so many steps: the staircase project

I am happy to report that the staircase project is complete! It wasn't quick and it wasn't always easy but it was well worth the time and effort. If you're just tuning in, find the backstory here. 

Where we last left our heroes ... Once the carpeting was removed, the next step was to paint the dark wood ceiling and upper surrounding walls and facing doors white.The Hubs covered the grey lower walls (that we're leaving alone for now) with sheets of plastic tarp to protect them. Despite watching how-to videos, I found it very difficult and even scary to paint the ceiling -- thankfully my oldest son was up for the challenge and we gave the entire area at least two coats of semi-gloss white interior paint. We let the paint drip, knowing sanding the steps would come next. 

Even though the goal was to just lightly sand away the shine/finish, who knew how much sawdust would be all. over. the. house. even remote areas of far away rooms? We spent hours vacuuming, dusting, washing, etc. Live and learn.

Finally, it was painting day! I purchased an ultra pure white gloss enamel porch and patio floor paint. Feeling victorious after covering two steps, the loaded paint tray somehow slipped out of my hands and bounced and splattered its way comically down to the wood floor, almost in slow-motion. Clean-up on aisle 9. 

Once coated in white, more areas needing repairs became obvious. #TakeOneStepBack 

More hammering, wood putty, sanding and cleaning up; and finally another coat of primer/paint.

At this point I decided to go with my initial idea of painting a striped runner based on Dash & Albert color combinations.

However, even with only a single coat of paint, I began to really like the look of white steps -- so coastal and fresh -- and noticed that the single light fixture overhead lended an ombre effect. That's when I decided on painting all risers a singular color.

I chose a blue similar to a shade seen in the adjacent living room to create a nice flow. Meanwhile outside at the picnic table ... I coated the bi-fold doors and hand rail with two applications of spray paint followed by one-two coats of brushed-on floor paint.

At last it was time to paint the risers! But wait, the steps could use one more coat. #TakeOneStepBack Okay, now we're ready! I first taped the area surrounding each riser with painter's tape {click to enlarge all photos} and then painted two coats of Midwinter Mist by Behr. After giving the paint about :60 to dry, I carefully removed the tape. Using a small paint brush from my art supplies, I carefully touched-up blue smudges with the white floor paint.

I had this blue milk glass knob leftover from my stash of I Modify IKEA supplies.

I really love the results! And am I concerned about scuffs and nicks? I figure it's going to happen but that's what Cottage/Shabby style is all about, right? Embracing imperfections and timeworn objects. And I can always give the steps a fresh coat of white every now and then, just like I do to the windowsills.

Supply List

{Not a sponsored post}

Walls, ceilings, door: Zinsser 1-2-3 Primer followed by Glidden® Essentials™ interior semi-gloss

Steps: BEHR PREMIUM® Porch & Patio Floor Paint - Gloss Enamel in Ultra Pure White

Risers: BEHR MARQUEE Stain-Blocking Paint & Primer Interior Semi-Gloss Enamel in Midwinter Mist

Closet door, hand rail: Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch 2X 12 oz. Flat White General Purpose Spray Paint

Hardware: Sea Rose Cottage and Primrose and Company

Of course one project often leads to another and so I'm off to paint a piece of furniture. Thank you for sticking with this long post!

Happy tinkering!

xo

elyse