How to Paint a Contemporary Railing in a Home

Wood Materials

• 1

  Sand the railing with a medium-grit sandpaper to remove a previous finish or paint. Follow the medium grit with a fine grit to create a smooth surface to prep the wood for painting.

• 2

  Prime the wood using a wood primer designed for high-traffic areas. Railings get a lot of contact from people holding on, leaning against or resting a foot on them. Priming helps keep the new paint on in high-traffic areas. Paint the primer on with a paintbrush.

• 3

  Paint the first coat of latex paint on the railing. Choose a paint made for high-traffic contact. Latex paint cleans readily with a mild detergent and clean rag. Let it dry for at least four hours, or the recommended period on the paint can.

• 4

  Test to make sure the first coat is dry, then paint on the second coat.

• 5

  Let the paint dry thoroughly before allowing people to use the railing. Give the second coat 24 hours to set.

Metals

• 6

  Mix a mild detergent in a bucket of water. You only need a 1/4 cup of detergent per gallon of water unless the railing has a lot of dirt, grease or oil. Increase the solution strength as needed or use an industrial degreaser such as trisodium phosphate found in local hardware stores.

• 7

  Clean the metal with the detergent mixture and a clean rag. Make sure you get all dirt, oil and grease off the railing so you have a clean smooth surface. Allow the surface to dry.

• 8

  Choose a paint or paint method for the railing. Your local paint or hardware store will have options for copper or aluminum plating, patina finishes or antiquing.

• 9

  Apply the paint according to the manufacturer's label. Spray methods help create a smooth layer over the metal, getting paint into crevices that a brush can't do as effectively.

• 10

  Apply a second coat if desired or required by the manufacturer's label. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly.

• 11

  Put a lacquer finish over the paint to prevent paint rubbing off. Allow the lacquer to dry for 72 hours before opening the area to traffic.