stair railing

[Tim]

doing a lot of work in the house this weekend, and decided to do the stair railing. Do I have to use oil because it get lots of use? Or can I use something like an alkyd or even a water based semi gloss? I'd rather avoid oil if I can.

[Ottawaman]

it depends, what's on it now?
Is it bare wood?


oh, btw, that's quite the avatar you have there! Did you make it?
It sort of reminds me of Monty Python :)

[mander]

If its bare wood and you are happy with the colour of the wood, I would suggest just a simple Varathane coat or two. I personally wouldn't paint the wood as it will be a pain to re-paint in future years.
What it comes down to is this:

paint + clearcoat...for durability of the paint

bare wood...if satisfied with the colour...Varathane

Not satisfied with the colour, then stain then Varathane to protect it and easy clean-up

[Dr.Dan]

You can use Acrylic Enamal water base paint... but I'd go with gloss for the durability

Depending on what's already on there as to what you'll need to do to prep for the paint though...

[Tim]

80 year old house, someone already decided to paint it long ago. I put on a mask and sanded it smooth (not taking much paint off, just making it smooth) and put alkyd primer on.

So Acrylic enamal water based gloss?

I want to paint it white.

Ottawaman, look at me site on the profile page for the original of the animation. It's pictures I took (ok a friend took for me while I watched and directed) and I assembled it in flash. Thanks for likin it man. I thought it an odd fun one. :)

[Dr.Dan]

Good, you've done the perfect prep for a water based paint :)

Yes, you can get Acrylic enamal in water based.
The acrylic is what gives it it's durability :)

[frostyone]

" Do I have to use oil because it get lots of use? Or can I use something like an alkyd ?"

Oil or alkyd are pretty much the same thing.

"Alkyd paint is the most common kind of oil paint, and many oil paints are therefore normally referred to as alkyd paints. Alkyd is simply the name of the synthetic resin,

" alkyd A synthetic resin . Alkyd paint must be thinned and cleaned up with solvent or paint thinner. The terms alkyd paint and oil-based paint are generally used interchangeably."

[rileydog]

If you don't like oil based paints (smell, dry time, etc).. Prime surface with
" Bull's Eye 123 " Primer/Sealer. It's water based, but will go over or under any oil or water based paint. Once primed, you can use any latex (water clean-up ) base paint.
Cost is about $13 a quart,but goes along way....I primed a garage door ,front & rear door and trim, and a 3 1/2' X 3 1/2' art easel (that i made into a magnetized chalk board), and i still have a bit left.
Good Luck

[gollychuck]

Alkyd Base paint is Oil. Acrilic Lates 100% is the best Paint to use inside the home It will stand up very well,and give you years of service,and no bad fumes.Primer is done so it will take any thing now.So go with 100% acrilic Para or Sears,never add water to Acrilic latex Paint

Retired Painter