I have another question about a banister I posted about in Sept.

Louise
by Louise
https://www.hometalk.com/diy/repair/furniture/q-i-had-my-banister-painted-in-feb-but-about-two-months-later-31469927 I'm finally getting ready to make the paint repairs to the banister. I'm actually to the point of applying the primer to the railing. I'm only going to paint the railing and the knobs. Problem is that the primer isn't very thick and I want an easy way to make sure it doesn't run or drip onto anything under it. All I can think of is to attach newspaper or plastic or something with Frog Tape that would be taped at the top of the balusters and extend to the treads so if any primer drips, it won't get on parts I'm going to paint. Is there an easier way? The primer is Zinsser B-I-N Ultimate Stain Blocker and is gray.
  5 answers
  • 2dogal 2dogal on Dec 31, 2017

    It sounds like you're doing the right thing. Prep work is always time consuming, but saves later.

  • William William on Dec 31, 2017

    Seems like you got it covered (pardon the pun). It does seem daunting but when its done right you can look at your work and pat yourself on the back. Good Luck.

  • Abel Baker Abel Baker on Dec 31, 2017

    Chill the paint down to 50 degrees. It will be thicker. Prime quickly, and do not go over and over the primer as this will warm it up! If it is too thick or clumpy, allow to warm up to 60 degrees. Try this first with just a cup of primer put in a jar. Use a high quality brush.

    • See 1 previous
    • Louise Louise on Jan 01, 2018

      This is probably a dumb question, but if I don't have a way of measuring the temperature, how can I know when it's at 50? I like this idea.

  • Shoshana Shoshana on Jan 01, 2018

    Newspapers would be my way to go as well!

  • Abel Baker Abel Baker on Jan 14, 2018

    Good question! Well, let's see. The paint should a bit warmer than a can that is in your fridge. If there isn't one in there, put a can of vegetables or soup or whatever inside and wait several hours. How the can feels will be about 40 degrees, if you keep your fridge at the recommended temperature. Fridge thermometers are inexpensive and important for your health. The paint can should feel a bit, but noticeably, warmer than the can of vegetables...

    Or, better yet, get a thermometer that reads temps down to 50 degrees. I saw one on Walmart's site for $3.73 (Taylor 3512 Instant Read 1" Dial Thermometer - down to 0 deg), and one on Amazon for $13.71 that is more substantial (Wilton Candy Thermometer - down to 58 deg). Try cooling the paint down to 60 degrees first +/-. It will take longer to dry than when at room temperature. Under normal circumstances, paint should be used at room temperature.