Professional Guide

Best Wood Primer for Stairs: 2025 Expert Review

DR Joinery

Expert Joiner & Bespoke Fittings Specialist

Published 12 December 2025

Refurbishing a staircase is a labour of love. It is often the centrepiece of the hallway, but it also endures the heaviest footfall in the house. The biggest mistake homeowners make is skipping the primer or using a cheap 'all-in-one' solution directly onto bare pine or old varnish.

In my work across York's Victorian terraces, I often encounter staircases with layers of chipped paint. This is almost always due to poor adhesion at the base layer. Whether you are painting softwood treads, hardwood handrails, or tricky spindles, the primer is the anchor that holds everything together.

In this review, I'll compare three primers I use for different scenarios: a quick-fix option for small repairs, a premium choice for full renovations, and a fast-drying problem solver ideal for busy households.

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Specs vs. The Real World

The Spec: "Fast Drying Times"

The Theory

"Manufacturer instructions often claim you can walk on painted stairs within 2-4 hours."

The Reality

Deep down, the paint remains soft for days. Whilst it might be dry to the touch, heavy boots or pet claws can still damage the finish. Always tread lightly for the first 48 hours.

The Spec: "Self-Priming Topcoats"

The Theory

"Many modern paints claim no primer is needed."

The Reality

On a staircase, this is a risk I never take. The friction on treads and the oils from hands on banisters require a dedicated primer to bond properly to the timber substrate.

My Top 3 Recommendations

Three options to cover different needs and budgets

RUSTINS White Primer/Undercoat 250ml - Fast-Drying Paint Base

Budget Pick

RUSTINS

This 250ml tin is perfect for small repair jobs or replacing individual spindles without buying a giant tin. It dries quickly and offers a decent base for a topcoat, making it ideal for minor maintenance work.

Price£7.59 (at the time of writing)

Volume250ml

TypePrimer/Undercoat

The Good

Very affordable for small jobs
Dries rapidly, allowing for same-day topcoat
smooth finish on softwood spindles

The Bad

Tin size is too small for a full staircase renovation
Not cost-effective per litre compared to larger tins

Installer Tip:

Use this for 'making good' after replacing a single broken spindle. The small tin saves you storing huge paint cans that eventually go off in the shed.

Priced at £7.59 at the time of writing

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Dulux Primer & Undercoat Paint for Wood - 2.5L, White

Quality Choice

Dulux

For a full staircase renovation, this 2.5L tin provides the coverage and consistency needed for a professional finish. It creates a solid, high-opacity base that blocks colour bleed from old wood, essential for older properties.

Price£32.00 (at the time of writing)

CoverageUp to 16m² per litre

ApplicationInterior & Exterior

The Good

Excellent opacity - hides dark wood well
Good flow retention helps level out brush marks
Large enough capacity for a full flight of stairs plus banisters

The Bad

Higher upfront cost
Requires thorough stirring to ensure consistency

Installer Tip:

When painting risers, use a high-quality synthetic brush with this primer. It flows well, so watch for drips on the tread below—keep a damp cloth handy to wipe spills immediately.

Priced at £32.00 at the time of writing

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Johnstone's - Quick Dry Gloss Primer Undercoat - Brilliant White - 2.5 L

Problem-Solver

Johnstone's

The biggest problem with painting stairs is that you cannot use them whilst they dry. This Johnstone's formula solves that logistics nightmare by drying in 1-2 hours. It is water-based and non-yellowing, making it ideal for modern refurbishments.

Price£19.60 (at the time of writing)

Drying Time1-2 Hours

BaseWater Based

The Good

Excellent value per litre
Touch dry in under 2 hours - crucial for staircases in use
Non-yellowing formula keeps white risers looking crisp

The Bad

Can raise the grain slightly on bare timber (requires light sanding)
Ideally needs the matching topcoat for best results

Installer Tip:

Because this dries so fast, paint alternative treads (1, 3, 5...) first. Let them dry, then do the evens. This allows you to still gently walk up the stairs if absolutely necessary during the job.

Priced at £19.60 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need to prime stairs before painting?

Absolutely. Stairs endure high friction. Without a primer to bond into the timber fibres (joinery term: 'keying in'), your topcoat will flake off the nosing (the edge of the step) within months. Primer ensures adhesion.

Can I use water-based primer on old oil-based stairs?

You can, but preparation is critical. You must thoroughly sand the old oil paint to remove the gloss sheen. I personally recommend using a high-adhesion primer if switching from oil to water to ensure it sticks properly.

How do I stop knots showing through my white painted stairs?

This is a common issue with the softwood pine stairs found in many York terraces. A standard primer might not stop the resin bleeding through (creating brown circles). You should spot-prime the knots with a dedicated 'knotting solution' before applying the main primer.

Should I varnish or paint my staircase?

This is a matter of taste. Painted risers with natural varnished oak treads is a classic look that balances durability with style. Painting treads requires very high-quality floor paint, whereas varnish shows off the grain. If the wood is poor quality, painting it creates a cleaner, more uniform finish.

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