If you’ve ever looked at an outdated oak staircase and wondered what a difference paint could make, this project is a perfect example.
Our team of Crystal Lake painters recently completed a stunning staircase transformation for a homeowner who wanted to modernize the look of their home without replacing their existing woodwork.
The result was a sleek, two-tone staircase that completely changed the feel of her home — elegant, clean, and timeless.
This home in Crystal Lake, Illinois had a large three-level staircase, extending from the third floor down into the basement.
The customer contacted us after seeing our previous work and wanted to know if their oak staircase could be painted instead of refinished.
We explained that with the right products, prep, and process, painting oak staircases can produce amazing, durable results that stand the test of time.
This staircase makeover quickly became one of our favorite interior painting projects in Crystal Lake — the results were stunning.
Why Homeowners Are Painting Oak Staircases in Crystal Lake IL
In many homes throughout McHenry County, oak was the go-to wood choice for staircases and trim during the 1980s and 1990s. While oak is strong and durable, the orange tones of the wood can make interiors feel dated.
Instead of replacing the entire staircase, more homeowners are turning to our professional Crystal Lake painters to bring new life to their existing wood with paint.
Painting oak staircases offers several benefits:
It modernizes the look of your home without costly replacement.
It provides a custom, updated style — white spindles with black railings are timeless and classy.
It protects the wood from wear and tear.
It increases your home’s overall value and appeal.
For this project, our homeowner wanted a bright, clean look that would stand out against the newly painted walls and soon-to-be-installed carpet runner.
We recommended a two-color scheme using Tricorn Black on the railings and posts and Pure White on the spindles for contrast.
This combination has become very popular for staircase painting in Crystal Lake and neighboring suburbs.
Step 1: Preparing the Oak Staircase
Preparation is the most important part of painting unpainted wood, especially when dealing with oak.
Oak contains tannin oils that can bleed through paint, causing yellow or brown discoloration if not properly sealed. That’s why our process always begins with cleaning and priming.
Because the staircase was several years old, we started by thoroughly cleaning it. Railings, spindles, and posts often collect dirt, oils from hands, and dust — especially on older staircases. Cleaning ensures proper adhesion and a long-lasting finish.
Once cleaned, we covered all surrounding areas — walls, floors, and furniture — with protective plastic and drop cloths. Our customer appreciated the attention to detail, especially since this staircase extended across multiple levels of the home.
Step 2: Sanding and Priming with Oil Primer
When painting oak, sanding and using the right primer is critical. After sanding, we applied two coats of oil-based primer.
Oil primer is the best choice for oak because it seals in the natural tannins and prevents them from bleeding into the topcoat. After the first coat, we lightly sanded the surface to smooth out any brush marks or rough spots.
Then, we applied a second coat of primer for complete coverage and maximum sealing. Between coats, we used fine-grit sandpaper to achieve a perfectly smooth surface for painting.
This step is time-consuming, but it’s what separates professional work from quick DIY attempts. As experienced Crystal Lake painters, we know that skipping or rushing the priming stage can lead to bleed-through and long-term issues.
Step 3: Painting the Railings and Posts
With the staircase properly sealed, we began painting the railings and posts.
The homeowner chose Tricorn Black, a rich, deep black color from Sherwin Williams that pairs beautifully with white spindles. This color is bold but sophisticated, adding contrast and depth to the space.
We applied two coats of Tricorn Black using Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel, one of our top three interior paints for trim and woodwork.
This enamel is specifically designed for doors, trim, and cabinetry — areas that need a durable finish. It levels out as it dries, eliminating brush marks and creating a smooth, professional finish.
Each coat was sanded lightly once dry to maintain a flawless surface. Because this was a massive staircase spanning three levels, some areas required us to use extension ladders to reach the upper spindles and railings safely.
Step 4: Painting the Spindles
Once the black railings and posts were complete, we focused on the white spindles. We used the same Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel in a white semi-gloss finish.
Painting spindles is tedious work — especially when a staircase has dozens of them. Each spindle was brushed carefully to ensure even coverage and crisp lines where the white meets the black railing. This level of precision is something our Crystal Lake painters take pride in.
The contrast between the Tricorn Black railings and the white spindles created a modern, elegant look that completely transformed the staircase.
Why We Use Self-Leveling Trim Enamel
For our staircase and trim projects, we use a high-quality self-leveling urethane enamel instead of standard acrylic semi-gloss paint.
This product contains special leveling agents that help the enamel smooth out as it dries, virtually eliminating brush marks and creating a flawless, factory-like finish.
Beyond its appearance, this urethane enamel also dries harder and provides a much more durable surface than typical acrylic paints.
It resists scuffs, chips, and everyday wear, making it ideal for staircases, railings, doors, and trim—areas that see constant use. The result is a smooth, professional finish that not only looks incredible but stands the test of time.
Step 5: Finishing Touches and Cleanup
Once the final coat of paint was dry, we inspected every spindle, post, and railing to ensure perfection.
The customer had scheduled carpet installation and a new runner for the stairs, which completed the updated look beautifully.
We carefully removed all masking, plastic, and tape, leaving the area spotless. Cleanliness and respect for the homeowner’s space are part of what makes our company stand out among top-rated painting companies in Crystal Lake IL.
When the customer saw the completed staircase, she was thrilled with the results. The combination of Tricorn Black and white completely brightened up the home and added a sense of sophistication.
Benefits of Painting Your Staircase Instead of Replacing It
Many homeowners assume they need to replace their staircase to modernize it. However, painting can achieve a dramatic transformation for a fraction of the cost.
Here’s why more people are looking for experienced Crystal Lake painters to paint their oak staircase:
Cost-effective: Painting costs significantly less than replacement.
Faster turnaround: Most staircase projects are completed within days.
Durability: Professional products and proper prep ensure lasting results.
Customization: Choose colors and finishes that match your style.
Sustainability: Keeps existing materials out of landfills.
For oak staircases, painting is one of the best ways to modernize your home’s interior while maintaining the craftsmanship of the original woodwork.
Where We’ve Completed Staircase Painting Projects in Crystal Lake, IL
Over the years, our Crystal Lake painters have transformed staircases in a wide variety of homes — from charming older properties near downtown to newer builds in growing subdivisions.
Each project comes with its own challenges and design goals, but our approach always stays the same: careful prep, quality materials, and attention to detail that makes every staircase look brand new.
We’ve completed interior painting projects in several Crystal Lake neighborhoods including:
The Four Colonies
Coventry
Wedgewood
Kings Gate
Ashton Pointe
Bryn Mawr
Downtown Crystal Lake
These neighborhoods showcase a mix of styles — from traditional oak railings to modern open-concept staircases — and we’ve had the pleasure of helping homeowners refresh and update them all.
Working with Our Team of Crystal Lake Painters
What made this staircase project truly stand out was the great collaboration with the homeowner.
They were incredibly accommodating, giving us the space and time we needed to work carefully, while also staying engaged in every step — from choosing the perfect colors to reviewing progress along the way.
At our company, we believe great results start with great communication. We approach every project — whether it’s a single staircase or a full interior repaint — with the same level of care, precision, and respect for your home.
When you work with our painters in Crystal Lake IL, you’re not just getting a fresh coat of paint. You’re working with professionals who take pride in craftsmanship and in helping homeowners love the space they live in.
Ready to Transform Your Home?
Have you been searching online using terms like ‘painters near me’ to update your staircase, trim, or interior walls? Our Crystal Lake team is here to help.
We specialize in painting in Crystal Lake IL and surrounding areas — including Cary, Lake in the Hills, Algonquin, and McHenry.
Contact Advantage Painting Services today for a free, no-obligation estimate, and let our Crystal Lake painters bring new life to your home — one brushstroke at a time.