Spindles are also called balusters. On a stairway, they connect the base rail to the hand rail. These are collectively known as the balustrade. Spindles are an important and prominent part of any staircase. The color that you decide to paint them will affect the overall look of this fixture.
I am one who believes it is best to paint spindles white. However, the matter is not always so cut-and-dry so I will elaborate my argument below.
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Why Paint Stairway Railing Spindles at All?
If you have a house with a large and elongated staircase, you should put a new coat of paint on it. A staircase is an essential focal point in any home.
It is usually the first thing that people see when they enter a house. Whether your staircase is modern, traditional, or eclectic, painting it will give it a fresh appearance.
Why Paint Stairway Railing Spindles White?
The first reason to paint your spindles white is that this color has withstood the test of time. Classic white is especially suitable for stairway spindles. Why? Because it will give your foyer and staircase a light, warm, airy feel.
When visitors enter your house, they will immediately be put at ease. White spindles always look crisp, clean, and elegant. They brighten the space that surrounds your staircase and set the kind of tone and atmosphere you want for your home.
If you are painting over a very old stairway or over stained wood, white paint can revive the fixture, making it look both lively and new.
Are There Other Options That Have the Same Effect?
The short answer is yes. In painting your spindles, your aim should be to find a color that is both restful and cheerful to the eyes of someone who enters your home for the first time. Classic white is the best color for this. However, there are others.
Neutral colors such as beige, taupe, grey, and cream can accomplish the same goal. They will not overpower other colors in the foyer or hallways. Using neutral colors can also add some subtle depth to your staircase.
It is also possible to use one color for the spindles and another for the treads or risers. If you are more conservative in your tastes, but prefer not to go with white, one of the aforementioned neutral colors will have the same effect.
You should also consider contrasting colors. Black and white are the ultimate in color contrast. This combination has become a bit of trend over the last few years. In many instances, homeowners paint the spindles white and the steps black.
The opposite is also trendy: painting banisters and handrails black and everything else white. Other great contrasts to white spindles are emerald, navy blue, and dark grey.
How to Paint Spindles
It should first be pointed out that the most common coating for spindles is acrylic paint. Most homeowners prefer to use paint and brush.
However, a small airless sprayer is also an option. If you decide to use the latter, you will need to be careful about masking. You should also ensure the surrounding area is protected from over-spray.
If you have not painted a stairway before, the task may seem daunting. You can take heart. The paint job can be completed in a few easy steps, and with a minimum of fuss. Here is what you must do:
1. Sand the spindles down
This will require you to remove old gloss and protective lacquers. The aim is to make the surface bare and ready for a new coat of paint. You should use a fine sandpaper for the job. If you have carpet on the stairs, you can either remove it or, if that’s not possible, place a sheet over it.
Another option is to place a small barrier between the carpet and the spindles. One homeowner used a taping knife:
2. Cleaning
This can be done with a damp cloth. All you need do is wipe the spindles down and remove any dust and dirt that remains. It is important to be thorough about this. The last thing you want to do is paint over dust and dirt.
3. Apply primer
You will then need to put primer on the spindles. This is a very important step as it helps seal the spindles. When you come to paint them, the paint will not soak in, which means you will need fewer coats of paint.
Primer also helps enhance the finish of your painting job. You should put tape around the top and bottom of the spindles and apply the primer with a small detail brush.
4. Start painting
After you have done the above, you will be ready to start painting. You must wait until the primer dries. This usually takes 24 hours.
Conclusion
White paint is the best coating to put on spindles. It will make your stairway and foyer bright, cheerful, and relaxing.
However, there are other neutral colors and color combinations can have the same effect. You will need to take the overall color scheme in the space into account when making your final decision.
