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Discussion Forum

What paint for stair riser?

LexM | Posted in General Discussion on April 4, 2006 08:08am

I want to build an interior stairway with oak treads & side skirts; and painted risers (probably white)  My wife is concerned about the white painted risers getting scuffed.  Does anyone know what paint to use to prevent said scuffing or the best (read: easiest) way to clean the aforementioned scuffing?

Thanks very much.

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  1. plumbbill | Apr 04, 2006 01:28pm | #1

    A good ext grade paint.

    I have white trim & doors in my house, I use Glidden sg1000 ext paint.

    I have two boys so I needed something that was easy to clean & could handle there abuse.

    Do you look to the government for an entitlement, or to GOD for empowerment. BDW

  2. paperhanger | Apr 04, 2006 01:46pm | #2

    Use an interior oil base paint such as ben Moore Satin Impervo or a high end SW oil base semi gloss, use an oil base primer and you should never have a cleanup problem.

    1. User avater
      JDRHI | Apr 04, 2006 03:45pm | #3

      I was going to suggest Ben Moores Satin Impervo as well.

      Its no longer available in my area.....not sure how much of the country can still purchase it.

      J. D. Reynolds

      Home Improvements

      1. CAGIV | Apr 04, 2006 09:32pm | #6

        We can still get it here in KS, thankfully, but I haven't asked how much longer or if there even was a cut off date.

        Great paint

      2. paperhanger | Apr 05, 2006 12:29am | #8

        You can't get oil base in NY. You got to be kidding me. Does Benny Moore have the water base in your area. Water base satin impervo, that is?

        1. User avater
          JDRHI | Apr 05, 2006 03:39am | #12

          Not that I'm aware of.....my brother is the painter though. I defer to him.

          J. D. Reynolds

          Home Improvements

      3. Lansdown | Apr 05, 2006 02:15am | #9

        My local paint store (out in E Hampton) had a few gallons left last summer, and I was tempted to buy it. The Waterlox tung oil I used on my floors was bootlegged in from Rhode Island since you can't get it in NY, NJ or CT.

  3. paintguy | Apr 04, 2006 05:22pm | #4

    Oil-based primer is the best start and finishing with Benjamin Moore Dulamel will give you a durable coating you can clean. We used to use Impervo but the higher gloos level will show scuffs and dirt more so we moved to the pearl finish.

    Another tip would be to use an off white such as CC40 Cloud White. Pure white is just asking for trouble.

    Good Luck, Jon

    1. BryanSayer | Apr 04, 2006 09:30pm | #5

      It might depend upon wall color, but pure white looks better than off white on the stair cases I have seen. Something about the stark contrast I guess.

  4. User avater
    Gene_Davis | Apr 04, 2006 11:15pm | #7

    You can always start a new habit, shoes off when you enter the mudroom, socks and slippers inside.  Does wonders for clean floors.

    But if you are a Sherwin Williams fan, go with their ProClassic waterborne satin enamel, and start with a good oilbased alkyd primer.

  5. WayneL5 | Apr 05, 2006 03:32am | #10

    Build the risers of MDF or veneer plywood and face them with laminate.

  6. Lansdown | Apr 05, 2006 03:37am | #11

    Build an open riser stair and you'll have nothing to worry about scuffing or painting.

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