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You can paint your railings any color you want: Part II

June 16, 2011
It took a few days for me to complete, but I finally finished painting our main staircase railing and spindles.  I used the same color as I did to paint the smaller railing in the dining room:  Benjamin Moore's Steel Wool. Chris and I each picked up a free sample and there is still a little left after painting BOTH railings.  It's hard to believe that this project was completely free, because it has made a huge difference.  See for yourself:
Before

After

It feels soft and calm and not so "look-at-me, look-at-me!"  Definitely another point for painting your staircase railings any color you want.  I am a lover of white spindles and even white spindles with a dark stained railing, but I think before you automatically jump to that obvious choice--assess your house and see if there is something that would work better and be unique.

Here is another view from the dining room.  You can see how well the blue wall in the family room works with the new gray trim.  Mmmmm.


The process wasn't hard, just tedious.  Especially because there was carpet involved.  Luckily, I came up with an easy solution to get around (and into) the carpet when cutting in on carpeted staircase.  
Disclaimer:  Chris wasn't here to tape this, so I had to use a little tiny tripod.  Sorry for the lack of face.

Once we do replace our floors with uber dark, hand-scraped hardwoods (or really really light....we aren't sure yet), the carpet with be gone and this picture will look even sweeter:

Have you taken any painting risks lately that have really paid off?  Or are you totally glad to be done with a project?  That's kinda how I am feeling right now.  Sooo glad this is done and extremely pleased with the change.

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  1. Where is the video and how do I access it of how you painted around the carpet when painting your spindles?

  2. Great info! When I got a quote from our floor guy on updating our spindles, he said it could cost about as much ot sand it down and refinish as it would to buy a new one--an estimated $700 or so. I think I just saved a lot of money by reading this. (Here via a tweet from Benjamin Moore, BTW.)

  3. Wow. What a difference. Even the gallery wall looks better. PS. Your hardwood floors now look dark and lustrous in these pics.

  4. Amazing how a paint job can change the whole outlook. Great job on color choice- the subtle tones give the home a cozy feel, while also adding a simple elegance. And that's just the paint- can't wait to see everything else!

    Xoxo flor
    Comment or follow me at florecity.blogspot.com

  5. Amazing how a paint job can change the whole outlook. Great job on color choice- the subtle tones give the home a cozy feel, while also adding a simple elegance. And that's just the paint- can't wait to see everything else!

    Xoxo flor
    Comment or follow me at florecity.blogspot.com

  6. Wow. What a difference. Even the gallery wall looks better. PS. Your hardwood floors now look dark and lustrous in these pics.

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