Best Paint Brands for Stair Treads

Whether you're freshening up a rental unit or giving your own staircase a facelift, choosing the right paint for stair treads can ensure your hard work stands the test of time. With heavy foot traffic and frequent cleaning, stair treads require a durable, scrubbable paint that resists scuffs, stains, and wear. The wrong paint could start chipping, peeling or wearing away after just weeks or months of use.

By selecting a specialty floor paint and following essential techniques, you can achieve professional-looking results that hold up beautifully.

Key Factors in Selecting Paint for Stair Treads

With so many paint options on the market, it can be tricky determining what works best for high-traffic stair treads. Here are the most important considerations:

Abrasion Resistance

One of the main jobs of stair tread paint is to withstand scuffing, rubbing, and abrasion from shoes and bare feet. Look for paints advertised as "scuff-resistant" or "abrasion-resistant." Alkyd enamel , epoxy and polyurethane paints tend to have the highest abrasion resistance.

Adhesion

Proper adhesion ensures the paint bonds tightly to the stair treads without blistering or peeling. Primer helps paint adhere well. Epoxy paints naturally provide extremely strong adhesion. Latex and acrylic paints may require additives like sand or glue to strengthen adhesion.

Durability

Durability determines how well the paint holds up over time. The most durable paints maintain their finish and color despite heavy foot traffic day after day. Alkyd enamel , epoxy and acrylic latex paints are known for exceptional durability on flooring.

Walkability

Painting over old glossy paint or slick concrete can create an unsafe, slippery surface. Opt for paint containing textured additives or grit to create traction underfoot. You can also add anti-slip beads, sand or grit separately to enhance traction after painting.

Ease of Application

Applying paint to stair treads comes with challenges like painting around spindles and overhangs. Self-leveling paint with good flow and coverage works best. Roller application often works better than brushes on stairs. Fast drying paint makes the job quicker too.

Cost Effectiveness

Latex and acrylic paints provide the best value for most staircases. More advanced epoxy and polyurethane paints withstand extreme wear and traffic but cost significantly more. Assess your needs before choosing the priciest paints.

Top Brands of Paint for Stair Treads

These leading paint manufacturers produce specialty coatings formulated to handle high-traffic areas like stair treads:

Benjamin Moore Porch and Floor Enamel

This alkyd enamel paint from Benjamin Moore provides a durable, abrasion-resistant finish. It flows on easily and offers exceptional adhesion. The full cure resists scuffing, chemicals, and mildew.

Rust-Oleum RockSolid Metallic Floor Coating

Rust-Oleum's polycuramine formula delivers industrial-grade durability and comes in a range of metallic finishes. It's chemical and abrasion resistant. Anti-slip additives provide traction.

Behr Premium Plus Ultra Interior/Exterior

Behr's top-rated acrylic latex paint stands up to wear and scuffing on stair treads. It's available in unlimited colors and dries fast. The mildew-resistant finish cleans up easily.

KILZ Floor Coating Epoxy

This two-part water-based epoxy paint from KILZ adheres tenaciously to concrete, wood and metal. It cures to an extremely durable, chemical-resistant finish ideal for high-traffic stairs.

INSL-X TuffCrete Waterborne Acrylic Enamel

INSL-X TuffCrete provides a rock-hard yet flexible acrylic enamel finish. It's formulated for exterior concrete and masonry surfaces like pool decks, patios, and stoops.

Preparation Tips for Painting Stair Treads

Proper prep work leads to better paint adhesion and smoother finish results on stair treads. Here are some tips from the pros:

• Lightly sand surfaces first to improve paint adhesion.
• Clean with TSP or other degreasers to remove dirt, grease and grime.
• Repair any damaged areas like splinters, holes or cracks.
• Apply specialty primer/sealer formulated for stairs.
• Use painter's tape around spindles for a crisp paint line.
• Remove spindles first if possible for easier painting access.

Application Techniques for Stair Treads

Follow these best practices during the painting process:

• Stir paint thoroughly before and during application.
• Use a high-quality nylon or polyester brush.
• Roll on paint using a low-nap mini paint roller.
• Brush paint carefully around spindles or tight spaces.
• Apply in thin, even coats following the wood grain.
• Allow proper drying time between coats.
• Apply a non-slip textured additive if needed.
• Work in a well-ventilated area and allow paint to cure fully.

Achieving a Flawless Painted Finish

Follow these tips from professional painters for smooth, durable stair tread results:

• Apply quality primer to bare wood before painting.
• Sand glossy surfaces lightly before painting.
• Apply two thin coats rather than one thick coat.
• Use a small foam roller for the smoothest possible finish.
• Allow each coat to dry fully before adding another.
• Gently sand and recoat if any drips, splatters or imperfections occur.

Safety Tips for Stair Tread Painting

Painting stairs requires safe practices like:

• Working in a well-ventilated area and allowing paint fumes to dissipate fully.
• Selecting low- or no-VOC paint when possible.
• Wearing gloves, goggles and a respirator mask to avoid inhaling fumes.
• Keeping paints sealed and safely stored away from children.
• Ensuring good lighting, securing ladders, and avoiding trips and falls.

Popular stair tread color choices include:

• Black - Sophisticated and elegant, great for a modern space.
• White - Brightens and enlarges a stairwell.
• Light grey - Versatile neutral color, hides dirt well.
• Bold colors - Make a vibrant accent or statement.
• Complementary to home - Match hallways or nearby rooms.

Consider a darker color to hide scuffs and stains. Glossier paint finishes also disguise marks better than flat paints.