# How to Repaint Basement Steps
Things You'll Need
- Paint stripper or mineral spirits
- Medium-grade sandpaper
- Fine grade sandpaper
- Trisodium phosphate
- Clean cloths
- Wood or concrete primer
- Paint stirrer
- Paint tray
- Paintbrush
- Paint roller
- Wood or concrete paint
- Wood or concrete sealer
Instructions
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Strip the original paint. If the steps are made of concrete, stick with a solvent, such as mineral spirits or paint thinner. If the steps are wood, you may use a solvent or sand the stairs down with medium-grade sandpaper. If you sand the steps, sand them a second time with fine-grade sandpaper.
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Wash the steps with trisodium phosphate. Use 1/4 cup of TSP for every gallon of hot water. Scrub the stairs with this solution, and rinse with a cloth and fresh water. Allow the stairs to dry.
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Stir the primer thoroughly until it is well-incorporated and uniform in color. Pour the primer in a paint tray.
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4
Start at the top of the stairs and work your way down. Paint the primer into the corners and edges of each step with a 2-inch paintbrush. Apply primer to the rest of each step with a paint roller.
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5
Allow the primer to dry. Mix and apply the paint as you did with the primer. Allow the paint to dry and apply a second coat if desired.
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Seal the steps with a protective top coat, such as polyurethane. Wood and concrete sealers vary by manufacturer in directions for mixing, applying and drying, so read the labels carefully before you use them.
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