Monday, July 12, 2010

Painted railings.

I know. I KNOW. Back off.

I said I was going to live with the oak. I know. I KNOW! I couldn't do it any longer. It was making me feel so...dark. And gloomy.

So, over the last few weeks I've slowly but surely painted the railings. I had a lot of them. A bunch.

I started by priming the whole thing with Zinser. I used that because I was at Menard's and that's the brand they have. Usually I use Kilz. But whatev. It worked. Then I started painting it with the white. OH. MY. GAWD. It took stinking forever. I couldn't figure out what to do to make it easier. Because I was so stinkin' annoyed with how long it was taking. I thought about going out and buying a sprayer and using the air compressor (I didn't, but I'm getting one soon....). So then I figured....yep...this is what I figured:

Open the windows and doors.

Put plastic all over everything.

Spray paint the railings.

And so I did. Yes. I. Did. I spray painted my stair railings and it looks Ah-mazing.

Boys weren't home. Doors were open. Aired out very quickly. Awesome.


If you remember, I tore out the carpet from the stairs and stained the pine planks a few months ago. You can read about that process here.

Before:

Love those stairs. Then I painted the side runner and that looked amazing too. Just not quite complete.

Here is the after, after (after the first makeover and now after the second one):




I mean seriously. Can you hardly believe the transformation?


Here's a quick look again:


























I've still got to fancy up the edges and do some touch up on the walls, but I am in love...

And then I have to get started on the rest of the trim...all over the house...





26 comments:

  1. Love it! So much better than the oak. I know natural wood people will scream. Looks wonderful.

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  2. The white spindles definitely look better with the treads and risers. What a job! I am thinking of getting a paint sprayer too. I think it would make short work of my projects and a nice finish. I'm going to wait for you to pick one out first!!!

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  3. Looks great! How many cans of spray paint does it take to do something like that? I painted all the trim/baseboards in my former house - it took eons but looks really good when done :)

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  4. Amazing...I would have done the same thing...except maybe painted the top railing a darker espresso...I have three boys too and I don't think the white would stay clean! :)

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  5. Ohhh Nice! I love it, much better!

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  6. the oak is pretty- but WOW I love the white, When I saw the pics of the first make over I was so hoping that you would paint it white!
    Im glad that after all your hardwork that its SO awesome =]

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  7. I'm an oak non-liker and a white trim lover, and I loooooooove this. The before was okay but this is SO MUCH better!

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  8. What an amazing transformation. I painted out all of our trim when we moved into this house and the change is more than dramatic.

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  9. Oh, my gosh! That just is amazing! It looks so good, and so completely changed!

    Well done!

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  10. WOW. I don't even know what else to say. Looks fabulous.

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  11. Glad you decided to jump in...it looks amazing!

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  12. wow, that is one hell of a transformation! I love it! it looks so bright and fresh!

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  13. What a SPECTACULAR staircase!! I bet you're thrilled. Is the hubby coming around about you painting over the precious wood? ;)

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  14. FABULOUS - seriously so much better!!

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  15. Sounds like a lot of work - but definitely worth it! Looks beautiful!

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  16. Wow! It looks absolutely fabulous!

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  17. that looks wonderful! i love how airy and open it makes it feel! and great minds think alike- i just painted my railings and stair risers this weekend. :) haven't shown it yet though as the area needs some tweaking before i am ready. plus my floors need to be refinished. badly. love your staircase!

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  18. It looks FABULOUS! TO die for. Want to come paint all of my oak trim too!?!?!?!? :)

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  19. I am in LOVE too. You are such an inspiration. Just the thought of that big of a spray paint job right now makes my fingers hurt. I've just finished an dresser and a desk and a bookcase, and my hand is still aching. I thought for sure you had to have an air compressor to make it easier for yourself with all the work you do. . .

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  20. Wow! That looks amazing! As you know our house is oak overloaded too! We are STILL refinishing our kitchen cabinets! 5 months after start date and we are half done. I can't wait to show you our finished product. Now, maybe you can come and paint all the trim in my house too :) I am amazed at how quickly you get things done!

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  21. Your after is 100 percent fabulous.

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  22. Absolutely amazing! I love the transformation.... You did great!

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  23. WOW! Looks amazing...I love how you always just go for it!

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  24. AMAZING! I have to see how you did the steps...I'm hating my carpet!! you have inspired me! I'm your newest follower!
    smiles!

    www.blackberryvine.blogspot.com

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  25. Looks like you and I are in the same painting boat. I have been doing the same and posted about it also. Only I still have stair carpet which was a big pain in the arse. Yours looks great! :)

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  26. Completely gorgeous transformation! Your stairs are perfect... I'm still working on convincing the hubster that we should pull up the carpet & paint the stairs... I'm putting your staircase in the PoPP Spotlight on Saturday... have a great weekend!

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