Painting spindles - best way?

stilernin

Could someone give me tips on painting bannister spindles and end of stair tread please? Particularly where the bannisters turn on them selves on the half landing (Victorian terrace).

Do I begin at the top of the stairs or the bottom? Do I paint alternate spindles on day one and the rest on day two?

And the real novice question ... is it best to begin painting each spindle at the top or the bottom to control runs?

Thanks for your help..........

vansboy

You could try an old sock, on your hands (plastic gloves first, free ones from the petrol station diesel pumps). If it's water based, rather than thicker oil based paint, you might be OK.

Best use this idea for fence railings, where the finish isn't so important!

VB

Little_John

My mate uses a thick pile radiator roller, and just paints them 1 after the other no gaps and doesnt care where he starts top or bottom as long as the covering is even, no runs and they all get done he doesnt have any other way of painting them

ormus

idealy 2 peeps are best. you can do both sides at the same time.
loading the brush is the critical thing, get it just right and runs etc.. are not a problem.
a good quality brush is best for a good job. cheap brushes rarely pay off on this sort of work.

Errata

Little_John wrote: »

My mate uses a thick pile radiator roller, and just paints them 1 after the other no gaps and doesnt care where he starts top or bottom as long as the covering is even, no runs and they all get done he doesnt have any other way of painting them

That's how I used to paint my curly victorian spindles, better coverage and with a thinner coat, dries quicker, no drips, and two thin coats are better than one thick one.
Why not try using a roller on one spindle, a brush on another and see which gives you the best finish?

Skippy2roo

I painted mine with non drip gloss, vowed never to do spindles again. Mind numbingly boring.

My best advice is..............Don't bother..........or get someone else to do it, for nothing of course. Tell them you are allergic to the paint and come out in a rash or something.

stilernin

After some procrastination I have bitten the bullet and got stuck in!! ..... with a brush.

I thought that I would get into a bit of a mess with a roller and even worse with a sock :eek:. Great idea though. Now I have had some practice, the topcoat should be easier. I just have to switch my brain off for a day and radio 4 on!

Thanks again everyone, I know where to come for support with any more projects I take on.

gazza975526570

probably the most boring job in the entire universe!!!!!

nickiboop

I know of a worse job, painting iron fenceing and gates,
just like doing the spindles but theres more and its outside on the pavement! :mad:

I started painting ours last year (about 30 foot) did 2/3 haven't finished yet!

last week I undercoated some spindles, havent finished those yet either, there might be a lesoon here !
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