Ready to hire?
Post your job in minutes, browse real reviews and choose who to speak to.Post a jobNeed some tips or advice?
Ask a questionPainting & Decorating
Painting stair case with the carpet runner look
Anonymous user 22/01/2026 - 8.00 AM
Which paint is best to use on the stairs when doing the stair runner look ? White satin? Semi gloss or eggshell .. need to consider durability and easiness to clean.. can you pls advise ?
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
5 Answers
Anonymous user
Hi,
For a stair runner look, durability and cleanability are key, so I’d avoid eggshell on stairs.
• Best option: Satin or semi-gloss
These finishes are much tougher, easier to wipe clean, and cope better with foot traffic.
• Satin:
Most popular choice – durable, easy to clean, and not too shiny. Gives a smart, modern look.
• Semi-gloss:
Very hard-wearing and easiest to clean, but does show more imperfections and can look quite shiny.
What I recommend:
Use a floor or stair-specific paint (or a tough trim paint) in satin finish for the best balance of durability and appearance.
Extra tips:
• Proper prep is crucial: sand, clean, and prime well.
• Consider adding a non-slip additive for safety.
That will give you a long-lasting finish that’s easy to maintain 👍
Answered19 December 2025
1
DDS (Delamere Decorating Services)
Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Good morning.
The stairs will need a good sand, fill any imperfections with toupret wood filler, 1 undercoat followed by 2 coats Benjamin Moore scuff X satin which is durable and really good quality
Hope this helps
Answered15 December 2025
0
keem painter and decorator
No reviews yet
Eggshell would be the best because it’s the best in that area
Answered5 January 2026
0
Gazzers interior painting
No reviews yet
scuff x or good make scrubbable
Answered12 January 2026
0
Dragos Constantin Floria
No reviews yet
For a "stair runner" look, where the edges of the stairs are painted, durability and cleanability are the most important factors:
Avoid Eggshell: It is recommended to avoid using an eggshell finish on stairs because it is not durable enough for high-traffic areas.
Top Recommendations: The best options are Satin or Semi-gloss finishes.
Benefits: Satin and semi-gloss finishes are much tougher and significantly easier to wipe clean than flatter finishes.
Answered22 January 2026
0