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Design Dilemma Paint

Painting wood ceiling and stairs - paint only or paint ANd stain?

2 years ago

We are currently remodeling our whole house. I had initially planned on painting the whole ceiling and bannister SW Pure White. I just picked up our custom fireplace mantle and the stain is so pretty I am now thinking about staining the ceiling beams, the stair support posts, handrail and newel posts the same stain as the mantel, and doing the rest of the ceiling and the bannister spindles in white.

I’m assuming these are all different wood species so not sure how well the stains would match. Also the ceiling beams are incredibly rough sawn.

Here’s a picture of our flooring, stacked stone for fireplace, wall color (Drift of Mist), ceiling and trim color (Pure White) and the mantle.

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Comments (3)

Jackie Johnson
Original Author
2 years ago
Edit to say the carpet on the stairs is being removed and replaced with matching LVP treads with white risers. The wood end caps on each step will be painted white
Bree Mabry
2 years ago
That ceiling is beautiful!

Personally I couldn't imagine painting that ceiling. It provides so much architectural interest and if you end up deciding on light colored drywall, it will create excellent contrast. I like your idea of staining parts of the stairs and ceiling to maybe the mantel. Because they are all different woods you may have to play around with various stains to get them all to match but the end result will leave your home looking really cohesive.

No matter what you decide know that anything other than stain on your ceiling may devalue your home. Stained exposed wood ceilings are a striking feature that draws the eye upward. They give so much character and are highly sought after. At the end of the day though, all that matters is that you love it.
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wood ceiling to paint or not to paint
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Comments (12)
Can you get a photo showing more of the fireplace wall? Also, is the wood stained a walnut color, or is it really walnut? Judging from the grain I don't think it's walnut. Personally, I think there's no need to paint any of the trim work and I'm not quite sure that section of dark wall and ceiling needs painting. I would definitely paint the window seat/cabinet (and maybe the connecting kitchen cab) along the stair railings. Also have the fireplace brick cleaned. Having additional lighting installed would make a huge difference. I suggest you post over on the GM Home Decor Forum....the folks over there will have lots of suggestions! http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/decor/ Below, I've linked to some images to give you an idea of painted railings. Here is a link that might be useful: Stairs
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I think your headed for disaster on one hand, or an intersting 'look' on the other. I wouldn't.
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Comments (14)
your wood actually looks like doug fir. I don't know if they were meant to be covered. you can tell by the way they were installed and finished if they were meant to be stained. I'm guessing since they are raw, they weren't. It's paint grade wood. if you stain them, it will prob look like this you can always paint the risers and get oak treads and stain those. Or just give all the wood a very good sanding. clean up all the rough spots and sand smooth. use a vac to suck up every spec of dust and wipe w/a damp rag. now prime them. do a fine sand when dry because the primer will give the wood 'nubs'. you want those nice and smooth before painting. clean up very well and get every speck before you start painting. use this primer paint. Advance is beautiful on wood. you can also use Zinsser oil based primer. If you want to try staining, use a dark walnut (general finishes) Gel stain. then top w/general finishes
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Comments (1)
Stain the newel the same colour as the rail and call it done. You'll need a few scraps of red oak so that you can mix your stain to match. If you're not comfortable doing that, hire someone. It should not be an expensive job.
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RosyHips
last year
Jackie, I'd love to see the results of your stairs. I'd like to do the same but read that converting carpet to LPV on stairs with false tread ends is a nightmare. Curious if yours worked out! Thanks!

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