Paint a staircase with Chalk Paint in just 10 easy steps

10 steps to a staircase makeover with Chalk Paint

I took my staircase from drab to fab with a DIY makeover using Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan. Because Chalk Paint adheres to most anything, there was no sanding or priming on my part! I prepped the steps by cleaning them with a damp cloth and taping the edges with painters tape. Then I got to work painting the stars!

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Coastal modern decor

The vibe I’m striving for with our home decor is a ‘coastal modern’ aesthetic. Cool tones with a nuanced ocean, beach-y feel. I chose to combine Old White with Chicago Grey Chalk Paint. The colour combo was perfection. Pale grey with the slightest blue undertone that reminds me of the Atlantic ocean.

A DIY staircase makeover in just ten steps from start to finish

Patch test an application of chalk paint and lacquer in various spots to ensure old stain doesn’t bleed through due to the lacquer
Wipe down the surface
Tape off the edges & areas you don’t want painted
Apply one coat of old white (in two rounds, painting every other stair tread each time so you still have access to the staircase)
Apply one coat of Chicago Grey, watered down 10%
For a weathered, driftwood effect apply a wash of Old White (watered down 50 per cent) and wipe off with cheesecloth before dry
For a smooth modern finish, apply one more coat of Chicago Grey (watered down 50 per cent) evenly in the same direction
Once dry, apply two coats of lacquer which will dry to the touch quickly, to protect the staircase
Apply two coats of Old White on stair risers, baseboards, and bannister for a fresh, clean look
Also apply lacquer to the freshly painted areas for maximum protection