Banisters are also known as handrails or banister rails. They serve as a support structure for individuals using the stairs. They’re particularly beneficial for the safety of the younger and older members of your household. Banisters can be built into the staircase or placed on the walls for people to cling to and direct their footfall as they go up or down the stairs.

While banisters are essential for the safety of your home, they can also improve the look of your space. The current state of your banisters can make or break your home’s aesthetics. Give them a good look as it may be time to give them a fresh coat of paint. You can try to paint the banisters yourself or hire a professional painter to do it for you. Either way, you achieve the goal of making your banisters one of the central attractions of your home.

If you want to know whether to hire a professional painter or do it yourself (DIY), this article will address that precisely. So, read on.

Hiring A Professional Banister Painter

Here’s what you can expect if you get an expert to do the job.

• Convenience

When you hire a professional painter, you can stop worrying about this home improvement project. It also eliminates the inconvenience of purchasing painting tools and the painting itself.

Professionals have all the right tools and supplies to do the job with excellent results. Furthermore, you can be assured that the painting of your banister will be finished as soon as possible.

However, get quotations from at least three painting contractors and check their websites for client testimonials or reviews. It’s best to hire professional painters who’ll bill what they promise with no surprise charges for a stress-free experience.

• Cost

Although it’s quite costly to hire an experienced banister painter, they can save you a lot of time and effort. On top of that, they have the skills and experience to do an exceptional paint job.

Essentially, you’re paying for a professional painter’s expertise to get the job done right the first time. For one, the work includes planning and preparation. It also involves inspecting and priming the surface to ensure there’s no dirt or other concerns.

If there are issues like small holes or cracks, the professional painter will know how to address them properly before painting. This guarantees that the final output will be satisfying.

• Preparing The Surface

It’s not recommended to paint a banister without preparing the surface first. There may be chipping on the surface or stains, which can lead to challenges in the painting activity. Thankfully, a reliable painting contractor can easily resolve these concerns before proceeding with painting.

In addition, a professional painter will give advice if wood surfaces have to be replaced, particularly in a moist place. They will also apply the right type and amount of primer before painting to ensure better adhesion of paint and a polished finish.

Do-It-Yourself Banister Painting

Here’s the lowdown on undertaking a DIY painting project.

• Cost

Painting your banisters on your own will undoubtedly be less costly as you don’t have to hire a professional painter. However, you have to make an honest assessment of your skill level and get the right tools.

If you already have rollers, paintbrushes, paint trays, and tape, then all you need to buy is paint. Fewer painting tools to purchase means you’ll likely stay on budget. But if it’s your first time attempting a DIY painting project, you’ll find that buying all the needed tools and materials adds up to a considerable amount.

Depending on your painting skills and experience, the outcome may not look as clean and polished as something done by a professional.

• Convenience

DIY banister painting can take a lot of your valuable time. If you have a lot on your plate, painting may keep you from other more important tasks, such as taking care of your children. Aside from being wearisome, it may take more time than you think to finish the job.

Undertaking a banister paint job means spending days on careful inspection, prepping, scraping, cleaning, addressing minor issues, applying a primer, etc. And you have to do all of these before you even paint your banister surface.

• Safety

Most DIY painters pay less attention to their safety when preparing to paint. If safety precautions aren’t correctly implemented, injuries are more likely to happen. On the other hand, professional painters make it a point to prioritize safety.

Conclusion

Banisters ensure the safety of those who climb the stairs. On top of that, they can serve as your home’s focal point. One simple way to make banisters enhance the aesthetics of your home is to paint them.

You can either do it on your own or hire a professional. Weigh some essential considerations, like cost and convenience, to determine which of the two options suits you better.