How to Paint Outdoor Stairs

Position your ladder or scaffold platform, if required. Carefully assess the current state of existing paint work. If it is in reasonable condition then all that may be needed is to sand any worn and cracked paint and paint with a single application of exterior top coat followed by a coat of varnish. However, if the paint finish is in a bad state, then you will need to strip it. While carrying out your inspection, remove any old nails or other protrusions.

Don protective gear before stripping paint. Start at the top of the stairs and work down. You can complete the top surface of the staircase first and then move to the underside. Alternatively, carry out the job in stages, completing the top surface of the first three stairs and then the underside, then moving to the next three.

Follow the manufacturer's directions and apply chemical stripper to the stairs. You may need an old paintbrush to apply the stripper. Use a paint scraper and steel wool to remove the blistering paint. Wipe thoroughly with mineral spirits.

Allow the stairs to dry completely. Inspect again and repair any damaged sections. Sand the wood to remove any lingering paint. Remove dust with mineral spirits and a clean rag. Apply knot sealer if necessary. Even old knots in wood can exude resin that will spoil the finish. Treat all the wood surfaces with a generous application of preservative. Leave overnight.

Prepare the stairs for painting with a coat of wood primer, followed by two coats of exterior undercoat. It may seem unnecessary, but priming and undercoating are key to protecting the stairs from weather and wear. Allow each coat to dry between applications. Finish with one, or preferably two, coats of exterior top coat.

Leave the paint to cure for 48 hours before applying a coat of exterior varnish. Once dry, sand lightly and apply one last coat of varnish. Refrain from using the staircase for at least 48 hours.