Edgbaston · Case study

Luxury Staircase Spray Finish

A large feature staircase transformed into a contemporary monochrome focal point with a furniture-grade sprayed finish.

4 days on site

Sprayed staircase refinishing & monochrome transformation

Edgbaston

Transformation

Before & after.

The brief

A considered, long-term finish.

Four Oaks Painting & Decorating were commissioned to transform this large feature staircase in Edgbaston into a clean, contemporary focal point with a luxury furniture-grade finish.

The client wanted a modern contrast look that felt high-end yet timeless — combining crisp white risers and stringers with deep black treads and bespoke metal balustrades. The goal was a staircase that immediately elevated the entrance space while remaining durable enough for everyday family use.

The staircase began as unfinished timber with newly installed panelling and metalwork. While the structure itself was impressive, achieving the sharp, flawless finish the client wanted required extensive preparation and careful product selection.

Project specification

The detail behind the finish.

Timeframe

4 days on site

Scope

Sprayed staircase refinishing & monochrome transformation

Location

Edgbaston

Products used

Zinsser B-I-N · MDF Primer · 7% sheen eggshell (white & black)

Spray systems

Graco airless · HVLP detail spray · Mirka dustless sanding

Approach

Dustless prep · sprayed finish

Challenges

What this project demanded.

01Large surface area with multiple angles and edges
02Achieving a perfectly smooth sprayed finish on new timber
03Creating sharp black and white contrast lines
04Protecting surrounding finishes and metal balustrades
05Ensuring durability on high-traffic stair treads

Process gallery

Stage by stage.

The Starting Point

Unfinished timber with newly installed panelling, metal balustrades and bare treads. Impressive structure, but the sharp finish the client wanted demanded meticulous preparation. Every surface was thoroughly sanded using Mirka dustless sanding systems to achieve a perfectly smooth substrate while keeping dust contamination to a minimum throughout the property. All joints, pin holes and imperfections were filled, sanded smooth and carefully caulked. The staircase and surrounding areas were then meticulously masked using Tesa precision tapes and protective sheeting.

Priming Stage

The staircase was primed with MDF Primer and Zinsser B-I-N water-based primer for excellent adhesion, a smooth sprayable surface, strong stain blocking and a stable foundation for the finishing coats. At this stage the staircase already begins to take shape, with a perfectly uniform base ready for final coatings.

White Top Coats

The risers, strings and panelling were spray finished in a durable 7% sheen eggshell coating to create a soft contemporary appearance without excessive shine. The lower sheen level gives the staircase a more refined architectural feel while still being practical and washable for everyday use. The crisp white finish brightened the stairwell and enhanced the detailed wall panelling throughout the space.

Black Top Coats

The treads were spray finished in black eggshell to create a bold modern contrast against the white risers. This stage required extremely careful masking and controlled spraying to maintain perfectly sharp transitions between colours. The deep black treads dramatically transformed the staircase into a true statement feature within the home.

The Finished Result

A premium staircase project combining sprayed eggshell finishes, bespoke panelling and black iron balustrades. Achieved through extensive preparation, precise masking and a Graco-sprayed two-pack finish — closer to fitted furniture than traditional decorating.

Craft

Preparation & finish.

Preparation

Every surface was sanded back using Mirka dustless extraction systems to keep the property clean throughout. Joints, pin holes and timber imperfections were filled and caulked, and surrounding finishes, panelling and metal balustrades were precision-masked with Tesa low-tack tapes and sheet protection.

Finish details

Finished in a 7% sheen eggshell — chosen for its refined architectural feel and washable durability. Crisp colour transitions between white risers, strings and panelling and the deep black treads were achieved with controlled spray passes and tight masking lines.

Services included

Everything in scope.

Dustless sanding using Mirka systems
Filling & caulking
Precision masking with Tesa tape
MDF priming
Zinsser B-I-N water-based priming
Professional airless spray finishing
Luxury staircase refinishing
Contemporary black & white staircase transformation

Outcome

The customer result.

Completed over 4 days, this project is a great example of the preparation standards and finishing quality Four Oaks Painting & Decorating brings to high-end residential interiors across Edgbaston and the West Midlands.

"It honestly looks like furniture. The transition lines, the depth of the black, the cleanliness of the work — every detail was thought through. We've had compliments on the staircase from every visitor since."

Private client · Edgbaston

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