Aug 03 2008

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And exactly how to you let thise stair dry when your bedrooms and offices are upstairs? The author's an idiot. And, as other noted, they would look nice for about a week, maximum. Dumb idea. It's cheaper and better to just buy a real runner.

Superfreakcindy 11:18:46 AM Jul 15 2008

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Painted Steps? That would look nice for about a week, then you'd be touching up every little scratch and chip. Makes the steps look too narrow and old fashioned. The before is way better.

TBates6987 03:12:03 PM Jun 14 2008

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I AGREE, IF YOU HAVE WOOD, LET IT SHOW. BUT, IF YOU ARE FIXING UP YOUR BASEMENT, I THINK IT COULD WORK.

Montypython1975 06:52:06 AM Jun 07 2008

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That's got to be the tackiest idea I've ever heard. Why not create a runner with CARPET, you morons.

JSRosedahl 02:28:06 AM Apr 30 2008

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I agree with the first two...hideous! (it might look better had they left the tops of the stairs dark wood rather than paint the stairs all white)

I was looking for an idea for my back stair...I'm going with the first look! LOVE it! : )

Shannon nicole 0 05:57:32 PM Apr 06 2008

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i love it! i think its funky. Its a good thing to be creative... xoxo oxox

Rcpigford 04:31:29 PM Mar 26 2008

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I'm with you, Carriebrent123! How ridiculous. The next owner will have to strip all that junk to get back to the original look!

Carriebrent123 03:03:32 PM Mar 26 2008

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I think that painted stair runner looks gastly and contrived. I much prefer the former look. The beauiful wood treads on white is there already and serves the purpose. That's all there needs to be. More is not always better.

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9 comments