Stair Paint

Stair Paints

Stair paints are designed for strength, traction, and durability in high-use areas, and are often used in combination with stair nosing, edges or treads for extra slip resistance. They provide hard-wearing, often anti-slip finishes for steps in homes, public buildings, commercial spaces, and industrial settings. These paints are suitable for concrete, wood, steel, aluminium, and composite materials, with specialist primers and topcoats available to suit each substrate. Whether applying to interior stairs in a school corridor or external steps on a factory fire escape, the right product ensures long-term safety and reliability.

Anti-slip performance is a key consideration. Many systems are pre-textured or can be combined with aggregate for compliance with workplace safety requirements. Properties such as abrasion resistance, impact resistance, and chemical resistance are also available, depending on the site’s needs. Fast-curing formulas can minimise disruption in public buildings, while solvent-free, low-odour options help protect indoor air quality.

A broad colour choice - over 5,000 options - allows users to meet visual design standards, mark out hazards, or match existing finishes. Bright shades can be used for nosings and edges, while subtle tones may suit decorative projects. Specialist coatings also include fire-retardant systems for communal stairwells, and flexible options for use on slightly moving surfaces such as timber or GRP.

Stair paints are an effective upgrade for safety and presentation. Whether you need a fast-drying finish for domestic timber steps or a heavy-duty solution for a steel mezzanine staircase, product selection must account for material, conditions, and footfall. For technical support, slip testing, or site specification, contact the advisory team to ensure correct system build-up.

Stair Paint FAQs

What type of stair paint should I use for wooden stairs indoors?

Use a hard-wearing interior floor or stair paint suitable for timber, with low odour and fast drying time. Water-based single-pack products are ideal for domestic use, offering good durability with simple application by brush or roller. For higher traffic areas, a two-pack polyurethane or epoxy system provides added abrasion resistance.

Can I paint metal steps or fire escapes with stair paint?

Yes, specialist stair paints for metal are available. Use a compatible metal primer first, especially on bare steel or galvanised surfaces. Two-pack epoxy systems with anti-slip finishes are commonly used for fire escapes, loading steps, and metal mezzanines.

Do stair paints include anti-slip finishes?

Many stair paints include fine anti-slip texture, while others can be broadcast with aggregate during application. Specific anti-slip floor paints are available for heavier footfall areas. Anti-slip paint textures helps reduce slip hazards in wet or high-traffic areas and supports compliance with HSE safety guidelines. Always check whether the anti-slip grade suits indoor, outdoor, or industrial use.

Are there paints suitable for outdoor steps exposed to rain and frost?

Yes. External stair paints are available with weatherproof, UV-resistant, and frost-resistant formulations. These products are designed to withstand temperature changes, moisture, and direct sunlight, offering long-term protection and slip resistance on concrete, stone, or metal steps.

Can stair paint be used on previously painted steps?

Yes, but the existing coating must be sound, clean, and fully abraded. Remove loose paint and degrease the surface before applying a compatible primer or topcoat. If unsure of compatibility, contact the technical support team for advice and product testing.

Is professional preparation always required before painting stairs?

Surface preparation is essential for performance. This may include degreasing, sanding, priming, or filling damaged areas. In commercial and industrial settings, shot blasting or diamond grinding may be required. Site visits are available for large or complex projects.