Sanding Wooden Stairs Before Painting: Grit Guide for a Durable Finish

Painting wooden stairs can completely refresh a hallway or entryway, but sanding first is essential for durability and appearance. Without sanding, paint may peel quickly, leaving stairs looking worn. This guide explains the grit sequence and step-by-step process to prepare stairs for painting.

Why Sand Stairs Before Painting?

Sanding removes old finishes, levels scratches, and gives the surface enough texture for paint to grip. Skipping this step leads to poor adhesion and uneven coverage, especially on high-traffic stairs.

Tools You’ll Need

• Sandpaper sheets in multiple grits
• Sanding block or orbital sander
• Detail sander for edges and corners
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Protective gear (mask, safety glasses, knee pads)

Best Grit Sequence for Stairs

• 80 grit: Removes old finish and rough spots.
• 120 grit: Smooths the surface after coarse sanding.
• 180 grit: Refines scratches and prepares for paint.
• 220 grit: Final sanding for smooth, paint-ready wood.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Stairs Before Painting

1. Prep the area. Remove carpets, nails, and staples. Clean stairs thoroughly.
2. First sanding pass. Use 80 grit (50-pack) to strip old finishes and level rough surfaces.
3. Smooth with 120 grit. Switch to 120 grit (25-pack) for even texture.
4. Refine with 180 grit. Apply 180 grit (100-pack) to prepare the surface.
5. Final sanding. Use 220 grit (25-pack) for a silky finish before painting.
6. Edge sanding. Use folded sandpaper or a detail sander for corners and stair noses.
7. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe with a tack cloth.
8. Prime & paint. Apply primer first, then finish with durable floor paint.

Special Cases

For stairs in poor condition, start with 60 grit before moving to 80. For hardwood stairs, consider sanding up to 320 grit for ultra-smooth finishes under glossy paint.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain, even on stair edges.
• Work step by step to stay consistent across the staircase.
• Use high-quality primer to improve paint adhesion and durability.

Aftercare

• Allow paint to cure fully before heavy use.
• Use stair runners or rugs to protect high-traffic areas.
• Touch up chips quickly to prevent peeling.

FAQs

• Can I paint stairs without sanding? No—paint won’t bond properly to unsanded surfaces.
• Do I need to sand between paint coats? Light sanding with 320 grit improves smoothness between coats.
• What kind of paint works best? Floor or porch paint designed for high-traffic areas is recommended.

Watch & Learn

Sanding stairs before painting ensures a durable, smooth finish that withstands daily use. Stock up on 80 to 220 grit sandpaper sheets to prepare your next stair project.