Painting New Exterior Wood Steps?

Chris G

I'm building some front porch steps that will be painted. Thinking of using 2 x 6 spruce lumber for treads, and 1 x 8 pine for risers. Surfaces will be sanded and edges bullsnosed.

Should I prime and paint all the treads on both sides beofore installing them, or will just priming the undersides be sufficient. The wood is pretty knotty, so will a good Zinsser do? (I have some Zinsser alkyd stain block, or should use BIN?).

They'll be painted black. Any thoughts on a good topcoat process???

Forry

First thought is "Oh God!" I wouldn't want to try that!

Chris G

I waiting for that response! Okay, full disclosure, there my own steps I'm allowed to be reckless on my own house.

jackrabbit5

First of all, DON'T PAINT YOUR STEPS, they WILL peel. Secondly, if you're bound and determined to paint your steps, use a high quaility, exterior grade, polyurethane floor paint. It's self priming, thin the first coat a little for better penetration and apply the second coat full strength.

__________________
Stacy

S B Bolson & Sons

Chris G

How about a good black stain?

98mustangguy

Definitely go with stain it bonds into the wood fibers wheras paint kinda sits on top of the surface. Stain will last much longer. Buy a cheap tester to check the moisture content if the wood feels wet and you paint all aroundit can rot from the inside out. Why black???? I would suggest Cabot australlian timber oil I like that stuff or a solid/semi color stain that is designed for porches not a siding stain as porch stain is designed to take more abuse. If your wood is dry go ahead and stain all the way around