What’s the best finish for stair spindles?

Adding a lick of paint or varnish to your spindles can instantly transform your balustrade. It’s no quick fix though, as painting or varnishing spindles can be messy and time-consuming, especially if you have to remove the existing paint.

On this page you can find out more about:

How to prime a spindle

While we offer some pre-finished stair parts, the majority of our stair parts are unfinished, so you’ll need to apply a finish to protect the wood and to match your colour scheme. You might simply want to seal and protect the wood with a hardwax oil, but the following tips should make a DIY painting job easier:

  • Plain unfinished spindles will need an application of good-quality wood primer—this will ensure better adhesion of paint to the surface. If your spindles are pine, we would advise using a knotting solution on any knots before applying a primer. However, with our White Primed range, you won’t need to apply any primer, as the name suggests.
  • Once your primer is completely dry, you’re ready to paint with your chosen colour or stain. If the spindles are already in place on the balustrade, work your way down from the top of the staircase, working your brush into the grain of the wood.
  • Leave to dry for 6–8 hours before applying a second coat.

If you’re in need of some design inspiration, see the Interior Design Tips section of our Advice Centre for stair ideas to suit any taste.

Sanding, painting and varnishing spindles

Below we take a look at the best way to approach finishing spindles, including help from some experts.

How to sand spindles

Hand-sanding spindles can be labour-intensive but sanding machines aren’t suited to the intricate curves and designs of most spindles.

Instead of a sanding machine, cut sheets of sandpaper into long strips and pull these back and forth around the curved part of each spindle.

In some cases, it might be cheaper and easier to replace the spindles rather than sanding and removing many layers of paint and primer, especially when you factor in the time it will take to do it yourself.

You can read detailed advice on how to sand spindles with eHow’s How to Sand a Stair Spindle guide.

Preparing the wood for painting

Often, getting spindles ready for painting can take longer than the painting and varnishing itself. Most experts would recommend asking a professional to take on the work, rather than resorting to DIY.

Mark Finney of Finney’s Wood Finishes explains how much work is involved in stripping existing spindles.

“It takes time and patience to strip away old paint and varnish, especially from fiddly spindles and newels. More powerful paint removers are available but these are restricted to professional users only and so generally DIY-ers have to make do with more standard formulas.

“Some paints can be removed easily, but others may be very stubborn and require a number of treatments. Professional fitters and finishers will use the stronger mixes, of course, but even so, getting into very tight corners and recesses can take time—and time costs money.”

Carpenter Scott Else from Scott Else Woodworks recommends calling in the professionals:

“It would take a very long time and I wouldn't recommend any DIY-er take it on. In terms of using an experienced tradesperson, the timescale will be determined by how big the staircase is and what type of balustrade it has, i.e. spindles or panels.”

You can read more advice from Scott and Mark in our piece Renovating a run-down staircase—top tips from the trade.

You can also shop our popular oak spindles and pine spindles ranges here.

Top tips for painting spindles

If you’re using paint to finish spindles that have been installed, make sure you cover any surfaces that you don’t want painted with newspaper, dust sheets and masking tape for smaller areas.

Mark explains how the right paint can prevent chipping further down the line:

“Painting is a common solution (for finishing stairs), but remember that this type of surface coating may chip or flake. If this is likely to be a problem, and you would still like a painted look, try applying an emulsion or chalk paint and then finish off with a lower colour change clear finish such as acrylic varnish in either a matt or satin. You can also wax this using clear finishing wax for a smoother, more natural-looking appearance.”

Scott recommends painting rather than varnishing if the wood in different parts of your balustrade doesn’t match:

“If you are looking to see the wood in all its natural beauty, oils would be your best bet, but you really need to make sure you remove all the original paint from those hard-to-reach areas. If the staircase and balustrading are made of different types of wood and have damaged areas that have been filled over the years, painting is probably the best option.”

What’s the best way to apply paint to spindles?

Spraying spindles is a much quicker option than using a roller or a brush. However, using a sprayer in your home may make you feel nervous if you haven’t done it before.

Using a roller or a brush takes much longer but these techniques are much better suited to a DIY-er. You can read more tips for painting staircases spindles here.

If you want to replace your spindles you can choose from a huge range of spindle styles here.

To find out more about staircase spindles, visit the page Your guide to spindles—types, materials, styles, fitting and maintenance.

Most stair spindles come unfinished, which means you’ll need to apply a finish to protect the wood and match your colour scheme. You have the option of painting, staining, varnishing or oiling your spindles, but which is the best finish to choose?

When it comes to finishing your spindles, it all depends on whether you want to change the colour of them or not. If you want your spindles to stand out or match other staircase elements, painting or staining will be the best option. However, if you want to protect your spindles without changing their colour, you can oil or varnish them instead. 

In the rest of this blog, we’ll cover the different methods for preparing, priming and finishing your spindles in more detail.

Click on one of the links below to jump to that section:

 

 

What’s the best way to finish your spindles?

The best finish for stair spindles will depend on the look you want to achieve. If you would like your spindles to stand out or match other painted staircase elements, painting them with durable gloss emulsion paint will be the best approach. If you want to colour-match your spindles to your handrail or stair treads, staining can be a good option.

However, if you’d prefer to let the gorgeous natural colour of wood shine through you can use oil or varnish instead. Oil and varnish won’t change the colour of your wooden spindles but they will create a stunning smooth finish and make them more durable. 

If you have softwood spindles, such as pine, varnish or hard wax oil is a good choice to create a strong protective finish. If you have hardwood spindles, such as oak, you can either use hard wax oil or a less durable oil, such as Danish oil, because hardwood is naturally more durable. 

 

How to prepare old stair spindles

If you are renovating old spindles, there are some steps you’ll need to take to prepare them for finishing. This includes removing the old paint or varnish and comprehensive sanding. If you’re planning on painting them, they’ll also need to be primed. 

 

Often, getting spindles ready for painting can take longer than the painting and varnishing itself. Most experts would recommend asking a professional to take on the work, rather than resorting to DIY.

Mark Finney of Finney’s Wood Finishes explains how much work is involved in stripping existing spindles:

“It takes time and patience to strip away old paint and varnish, especially from fiddly spindles and newels. More powerful paint removers are available but these are restricted to professional users only and so generally DIY-ers have to make do with more standard formulas.”

If you have existing painted spindles that you want to renovate by yourself, here are three steps you can try to remove the old paint:

 

  1. 1. Loosen the paint with a heat gun and scrape it away with a paint scrapper or putty knife.
  2. 2. Use 220-grit sandpaper to remove the remaining paint.
  3. 3. If any paint remains, you can use a paint stripper and scrub with coarse steel wool.

 

How to sand spindles 

Hand-sanding old spindles can be labour-intensive but sanding machines aren’t suited to the intricate curves and designs of most spindles. Instead of a sanding machine, cut sheets of sandpaper into long strips and pull these back and forth around the curved part of each spindle.

In some cases, it might be cheaper and easier to replace the old spindles rather than sanding and removing many layers of paint and primer, especially when you factor in the time it will take to do it yourself. At Jackson Woodturners, we offer a wide range of spindles suitable for all renovation budgets, including cost-effective woods like pine. 

If you’re planning on painting your old spindles, they’ll also require priming. We’ve got more information on how to prime spindles in the section below. 

 

How to prime spindles for painting

If you’ve purchased new unfinished spindles and you’re planning on painting them, they’ll just require a quick sand and then a prime with a high-quality primer. This will ensure better adhesion of paint to the surface. If your spindles are pine, we would advise using a knotting solution on any knots before applying a primer. However, with our White Primed range, you won’t need to apply any primer, as they have already been professionally primed by us.

Here are the steps you’ll need to follow to prime your spindles effectively:

 

  1. 1. Ensure all old varnish or paint has been removed.
  2. 2. Remove any dust with a lint-free cloth.
  3. 3. Use an angled, rounded or triangular brush to apply a high-quality wood primer and ensure you follow any specific instructions.
  4. 4. Apply a knotting solution if your spindles are made from pine.
  5. 5. Once your primer is completely dry, you’re ready to paint with your chosen colour or stain. 

 

How to finish stair spindles

Once your stair spindles have been prepared, they’re ready to be finished with your choice of paint, varnish, stain or oil. 

 

How to paint spindles 

If you’re using paint to finish spindles that have been installed, make sure you cover any surfaces that you don’t want to be painted with newspaper, dust sheets and masking tape for smaller areas.

If the spindles are already in place on the balustrade, work your way down from the top of the staircase, working your brush into the grain of the wood. Use a brush with a round head (called a sash brush) to get into any intricate areas. Apply the paint in thin coats to help the paint adhere better. Leave to dry for 6–8 hours before applying a second coat.

For high-traffic areas like staircases, we always recommend a gloss emulsion paint as this is the most durable. 

 

What’s the best way to apply paint to spindles?

Spraying spindles is a much quicker option than using a roller or a brush. However, using a sprayer in your home may make you feel nervous if you haven’t done it before. Using a roller or a brush takes much longer but these techniques are much better suited to a DIY-er.

If you’re in need of some design inspiration, see the Interior Design Tips section of our Advice Centre for stair ideas to suit any taste.

 

How to stain spindles 

If you want the colour of your wooden spindles to match your handrail or stair treads, a stain is the perfect choice. As wood stain is permanent, you should wear disposable rubber gloves and safety goggles when applying it. Here are some of our top tips for applying stain to your spindles:

 

  • • Apply the wood stain generously and evenly, ensuring you follow the direction of the wood grain.
  • • You can use a brush, cloth or sponge. 
  • • Wipe off the excess with an absorbent cloth and leave to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • • If the shade is not dark or rich enough for your liking, you can apply a second coat of stain.
  • • Stain doesn’t protect the wood, so you’ll still need to protect it with wax, oil or varnish. 

 

How to oil spindles 

At Jackson Woodturners, we recommend using Treatex Hardwax Oil to finish your wooden spindles. This is quick-drying, hardwearing and creates a lovely smooth and stain-resistant finish.

Apply the hard wax oil in a well-ventilated space, and use a firm brush to spread the oil evenly over the spindles in the direction of the grain. You can also use a soft cloth to buff the product in. Hardwood spindles will need two coats, while softwood staircase parts might require three.

Alternatively, you can use linseed, teak or Danish oil. Bear in mind that these oils are not as hard-wearing as a hard wax oil, so they might not last as long. To apply, spread the oil over the spindles using a lint-free cloth or good-quality brush. Leave the oil to soak in for around 10 minutes and then wipe off the excess oil. Let your spindles dry for at least five hours before applying a second coat.

 

How to varnish spindles

Varnish contains resin, drying oil and a thinner to create a clear finish on wood. It can be applied with a good-quality brush after you have oiled your spindles and they have fully dried. Let the varnish dry for at least 8 hours before applying a second and then ideally a third coat. 

 

Wooden spindles and finishes by Jackson Woodturners

Jackson Woodturners provides the largest selection of contemporary and traditional stair parts in the UK. We stock a wide range of wooden spindles, including plain turned, stop chamfered, plain square, colonial, fluted and provincial styles. You can view our full range of spindles on our website.

If you’re planning on painting your spindles, we would recommend our white primed range. These spindles have already been primed and are ready to be painted with your choice of top coat.

We also offer a wide range of finishes to protect your spindles and create the look you desire, including wood filler and hard wax oil.

If you’re unsure which finish is the best choice for your staircase spindles, please get in touch with our staircase experts. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have or offer any advice you might need. You can call our friendly team on 0114 272 1228 or email [email protected]

 

Stair spindle finishing FAQs

What is the best paint finish for spindles?

Gloss or semi-gloss emulsion paint is recommended for spindles because it’s quick to clean, easy to maintain and more durable than matte paint.

 

What is the best colour for stair spindles?

Black or white are the most popular colours for painted spindles. White spindles create a classic, elegant look and look especially stunning paired with a wooden handrail. Black spindles create a more dramatic look and are a good choice if you want to create the look of iron spindles. 

If you’re planning on painting your spindles, we would recommend our white primed spindles as these have already been professionally primed and are ready to receive a top coat of paint.

 

Does painting spindles with a sock work?

Although it’s usually recommended to use a delicate angled brush to paint spindles, a sock can also be a great option, especially if you don’t have a specialist brush to hand. Simply put on a pair of disposable gloves, put the sock over the gloves and then dip the sock into the paint and apply it to the spindles. Make sure you use decorator’s tape and dust sheets to protect areas of your staircase that you don’t want to be painted. 

 

Can you paint spindles with a sponge?

Yes, you can use a sponge instead of a brush to paint spindles. Sponges can be especially useful for decorative or intricate wooden spindles. Make sure you apply the paint in thin coats to help it adhere better and dry faster. You might need to use a small brush to touch up the paint afterwards to ensure the best finish. 

 

Can I spray paint stair spindles?

Yes, you can spray paint stair spindles but this is not the easiest method for DIY painters. You’ll need to ensure you protect the surrounding area from paint. When spray painting, you should follow the grain of the wood, working your way down the spindles. 

 

What is the best brush for painting spindles?

The best type of brush for painting spindles is a round-headed brush, sometimes called a sash brush. The long slim head and handle can reach into awkward areas, making it ideal for painting intricate spindles. 

 

Should I paint or stain spindles?

Whether you should paint or stain your spindles will depend on the look you want to achieve and how durable you want your finish to be.

Paint is the best choice if you want your spindles to match other painted elements or tie in with the rest of your home’s colour scheme. However, a stain is the better option if you want to match your spindles to the colour of your wooden handrail, stair treads or floor. Stains are usually more durable than paint, so this is something to be aware of.


For more advice about spindles and other staircase parts, check out our Advice Centre.