Bannister restoration and Staircase transformation Harrogate

Professional decorator in Harrogate. I paint and restore your bannisters. Specialists in staircase transformations, woodwork refinishing and long-lasting water-based finishes.

Staircase Bannister

At AM Decorating Harrogate, we recently transformed a tired, peeling bannister into a modern feature staircase with a bold, durable finish. The original dark varnish was fading and flaking, and the homeowner wanted to make the stairs stand out — choosing Dulux Midnight Teal, a rich water-based gloss that adds real impact to the hallway.

Preparation

We began by cleaning all surfaces with sugar soap, then sanding back the old varnish to create a smooth, even base. After removing dust and wiping again with sugar soap, a tack cloth was used to lift any fine particles before priming. 

Water based Paint

Because the chosen top coat was water-based, we applied two coats of Zinsser BIN Aqua primer for strong adhesion and a flawless base. Once the primer had fully dried, the bannister was lightly sanded with a high-grit pad to remove any small bumps, then wiped clean with a damp cloth. After that, we filled small gaps and cracks with flexible acrylic caulk to ensure a seamless finish before painting.

Finishing

Finally, we applied two coats of Dulux Midnight Teal water-based gloss to the spindles and three coats on high-wear areas such as the handrail. The result is a durable, smooth finish that completely changes the look of the staircase — turning a functional bannister into a standout feature piece.

Contact AM Decorating

Based in Harrogate we are specialists in staircase transformations, woodwork refinishing and long-lasting water-based finishes.

We Use Quality Paints

Alternatively if you have a preferred brand we can use that.