Painting your stairs, hallway, or landing can transform your home, but these areas come with unique challenges. It’s not just about picking the right paint - it’s about preparation, technique, and understanding the tricky spots that make this job more complex than it might seem.
Did you know that 35% of painting company customers request help with stairs and landings because they can’t reach or paint them properly themselves? These areas often have high walls, tight corners, and awkward angles that make them difficult to tackle.
If you’re new to painting these spaces, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, step by step.
1. Understand the Challenges of Painting Stairs and Landings
Staircases and landings are among the most demanding areas to paint in a home. Here’s why:
High-Traffic Areas
These spaces see daily wear and tear, leading to scuffs, dents, cracks, and chipped paint on walls, skirting boards, and door frames.
Hard-to-Reach Spots
Staircases often have high walls, tight corners, and awkward angles that require ladders, scaffolding, or specialised tools to access safely.
Multiple Doors
Landings typically connect several rooms, meaning you’ll need to prepare and paint multiple door frames, skirting boards, and sometimes the doors themselves. Achieving clean edges and a consistent finish across all surfaces requires extra precision and care.
Damage Repairs
Stairways and hallways often show the most damage in a home. Proper preparation is essential, including repairing cracks, filling holes, and sanding imperfections. Skipping this step will result in an uneven or subpar finish.
By understanding these challenges, you can plan more effectively and decide whether to tackle the project yourself or hire a professional.
2. Choosing the Right Paint for Walls, Stairs, and Woodwork
For Walls
Painting walls in staircases and hallways requires durable finishes that can withstand frequent cleaning and scuffs while maintaining a stylish appearance.
Best Finishes for Walls:
Ceramic Matt: Washable, durable, and stain-resistant, ideal for high-traffic areas.
Modern Emulsion (Farrow & Ball): Slight sheen, scuff-resistant, and fully washable.
Washable Matte: Flat finish that hides imperfections and is easy to clean.
Recommended Paint Brands for Walls:
Colortrend Ceramic Matt: Highly durable with an easy-to-clean surface, perfect for busy households.
Farrow & Ball Modern Emulsion: Premium paint with a soft sheen, luxurious finish, and excellent durability.
Dulux Easycare Washable & Tough: Affordable, durable, and designed for areas needing frequent cleaning.
Little Greene Intelligent Matt Emulsion: High-performance matte paint that is washable and eco-friendly.
Why Use Washable Matte or Soft Sheen for Walls?
Hide imperfections better than glossy finishes.
Easy to clean without streaking.
Provide a smooth, modern appearance, perfect for stairwells and hallways.
Professional Tip:
Create a checklist of all the walls you plan to paint. Note if they require repairs (e.g., filling cracks or holes) before applying the paint.
For Woodwork
Wood surfaces like stairs, bannisters, skirting boards, and doors need paints that are durable and easy to maintain. Here are the top options:
Best Finishes for Woodwork:
Eggshell: A low-sheen, modern finish that’s durable and easy to clean.
Satinwood (Semi-Gloss): Slightly shinier than eggshell but still understated and long-lasting.
Recommended Paint Brands for Woodwork:
Farrow & Ball Modern Eggshell: Luxurious, durable, and ideal for high-traffic wood surfaces.
Colortrend Satinwood Eggshell: High-quality, quick-drying, and eco-friendly satin finish.
Little Greene Intelligent Satinwood: Hard-wearing, water-based with a soft sheen, perfect for busy areas.
Dulux Satinwood (Oil or Water-Based): Reliable semi-gloss finish available in oil-based for durability or water-based for quick drying.
Fleetwood Oil-Based Satinwood/Eggshell: Excellent for heavy-use areas, offering a smooth and durable finish.
Why Avoid Full Gloss?
Gloss paints, while durable, are overly shiny and can feel dated. Eggshell and satinwood finishes are more contemporary, offering a sophisticated look while still being practical for daily use.
Wood Repairs Before Painting
Use Wood Filler for Woodwork: Designed to adhere to wooden surfaces, it flexes with the natural expansion and contraction of wood for a durable base.
Use Interior Wall Filler for Walls: Tailored for plaster and drywall, it ensures proper adhesion and a smooth finish.
3. Preparation Is Everything
Rushing into painting without preparation can lead to a messy result.
Here’s how to prepare properly:
Clean Thoroughly: Dust, dirt, and grease can ruin your finish. Ensure all surfaces are clean before painting.
Protect Surfaces: Cover carpets, steps, railings, and furniture with masking tape, plastic sheets, or drop cloths to prevent accidental spills.
Fix Imperfections: Fill cracks and holes, then sand them smooth for a professional result.
Set Up Safely: Use ladders or scaffolding to reach high areas, ensuring stability and safety.
Pro Tip:
Label all your materials and tools in advance to avoid interruptions during the painting process.
4. Safety Matters
Painting a staircase can be tricky and even dangerous. Here’s how to stay safe:
Stability: Ensure ladders and scaffolding are securely positioned.
Slippery Surfaces: Protective floor coverings can be slippery, so move cautiously.
Inform Others: Let family members know to avoid the area during painting. Keep children and pets away for their safety.
5. Consider Hiring a Professional
With all the challenges of painting stairs and landings, it’s no surprise that many people choose to hire professionals. Skilled painters can:
Prepare and repair damaged areas properly.
Safely reach high walls and awkward corners.
Deliver a clean, even finish that lasts.
FAQ Section:
Do I need a primer for woodwork? Yes, a high-quality primer ensures better paint adhesion and durability.
What’s the best way to avoid streaks on walls? Use a roller with the right nap length and apply paint evenly in overlapping strokes.
How long does paint take to dry? Drying times vary by paint type but are typically 2-4 hours for water-based and up to 24 hours for oil-based.
Let Us Help You Create a Stunning Staircase and Hallway
Painting your staircase and hallway can be a challenging task, but it doesn’t have to be. With our team of experienced painters in Dublin, you can transform these high-traffic areas with ease. We specialise in repairing, preparing, and painting hard-to-reach spaces, ensuring a flawless, durable finish that adds value and style to your home.
Why Choose Us?
Expertise in Tricky Areas: We safely handle high walls, tight corners, and awkward angles.
Attention to Detail: From repairs to the final coat, we guarantee a professional finish.
Local Knowledge: As a trusted Dublin-based company, we understand the needs of Irish homes and use premium materials to suit.
Let us take care of the hard work while you relax and enjoy the results. Whether you’re looking for advice, colour recommendations, or a free quote, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to book your FREE quote and bring your vision to life!
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