How to Spice Up Your Staircase With a Painted Runner

Not only is this a fun project with which you can express as much creativity as you desire, but it can also have a 3D effect as it seems to spill over the stairs. The key to making a painted runner look good, is having consistency down the staircase.

A simple way to get a consistent border is to use Frog Tape. Layout the pattern with the tape and use a credit card/gift card to press along the edges to get a good seal.

Since the tape creates a clean line, it makes it easier, and possibly even a project children could help with.

Here is a rundown of how you could create a basic painted runner for your staircase.

• 1. Clean the stairs first.

  What ever you don’t get off now could possibly show up through the paint if you’re using a light color in your pattern.

  If need be, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to paint the entirety of the stairs to get a fresh clean background.

• 2. Decide how wide you want your border to be.

  Typical borders on a tapestry like a runner would be about 2″ – 4″. You should also take into consideration the width of your staircase. A narrow border for a narrow staircase and a wider border for a wider staircase.

• 3. Lay down the Frog Tape.

  If you need to, use a straight edge to get the tape straight on each tread/riser. Make sure to use a credit card/gift card along the edges of the tape to get an even better seal.

• 4. Paint the border color.

  Since a staircase is going to experience a lot of foot traffic, use a latex porch and floor enamel. Apply it in two light coats as opposed to one heavy coat. This will not only decrease drying time, but also give a better end result.

• 5. Layout the fill pattern.

  This is where you get to be creative. The fill pattern can be anything you like. Once you decide on a pattern, you can create templates from poster board. Then trace them onto the stairs with a pencil and tape around the pencil line. Be sure to run a card along the edge of the tape to get a better seal.

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• 6. Paint the fill pattern.

  Do this in the same manner as you did the borders, using a latex floor and porch enamel paint in two thin coats.

• 7. Remove all the outline tape.

  Once all the paint has dried, all that is left is to remove the tape. This is where you need to be careful. Don’t rip the tape up in the excitement to see your finished runner. Makes sure it is removed carefully so as not to rip off any of the paint in the process.

• 8. Apply two coats of polyurethane.

  The first coat should be glossy for durability and the second should be matte, to make it look more like a textile.

A painted staircase runner will not only make your stairs less of an eye sore, but it will also add value to your home. Not to mention you got to flex your creative muscles while doing it! All that is left is to admire and enjoy it.

Image Credit: Pixabay

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