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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Painting balusters and skirtin

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Expert: - 7/29/2009


Question
I have a builder's basic staircase that I am having the treads and risers capped in maple. The skirting, handrail, spindles and skirting are red oak. To save money we decided to not replace the balusters but instead paint them white and have the handrail refinished and stained to match the treads. The baluters are natural with a clear varnish. What would be the best way of painting the balusters? Can I just give them a quick sanding, primer and then paint?

Answer
AJ,

Sorry to take so long as I've been on vacation this week.

Are the balusters lacquered or varnished?  If they are lacquered, the fix would be simple to simply spray them with a white pigmented lacquer, as lacquer melt the previous lay and adheres easily.  If varnished, you may have to sand, use something like an oil-based KILZ, then paint with the finish coat.

Hope that helps!

Thank you!

Joseph

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Volunteer

Joseph G. Swallow

Expertise

I can answer all staircase balustrade questions where handrails, newels posts, balusters (wood and metal), and stair treads are concerned. I cannot help with cabinetry and floor (outside of stair-related treads and risers), as well as stain and finish issues unless staircase related.

Experience

30 years in the stair industry. Founder of Hardwood Creations in Southern California and CEO of Westfire Manufacturing, Inc. I was a stair builder for 10 years, both in custom and production housing. Have estimated over 750,000 single family homes and provided materials to lumber yards and builders for 12 years. Was an expert witness in several staircase related law suits in Southern California. Stair codes, installation help, stair handrail and balustrade installation are what I know best.

Organizations
NAHB of Portland, OR. Was a member of ICBO for 9 years.

Education/Credentials
Cal State Fullerton, Cypress College

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