Is there an easy way to paint spindles?

Spindle Painting Overview

Painting spindles can seem like a daunting task, but with the right preparation and materials it can be easy. Spindles are found on stair railings, porch railings, bed frames and other furniture. They have a long cylindrical shape that requires even coverage when painting. The key steps are cleaning, sanding, priming, painting and sealing the spindles. Having the right tools like paint sprayers, brushes and pole sanders also makes the job easier. With some time and effort, anyone can learn how to properly paint spindles.

Should You Paint Wood Spindles?

There are a few reasons you may want to paint your wood spindles:

• Update the look – Painting spindles allows you to easily update the color and style. You can match them to a new color scheme or give worn spindles new life.
• Cover flaws – Paint covers stains, scratches, dents and other imperfections in the wood.
• Protect the wood – Paint forms a protective barrier on the spindle to prevent future wear and damage.
• Easy project – Painting spindles is an easy weekend project compared to replacing them.

If your spindles are structurally sound, a fresh coat of paint is all you need to improve their appearance and extend their life. Painting is always cheaper than replacing them.

How to Prepare Spindles for Painting

Proper prep work is crucial for getting great results when painting spindles. Follow these steps:

1. Remove spindles – The spindles need to be easily accessible from all sides, so remove them from the railing if possible.
2. Clean thoroughly – Use TSP cleaner and warm water to remove dirt, grease and mildew.
3. Sand the surface – Lightly sand to rough up the existing paint or wood. This helps the new paint adhere.
4. Wipe clean – Wipe away all dust with a tack cloth after sanding.
5. Fill holes and imperfections – Use spackle or wood filler as needed.
6. Prime – Apply a universal primer like Zinsser Bulls Eye to seal the wood.

Proper prep removes contaminants and roughness for smoother painting results.

Tips for Painting Spindles

Follow these tips when painting the spindles:

• Work in a well-ventilated area.
• Use high quality primer and paint.
• Apply paint in thin, even coats allowing drying time between coats.
• Use an angled trim brush for cutting in tight edges.
• Use mini foam rollers and pole sanders to make the job easier.
• Go with the wood grain making continuous strokes when rolling.
• Paint the underside and end grains first.
• Seal with polyurethane for added protection when done.

Applying paint properly results in a smooth, durable finish.

Paint Sprayers

For large railing jobs, using paint sprayers to coat the spindles can save a lot of time and effort compared to brushes. HVLP spray guns are ideal since they apply a fine mist of paint for smooth coverage. Practice first on cardboard and keep these technique in mind:

• Keep sprayer 6-8 inches from the surface.
• Overlap strokes by 50% for even coating.
• Vertical surfaces – spray side to side.
• Horizontal surfaces – spray front to back.
• Maintain consistent speed and distance.

Sprayers allow painting spindles quickly but still require sanding and prep work.

DIY Spindle Painting Steps

Follow this complete step-by-step process for how to paint spindles:

1. Remove spindles – Take them off the railing to allow full access. Number them to ensure proper reinstallation.
2. Clean – Wipe away dirt and grease with TSP cleaner and water using rags.
3. Sand – Lightly sand with 120-150 grit sandpaper to rough up surface. Use a pole sander for hard to reach areas.
4. Wipe clean – Remove all dust with a tack cloth.
5. Fill imperfections – Use spackle or wood filler as needed to fill any holes or dents.
6. Prime – Apply a universal primer like Zinsser Bulls Eye with a brush or paint sprayer.
7. Paint – Use a quality exterior latex paint in your desired color using a brush, roller or paint sprayer.
8. Seal – Apply a clear polyurethane sealer for added protection when finished.

Always allow proper drying time between steps. With the right process, it’s easy to get professional paint results.

Tips for Painting Indoor Spindles

The process is largely the same when painting indoor spindles with a few variations:

• Use painter’s tape to cover nearby surfaces.
• Vacuum and damp wipe spindles instead of washing.
• Use an interior primer like Zinsser Bulls Eye.
• Opt for indoor paint like satin, eggshell or semi-gloss.
• No need to seal, but can use polycrylic if desired.
• Ensure good ventilation when painting indoors.

Proper prep and using interior products will give your indoor spindles an updated look.

Cost to Paint Spindles

If hiring a professional, expect to pay the following spindle painting costs:

• Per spindle – $3-$10 per spindle
• Staircase railing – $200-$600 depending on length
• Porch or deck railing – $400-$1,200 depending on size
• Bed frame – $200-$600 depending on size
• Furniture – $100-$300 per piece

Prices vary based on location and the prep work needed. Painting spindles yourself costs only $50-$200 for supplies.

Painting Damaged Spindles

Painting can often repair light damage to spindles, but here are solutions for more significant issues:

• Loose spindles – Tighten loose screws or glue with wood glue before painting.
• Splits or cracks – Use wood filler before painting. Consider replacing severely cracked spindles.
• Major gouges – Fill larger holes with Bondo before priming and painting.
• Warping or rotting – These spindles should be replaced instead of painted over.

Evaluate each damaged spindle individually to determine if paint will hide the flaws or if replacement is needed.

Painting vs Staining Spindles

Both painting and staining have benefits when refinishing spindles:

Painting	Staining
Creates any color desired Hides imperfections Must be redone every 5-10 years Shows less wood grain	Enhances natural wood color Shows off wood grain Only needs reapplied every 10-15 years Won’t cover flaws as well

Choose paint for an easy color change or stain to accentuate the natural wood.

Conclusion

Painting spindles is an approachable project for any DIYer with some time and effort. Proper preparation like cleaning, sanding and priming ensures the paint adheres smoothly. Quick-drying paint sprayers allow coating spindles efficiently. Follow the detailed steps to learn how to paint spindles like a professional. With the right materials and techniques, you can easily update the look of any worn spindles.