‘I love a color block staircase, set against a neutral backdrop, highlighting and leading your eyes upwards to explore other rooms.’ Hallways can be a tricky space to decorate, but a ‘statement’ staircase is a simple way to add impact here,’ says Lick’s colour specialist Sam Bramley. ‘Don’t be afraid to go bold in your choice of staircase color. If you’re seeking color, introduce it on the staircase rather than the walls. When painting a stairwell you need to choose the paint color and finish wisely to avoid having to repaint any time soon! In stairwells where natural light is restricted, consider opting for a pale paint colour, about 20 per cent lighter than you would use in a room with plenty of windows. What paint to use when painting a stairwell Working from top to bottom will also ensure you can control any paint drips,’ adds James Greenwood, Paint & Wallpaper Expert at Graham & Brown. ‘In most cases it will work better to start from the top of the stairwell and work down, so you aren’t leaning your ladder or pole on any wet paint. As well as coveralls, it’s worth popping a cap on to keep paint splatters out of your hair and eyes. Use low tack tape to protect any woodwork and architraves, too. When covering the treads of a staircase, be sure to push the cloth deep into each tread to prevent a slip hazard on the stairs. Remove electrical cover plates and protect ceiling lighting fixtures with tape or plastic,’ says Helen Shaw, director, Benjamin Moore. ‘Protect the floor and the staircase with drop cloths. No matter which method you use to reach the walls and ceiling of a stairwell, you should always begin by masking off any areas that don’t need painting. (Image credit: Benjamin Moore) How to start when painting a stairwell You can also buy Corner Pads, which are triangular and will get into any corners that a paint roller can’t reach. Look for a Paint Edger that’s designed for use with extension poles rather than one with a fixed handle. For cutting in, we recommend the use of a Paint Edger (try Shur-Line), which is a special pad that creates a sharp line at the top of walls without getting paint on the ceiling above. Using extension poles can limit precision, especially when it comes to achieving a neat line between walls and ceiling. You can use a small step ladder or platform on the upstairs landing, like you would to reach any ceiling, but take care to keep it well away from the head of the stairs. We’re not saying it’s the easiest way, your arms and neck will suffer for days afterwards, but it’s definitely less risky than balancing on planks or ladders. The safest way to paint the highest points of your stairwell is using a paint roller and extension poles. Consider hiring ladders or even better scaffolding for safety, rather than buying if they're only required for this one project. A very long ladder can be fully extended from the bottom of the stairs to the top of the stairwell, but again it’s wise to have a support buddy on hand.
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