The Iron Shop Offers Tips on How to Paint a Metal Spiral Stair Kit

BROOMALL, Pa., July 18, 2001 —Interested in painting your Metal Spiral Stair Kit and unsure where to begin? The Iron Shop offers some helpful tips to make the process go smoothly.

• Paint your spiral stair after installation. Although it is possible to paint the stair prior to installation, The Iron Shop does not recommend this practice because parts (especially the center pole) can become scratched while installing the stair, making it necessary to touch it up after installation.
  
  
• What type of paint should be used? The Iron Shop recommends using a quality oil-based enamel. NEVER use a water-based or latex paint. For exterior installations, use an oil-based paint with a rust-inhibitive additive, such as Rustoleum(r).
  
  
• How many coats of paint will the stair need? If the stair is being painted a dark color, two coats are usually sufficient. If the stair is being painted a light color, such as white, three coats are often required to cover the black primer. For exterior installations, three coats are always recommended no matter what color you are using for rust protection. And for areas near water or in the rust belt, The Iron Shop recommends using one of its galvanized stairs.
  
  
• What is an easy way to apply the paint? The Iron Shop suggests applying the first coat of paint using a two-inch wide roller with a tight nap. Roll the paint onto the entire stair. There will be certain areas where the roller will not reach. For these areas, use a one-inch angled brush to reach these areas. Apply enough coats of paint to cover. Go back over the stair with the two-inch roller, applying enough paint to cover. This technique will give the look of a spray-painted stair, without the hassle of having to mask the environment around the stair.
  
  
• Can the polyethylene handrail that comes with the kit be painted? The Iron Shop does not recommend painting the polyethylene handrail; however, a few customers have gotten satisfactory results by roughing up the surface with sandpaper and using special automotive-type paint used for painting flexible bumpers. What The Iron Shop does recommend if you are interested in painting the handrail is purchasing an aluminum handrail from them. The aluminum handrail must first be sanded with #000 steel wool then wiped down with rubbing alcohol to clean it. Next apply one coat of etching primer. Finish painting the handrail by applying two coats of quality oil-based enamel in your choice of color.
  
  
• Can a galvanized stair be painted? A galvanized stair can be painted using a few extra steps. First, it is important to wait about one season (if the stair is outside) before painting the stair. Let the stair's finish turn to a dull/gray color. Then use a special etching primer for galvanized steel - available at most quality paint retailers. Then follow with a Rustoleum(r) type paint. If for some reason the stair needs to be painted immediately, wipe it down with white vinegar, let it dry overnight, then proceed with one coat of etching primer and two coats of quality oil-based enamel paint in your choice of color.
  
  

for more information contact:
Joanna Puglisi-Barley
610-544-7100

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