A-Z of DIY & Building Guides Stripping Paint From Stairs

Date Published:

23/05/2008

Credit: Focus DIY

Is there an easy way to strip paint from a wooden staircase? Stripping paint from banister rails and newel posts can be a very messy and tedious task. Additionally, there are some dangers that need to be considered.

Besides using paint stripper, the only other ways of removing paint are to either use a hot air gun to soften the paint prior to removing it with a shave hook or to sand the spindles down individually. Neither of these ways seems satisfactory, especially if there is any likelihood that there is lead in the paint. So, it looks as though paint stripper is the best option.

You could try using 'Nitromors Superstrip' - this is slow acting and penetrates deeply into the paint. Brush on and leave for 24 hours to react with the paint. After 24 hours test a small area to see if all the layers of paint have softened, then it should be easy to remove the paint.

An alternative stripper that does the same job is 'Peel Away'. This is available from Palace Chemicals on 0151486101. We have found this easy and safe to use - it involves applying the stripper and then wrapping it with the paper provided, while the stripper softens the paint. This means that the paint stripper is not exposed.

Whichever you use make sure that the area with stripper applied is made secure against accidental contact. Perhaps it could be wrapped in cloth or newspaper.