Best Paint for Wooden Stairs in York: 2025 Expert Choice
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Staircase Specialist
Painting a wooden staircase is one of the most rewarding DIY jobs you can undertake, but it is also one where mistakes show up immediately. In York's older properties, staircases often suffer from years of movement, layers of old gloss, and the inevitable wear on the tread nosing.
Many homeowners make the mistake of using standard gloss or emulsion, only to find it flaking off within months. A staircase requires a specialist coating that can handle impact, flexion, and abrasion whilst providing a safe, non-slip surface.
In this review, I have analysed three specific products available on the market: a budget-friendly pot for small touch-ups, a proper trade-grade floor paint for longevity, and a clever renovation paint designed to grip difficult surfaces.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "No Sanding/Priming Needed"
"Marketing often claims you can paint straight over old varnish without preparation."
Whilst chemical bonds have improved, painting over dirt or loose varnish is a recipe for disaster. On a high-traffic area like stairs, I always recommend a light key (sanding) and a thorough degrease, regardless of what the tin says.
The Spec: "Touch Dry in 1 Hour"
"You can walk on the stairs shortly after painting."
'Touch dry' is not 'hard dry'. Paint needs to cure to reach full hardness. If you walk on it too soon with shoes, you will damage the finish. Plan to be in socks only for at least 24-48 hours.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
THE ONE All-In-One Paint & Primer - Dark Grey Matt, 250 ml
THE ONE
This 250ml pot is excessively small for a full staircase, but it is excellent for painting risers (the vertical part of the step) or spindles where foot traffic isn't an issue. The adherence is impressive, making it a good budget fix for cosmetic updates.
The Good
- Excellent adhesion without separate primer
- Low VOC and water-based (low odour)
- Good opacity for covering old colours
The Bad
- 250ml is not enough for a full staircase (treads and risers)
- Durability on treads is lower than dedicated floor paint
- Matt finish can mark easily on high-traffic treads
Installer Tip:
Use this strictly for the risers and stringers (the sides). For the treads themselves, invest in a tougher floor paint. The contrast between a painted riser and a natural oak or dark tread looks fantastic in Victorian hallways.
Priced at £12.55 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonTrade Paints Floorboard Paint For Wooden Floors - White - 2.5L
Trade Paints
This is what we call 'proper stuff' in the trade. A dedicated floorboard paint designed to take the abuse of daily footfall. The 2.5L tin provides ample coverage for a standard staircase with coats to spare, and the satin finish is forgiving on older, uneven timber.
The Good
- Extremely durable finish designed for walk-spaces
- Huge capacity (2.5L) ensures multiple coats
- Satin finish hides minor timber imperfections
The Bad
- Significantly higher upfront cost
- Longer drying time compared to water-based quick fixes
- Stronger odour during application
Installer Tip:
When applying this to softwood stairs common in York terraces, allow extra drying time between coats. The oil-based nature thrives on being applied in thin, even layers. Do not rush it, or it will remain tacky.
Priced at £47.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonV33 Renovation Floor & Stairs Paint - White 2 Litres
V33
Old staircases move. Traditional paints often crack when the timber flexes, but V33 uses ceramic technology to add flexibility and toughness. It is specifically formulated to stick to difficult surfaces like laminates or previously varnished wood without heavy stripping.
The Good
- reinforced with ceramic for impact resistance
- Flexible barrier adapts to wood movement (vital for old stairs)
- Adheres to laminate and tile, not just bare wood
The Bad
- Requires careful cleaning (sugar soap) before application
- Can feel thinner to apply than traditional oil paints
Installer Tip:
This is my recommendation if you are trying to paint over a staircase that has been previously varnished and you cannot face sanding it back to bare timber. Just ensure you degrease it thoroughly with sugar soap first, or the paint will interact with the old polish and peel.
Priced at £29.95 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Should I paint the treads or just the risers?
How do I stop painted stairs from being slippery?
Can I paint over old gloss on my stairs?
How long until I can walk on my painted stairs?
Do I need professional help for my staircase?
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