Replies

1. 
   DougU | Jul 12, 2006 07:18am | #1

   If your going to do it by hand(brush) I'd get a second guy, you wont have to go around to see if you have runs.

   Both of ya work on the same spindle at the same time.

   Doug

2. 
   slykarma | Jul 12, 2006 07:27am | #2

   If the spindles aren't installed yet, the easiest way is to dip them in paint. Buy a piece of 4" sewer pipe (cut it a couple inches longer than the spindles) and an end cap and glue the cap on. Brace it upright and fill it with paint or stain. Wearing gloves, submerge each spindle fully into the paint and then brush off excess. I've seen guys screw cup hooks into the end of the spindles so they could be hung up to dry.

   If the spindles are installed, then a stain glove is the way to go. Spread lots of drop cloths around and then you dip your gloved hand in paint and rub all over the spindle. Once again a brush will be needed to prevent runs.

   Lignum est bonum.
3. 
   paperhanger | Jul 12, 2006 02:38pm | #3

   had the same problem 5 years ago, gave all balusters 2 coats of Sikkens and 5 years ;ater they look like ####, Am replacing then with a composite as we speak.

4. 
   bobtim | Jul 12, 2006 05:10pm | #4

   I onetime used a mitt like thing.  It was some sort of lambswool like mitten.

   Kinda messy and you still needed a brush in your other hand for the ends, but amazingly effective and fast.

5. 
   pickings | Jul 12, 2006 05:50pm | #5

   Have you considered a "heavy body" stain instead of paint? Olympic/Cabbots?

   Stain soaks in, so runs and drips are not as much of a problem. Also, won't peel in years to come, just fades.......a lot easier to redo later.

   In addition to the 4" PVC pipe, you can use a 4' section of alum K-style gutter w/end caps caulker tight to make a "trough"......or look for plastic wall paper troughs (not sure if they come longer than 24".