Group C- Decorative Finifshes

Group C- Decorative Finifshes
D. Faux Finishes

How to Makeover a Staircase Using Paint and Wallpaper

 

This old staircase was in desperate need of an overhaul. To get the job done, the old rubber mats were pulled up; the surface of entire staircase was smoothed out, primed, and then painted. Then to give the staircase a bold pop of personality, wallpaper that resembles tile was adhered to the risers.

Tools and Materials

3 rolls of wallpaper (depending on the size of your stairs and risers)
1 gallon of premium premier
1 gallon of floor and porch paint
1 quart of satin finish polyurethane (or another type of sealer)
2 to 3 paintbrushes
tape measure and framing square
joint compound
flat-head screwdriver, pliers and a hammer
hand sander with medium-grit sandpaper
wallpaper paste
wallpaper scraper
rags and paper towels
a piece of plywood to cut wallpaper on
utility knife and scissors
caulking gun and painters caulk

The Staircase Before

Prep the Steps

The key to a successful paint job is the prep, a staircase is no different. Pull out staples, nails and fill in the holes with joint compound. Sand all surfaces smooth, including the risers, even though they'll be covered with wallpaper, the surface needs to be flat and clean.

Prime

When the stairs are totally prepped and the joint compound is dry, apply a coat of primer to the entire staircase. If your stairs have knots or stains that bleed through, apply another coat.

Paint

Paint the stairs with quality floor and porch paint. You will need one coat on the risers and at least three coats on the treads. Let each coat dry completely before adding another.

 

Measure The Wallpaper

After the paint has dried for at least 24 hours, start cutting the wallpaper to fit the risers. Measure the size of the risers, do each one separately in case they vary in size. Use a framing square to make sure the wallpaper is straight. Use a utility knife along the edge of the framing square to cut the paper to size.

Test Fit Before Glue

Test each piece of wallpaper on the designated riser before you paste it on. If necessary, use a utility knife, to cut off any excess. Set the piece aside but make sure you know which riser it belongs to, you may want to number the back of each one. Follow this process for each riser.

Adhere the Wallpaper

Following the manufacturer's instructions for applying the wallpaper paste to the back of each piece and place on the risers, smooth them out as you go. Make sure the edges are secure. Use a damp rag to wipe off excess paste from the front of the wallpaper. Let dry.

Apply a Top Coat

Test the sealer on a piece of scrap wallpaper to make sure there are no adverse reactions. Apply the sealer to the wallpaper. Let dry then add two additional coats, allow drying time in between coats.

Caulk

Use white or clear painter's or silicone caulk to go around the edges of the wallpaper and along the stringer. Use your finger and lots of paper towels and a damp rag to remove excess caulk.