How to paint spindles

A common question from homeowners is how do you paint stair or rail spindles without making a mess and wanting to demolish the whole thing.  Well there is great news for you and it's easier than you think it just takes using a process that will give you the advantage over those pesky spindles and rail.  Here are the steps we use at Donigan Painting day in a day out that do not require a sprayer or paint glove.  Both of which can be very messy and challenging to use correctly for a novice. 

Here is the best way to get it done for either your stair spindles inside or your porch/deck spindles outside on a budget:

1.  Lay down some drop cloths if there is space under the rail.  If you are inside tape in between each spindle on your stairs tread or the floor until you don't see your beautiful wood floors.  Cover them, it will save you a lot of cleaning and scraping.  Painters paper also works well and can be cut to fit any area.  There's a pic below of what you can buy at your local retailer.

2.  Grab a sanding sponge and dust mask and hit each spindle with it.  You're going for removing-scuffing the shiny finish or sheen so your paint or stain will adhere better.  You don't need to power sand it just apply firm pressure and work over each spindle.  100 grit or above will work fine.  If your house was built before 1978 please consult a pro before starting.  Lead paint may be present and the last thing you want to do is spread it around your house. 

3.  Use a damp rag to wipe down each spindle and the area around it as many times as necessary to remove the dust and residue.  Your rag will no longer have dust on it that is visible for it to be cleaned properly.

4.  When you are at your paint store grab a whiz roller that has a nap on it for cabinets or walls.  The choice is up to you.  The wall nap will lay it on thicker but will create an orange peel like finish-rippled.  Where as the cabinet nap will require more coats of paint it will leave a very smooth-fine finish that is more mirror like.  Get a little paint tray pan to fit this roller size and a 2 inch brush.

5.  Set up your paint tray/roller with paint and load the nap.  Setup up a cut can with your brush and about an inch of paint. 

6.  Start at the top and roll each spindle as much as you can immediately followed with your brush to hit any area that could not be reached with the roller.  If you want to save some time once you get the hang of doing this process and know where the roller will not reach hit those areas first on each spindle then go back and roll them. 

7.  After you have achieved the coverage you are shooting for remove the tape and paper carefully. If you have waited a day to take the tape off you are going to want to score the edges with a blade so you don't pull the paint off.  If you can remove it same day or immediately after you finish it is highly recommended.

If you have a home built before 1978 you may need to consult a professional to assess the best way to approach this project.  There are methods and tools used so that everyone is safe and you are not walking around stepping in lead dust everyday tracking it all over your house.

Or you can call your local paint pro to get a free quote or visit our website to fill out the contact form.  A company representative will get a hold of you immediately.

Bill Donigan
Donigan Painting-EPA RRP Lead Safe Certified
224 Ross Park
Syracuse NY 13208
315-313-3254
http://doniganpainting.webstarts.com/