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We can't emphasize too strongly... the favor you'll do yourself and the next generation if you properly paint all surfaces before installation. Primer and finish coats, please!

Prepaint All Surfaces
Even for ends that are not exposed, it is important that they be well painted, as the wood's end grain absorbs moisture readily. Therefore, an extra coat of paint on the ends, worked well down into the grain, is very good. This becomes absolutely critical for end grain that will be permanently exposed. This deserves a couple of extra coats!

Oil-based Paint
Likewise, it is most important that you use an oil-based paint of good quality. Your extra care will be rewarded for many years to come!

Latex paints, while great for inside, merely stay on the surface of the wood. Stains, although excellent for Cedar and Redwood, do not provide the extra measure of protection most outside trim requires. Oil-based paints, on the other hand, work down into the wood, sealing and nurturing. They provide a thicker covering, thereby better protecting the wood.

Please ... don't let anyone talk you out of using oil-based paint, and lots of it!

Wood Preservatives
If wood preservatives are applied liberally enough to do any good, you are adding lots of extra moisture to the wood. This can create major problems if re-drying is not properly undertaken prior to painting. For most situations, oil-based paint, properly applied and maintained, will provide the necessary protection!

Having Fun!
If you want the most authenticity (and the most fun), consider painting with more than one color, or with more than one shade of a given color.

For example, Balusters, Handrails, and the upper pieces of Sloped-Top Bottom Railing can be in the main trim color and the bottom pieces of the Bottom Rail can be a secondary trim color, or in a different shade of the main trim color. Subrails can go in an accent color, providing a pin-striping effect!

Since Sub-rail and the bottom portion of the Sloped-Top Bottom Rail are shipped as separate pieces, it�s simple to paint them a different color. Indeed, multiple colors are quite easy with pre-painting. And, as pointed out above, it's important to pre-paint anyway so that hidden surfaces are fully protected.

For even more drama, the rings on Turned Balusters, Turned Porch Posts, and Turned Newels Posts can be painted in your secondary trim color or shade. We have a little trick that makes painting these rings very easy! See Painting the Rings.

Once you've got everything completely painted on all surfaces
it's time to lay out and assemble your Balustrade Sections.

We are available by phone or email for free personalized consultation.

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