Blog / How to Paint Spindles

July 16, 2024

Giving your porch a makeover may sound easy- until you reach the railing. Deck spindles are one of the most tedious, and time-consuming areas to paint for homeowners. Missing a spindle side, or uneven coats are common obstacles that can be frustrating. By following these simple steps and using a unique Trimaco product, you can easily clean your wood deck in no time.

Step one: Clean your surfaces

Before painting, take the time to clean your surfaces. If you’re painting a deck, chances are there is quite a lot of dirt and grime from the outdoor elements. Powerwash and sweep your surfaces to remove loose particles to ensure the paint adheres well. Sanding your surface will take care of any paint that is flaking off so your repaint job is smooth and clean.

Step two: Prep your space

Once you clean the surfaces, you may need to do some prep work. Tape off any areas to avoid mistakes, and lay down a drop cloth.

We recommend using Trimaco’s Stay Put Canvas Plus, especially if you are painting spindles along the stairs. The grippy backing will ensure the drop cloth will not move while painting.

STEP THREE: STABILIZE YOUR DECK RAILINGS

Make sure there are no loose spindles or weathered gaps along your railing. Nail spindles back into place, and caulk any gaps between the spindle and railing. Gaps can result in rotted wood, which is a safety concern in multiple ways.

Step four: Paint your spindles

When your space is ready and your porch railing is safe, it’s time to paint! The easiest and most effective way to paint deck spindles is with the help of Trimaco’s Painter’s Mitt. Skip the paintbrush and paint roller – these mitts are essentially gloves and will keep your hand dry during the painting process.

The unique design of the painter’s mitt makes it easy to use. You just need to dip the spindle, wrap your hand around it, and pulldown to cover the piece with paint.

• SuperTuff Painter’s Mitt: designed with three layers for complete protection, this painter’s mitt is ideal for painting spindles with interior and exterior paints.
• Pro Paint Mitt: If you are staining your porch or using an oil-based paint, Trimaco’s Pro Paint Mitt is the ideal choice.

Both paint mitts are low linting, but for best results, we recommend tumble drying them on low to remove any loose particles. Learn more about how to properly use a painter’s mitt, prior to use.

Step five: Paint your remaining surfaces and let dry

After your spindles are complete, paint the remaining surfaces of your deck. Paint the whole board all the way down, and 3-4 boards at a time to avoid seeing overlap. Make sure you paint toward the stairs to avoid getting painted into a corner!

After you finish painting your porch rails, handrails, and surfaces, wait for 24 hours for the paint to dry. Once the paint is dry, you can then apply a sealer or walk on the surface.

Trimaco has your spindles covered. Literally.

Being a handyman and painting your porch doesn’t need to be a lengthy, tedious project. With the right preparations and tools, you can have a freshly painted porch in just a few hours.

Explore Trimaco’s full line of wiping products, painting mitts and other jobsite protection materials.