09/02/2026
A major transformation on this staircase in Bay Head, NJ. We converted the existing stained wood handrails and newel posts to a clean white finish, giving the entire stairwell a brighter, more updated look.
On a project like this, the finish is only as good as the prep underneath it.
The existing stained and clear-coated wood was thoroughly sanded, cleaned, and deglossed to create the proper surface for adhesion. From there, we applied the appropriate stain-blocking primer before moving on to the finish coats.
That priming step is especially important when converting stained wood to white. Without the proper primer, natural tannins and staining from the wood can bleed through the new paint, causing yellow or brown discoloration over time. Taking the extra steps during prep helps prevent bleed-through and gives the new finish a much better chance of staying crisp and white.
After priming, everything was finished with Benjamin Moore Regal Select Semi-Gloss for a smooth, durable and washable finish designed to handle the everyday use a staircase gets.
A lot more goes into a stained-to-painted conversion than simply putting white paint over the wood—and the prep makes the difference.