As a rule of thumb, cover up anything you don’t want painted. Move nearby furniture, for instance, and cover plants if you’re unable to move them. Spindles are easiest to paint before they are installed. If you’re working on new spindles, try painting them outdoors, then installing them in furniture or staircase railings. Drop cloths, plastic sheeting, and all other painting supplies are available online as well as at most hardware stores.
One way to do this is by taping along the inner edges of the spindles. These in-between spots are often hard to reach otherwise. Then, position drop cloths along the outer edges. If you are careful and use the right tools, you can paint spindles without covering nearby surfaces. However, it’s better to take the extra precautions to guard against possible mistakes.
Make sure the spindles all look clean. Take time to clear off any stubborn stains, since they can prevent the paint from sticking to the wood. If you run into tough stains you can’t remove otherwise, try using trisodium phosphate. It is a harsh cleaner, so wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves, safety glasses, and a respirator mask while applying it. [4] X Research source
If the spindles are wet at all, the moisture will affect the paint. Double-check that they are completely dry and free of debris.
Sanding releases wood dust into your home, so consider also vacuuming each time you sand. To help lessen problems with wood dust or paint fumes, you can also open nearby doors and windows to ventilate the area.
Use 80-grit sandpaper to buff out the old finish on the wood, including paint and stains. Shine a light across the wood afterward to spot imperfections and finish buffing them out. Another option is to use an orbital sander. You won’t be able to reach into narrow gaps, such as the space between adjacent spindles, so you will still have to sand those areas by hand.
If you don’t have a tack cloth available, use a clean cloth dampened in cool water instead. The wood dust gets in the way of the paint. Cleaning spindles over and over again can be a little tedious, but it’s worth it in the end.
Always start with the lowest-grit sandpaper and move up gradually to the highest-grit one you have available. Doing this gives the spindles a smooth, scratch-free surface.
Keep the sandpaper on hand. Although it isn’t necessary, you can use it to sand the primer and each layer of paint so they adhere to the wood better.
If you’re recoating spindles that have already been painted, you could use a latex primer instead. They tend to stick better to finished surfaces than oil-based products. Keep in mind that some types of paint serve as a primer. If you’re planning on using an all-in-one paint, you won’t have to apply primer separately.
You may have a hard time reaching some spots. For these problem areas, switch to a 1 in (2. 5 cm) nylon angle brush. It is possible to paint spindles with a regular paint brush. Some people also get good results with a high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) spray gun. Another option is to dip something like a painting sponge. That way, you can easily get between spindles and into tight areas without a mess.
While you’re painting, check for dripping paint. If you notice drips, you’re applying too much paint at once. Smooth out the paint with the roller, cleaning up the drips before they dry. Use an angled brush to cover any spots you can’t reach with a roller. Make the primer as consistent as possible. If it doesn’t look perfect, you can always apply a second layer after the first one dries.
If you notice any spots that look uneven, you can sand them down with 220-grit sandpaper.
Acrylic paint doesn’t hold up quite as well to high-traffic, but this isn’t a problem unless you are going to touch the spindles a lot. Most of the time, people touch a staircase railing, for instance, instead of the spindles. You could also use enamel paint. Enamel paints self-seal for additional protection, although you can still apply a separate top coat.
Use an angled brush to cut into all the nooks and crannies you can’t access with a roller. Get the paint as consistent as possible, but don’t worry about it not looking amazing at first. You can correct that with additional layers of paint.
Check the spindles for any problems, such as spots where the paint isn’t sticking. Make sure all of the ridges on the spindle are covered as well.
Usually, 2 coats is enough, but add a third coating if the finish looks uneven.
