A Technical Guide for Preparation and Painting before your Runner Installation

The essential first steps

Painting a staircase may seem deceptively simple at first glance, but as with any home project, it is meticulous planning and thoughtful preparation that determine the final result. If you are thinking about painting your staircase before installing your stair runner, there are a number of steps that need prior planning to ensure the best foundations are in place for your Roger Oates runner. Follow the steps below or download a pdf guide here.

 1 . Remove Existing Floor Coverings 

Carefully remove existing carpets or runners fitted to the staircase with plenty of time to spare so there are no unexpected surprises.  This will allow you time to carry out any remedial works focussing on areas where staples, nails or more serious damage have left their mark.

2 . Clean the Entire Staircase 

Clean the staircase of dust and grease ready for painting. We advise avoiding harsh chemical cleaners.

3 . Fill, Repair and Seal

Fill holes or deep scratches with a good quality wood filler. For knotted and soft wooden floorboards, seal with a knotting solution to avoid sap bleeding through after painting. As our Flatweave is unbacked, the treads do need to be even and stable without broken nosings or significant dishing.  Sometimes you may need to consider getting the nosings of the treads replaced by a carpenter. 

4 . Sand & Smooth

Finish by sanding areas to create a level surface before painting. Don’t forget to clean dust or residue again after this step.

5 . Prime

Use a good quality primer on areas you will be painting to provide an even surface and increase the longevity of your paint.

How much of the stairs should I paint?

Straight steps

We always recommend painting more of the step than you think you’ll need. While our measuring guide suggests allowing around 5cm of exposed woodwork / stone on either side of the runner as a tolerance, this is not the amount that should be painted on either side. Always paint in from the stringer more than the margin of the sub-floor.  Runner widths are always stated as approximate as they will be slightly narrower or wider than noted due to the weaving process.

Winding Steps

The runner is a fixed narrow width and will hug the inside edge of winders.  It does not leave an even margin exposed nor does it sit centrally on these steps.  This results in more of the subfloor being exposed. For the best finish, and to avoid any delays to the installation, we advise painting the entire tread.

Risers

Make sure that you don’t forget to paint the risers using a similar approach, especially the top and bottom ones.  If there are mouldings present on the risers underneath the nosings, please remove the moulding on the final riser in advance.  This will allow the installer to finish the runner neat and tidy against the riser if the runner does not continue on to the landing.

If you are still unsure your local stockist will be able to provide guidance.

Choosing your approach

Different staircase layouts and interiors styles suit different paint approaches, discover a number of options that should be considered:

A: Fully Painted Staircase.

The bold choice for creating impactful, memorable interiors – painting the entire staircase can dramatically change the look and feel of your hallway. The colour we choose has the power to transform a space – from intense, deep and dramatic hues, to a considered and calming palette. Whether you decide on complete colour washing your stairs or a subtle play with different shades, the result is an intentional and considered hallway full of character.

B: Painted Risers and Natural Wood Treads.

If you have a wooden staircase and want to preserve its character and natural patina, painting just the riser can be a simple yet impactful solution. The beauty of wood pairs well with a wide spectrum of different colours, and highlighting just the riser will draw the eye without overwhelming the space. For a classic look, opt for whites, soft neutrals or deep charcoal greys. For those keen to add a splash of colour, introducing a coordinating or contrasting tone picked out from your chosen runner will inject a bold or subtle pop of colour.

C: Banisters, balustrades & Stringers

Modern paint means transforming almost any part of the home with colour is now easier than ever. For bannisters, drenching them in colour to match balustrades, stairs and other woodwork builds a clean, cohesive space. Alternatively, for schemes that showcase natural textures, leaving the bannister unpainted will create a softer contrast that celebrates variations between alternating tones and materials, especially against painted spindles and stringers.

Options and Application

Oil vs Water-based paints

When choosing the type of paint you will use, always consider the drying times. Oil-based paints historically tend to be more durable in the long-run, yet they are high in VOCs and their drying time varies greatly between conditions and number of coats, taking up to 24 hours to dry, and at least a week to fully cure. 

Water-based paints are now just as durable as oil based paints when preparation and application is carried out properly. Their quicker drying period means less time waiting to use your staircase, and with their modern formulas and low VOCs, they are the perfect option for busy homes.

Do’s and Dont’s

Do:

• Spend time preparing your stairs – from cleaning to sanding.
• Do your research and use good quality paint. 
• Plan your schedule and factor in timings.
• Apply paint correctly and always read the instructions.
• Do test your chosen paint before committing.
• Start painting from the top, and work your way down.
• Be prepared to touch up the paintwork post install as during the process cracking can appear.

Don’t:

• Cut corners – take your time and plan each step.
• Don’t overload the brush with paint – apply thin, even coats.
• Don’t skip taping and masking areas you want to protect.
• Don’t paint against the grain – this can result in an uneven finish. 
• Don’t use your staircase too soon after painting, follow the timelines.

Other things to consider and useful links:

We believe that getting things right the first time, prior to installation, is key. It is easier to paint and touch-up any miscalculated or missed areas before your stair runner has been fitted than after installation. A runner is almost always the very last addition of most renovation projects, therefore good planning is essential.