If you’re looking to add charm and style to your stairs, painting a stair runner is an affordable and easy way to do so! In this guide, I’ll walk you through each step—measuring, taping, painting, and perfecting your stair runner. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a beginner, these simple instructions will help you achieve a clean, polished finish. Gather your supplies and let’s dive in!

 

Materials You’ll Need

Angled Paint Brush
Mini Roller + Tray
Mini Foam Paint Rollers
Painter’s Tape
Transparency Sheet
Original Stair Paint Color
Runner Paint Color
Small Flat Straight Paint Brush
Ruler

 

Step 1: Measure and Mark (This is the Critical Step)

First, determine how wide you want your stair runner to be. Once you’ve decided on the width, it’s time to focus on the margins—this is the “negative space” that will frame your runner.

Using a ruler, measure from the wall to the middle of each stair tread. Make a small pencil mark on both sides of each tread at the top and bottom. These marks will guide where you place the tape, so keep them subtle to avoid excess touch-ups later.

Repeat this process for every step and on both sides of the stair treads.

It’s also important to make sure the width is consistent across the entire staircase. If the widths of the stairs aren’t even, the runner might look uneven. To fix this, start by measuring from the center of each step and work outward. This ensures your runner stays balanced across the stairs.

 

Step 2: Apply the Tape

Now that you have your measurements, it’s time to tape the edges. Start at the top of each stair tread and align the tape with your marks, extending it slightly over the edge of the tread. Press the tape down firmly, especially around the inner edges, to ensure crisp lines.

I found it easier to tear the tape into smaller pieces as I went, rather than trying to tape everything at once.

 

Step 3: Seal the Tape with Your Border Color (This is Key!)

Here’s a helpful tip: Before painting the stair runner color, use your existing stair color to seal the tape along the edges. This step prevents the runner color from bleeding under the tape and helps create clean lines.

Use a paintbrush to apply a thin layer of the original stair color along the inside edge of the tape. Allow it to dry fully before proceeding.

 

Step 4: Paint the First Coat of Your Runner Color

Next, it’s time to start painting! Use your chosen runner color and start painting inside the taped-off area on each step. For best results, I recommend using a combination of a mini roller and an angled brush. The roller is great for covering larger areas, while the brush is perfect for painting the edges near the stair risers.

A quick tip: Place a transparency sheet between the tread and the riser to keep the paint where it belongs.

You’ll likely need 2-3 coats, depending on the color and coverage. Let each coat dry completely before adding another layer.

 

Step 5: Apply the Final Coat (And Be Careful!)

Once the first few coats have dried, it’s time for the final layer. Here’s an important tip: don’t wait until all the stairs are painted before removing the tape. It’s much easier to remove the tape while the paint is still wet.

To keep the lines sharp, paint only 2-3 steps at a time, then immediately remove the tape. Pull the tape at a 90-degree angle (straight up) to maintain clean edges.

Make sure you have a nearby spot to dispose of the tape, as it can get messy with wet paint. Continue painting and removing the tape step-by-step until all your stairs are done. Let the paint dry fully before moving on.

 

Step 6: Touch Up Any Mistakes

Let’s be real: sometimes mistakes happen. Don’t stress—it’s all part of the DIY process! After the paint is fully dry, step back and inspect your work. If you notice any stray marks or rough edges, use a small flat paintbrush to carefully touch up those areas.

A flat brush helps you maintain precision without disturbing the paint around it. A little touch-up can make a big difference!

 

Final Thoughts: You Did It!

And just like that, you’ve created a beautiful stair runner that’ll impress everyone who sees it! It might not be perfect (after all, it’s DIY), but with a little patience and care, you’ve transformed your stairs into a stylish feature of your home.

Take your time and enjoy the process—trust me, the results will be worth it.

 

Ready to Transform Your Stairs?

Feeling inspired? I’d love to see how your stair runner turns out! Share your photos with me on Instagram, and don’t forget to follow for more updates from One Lucky Creative.