How can I maintain outdoor front steps?

You can sand all the paint off your wooden steps and use a stain that absorbs into the wood. I had to do this to two decks and stairs. I purchased Armstrong Clark deck stain after reading numerous reviews. It is the best deck stain I have ever used. It does not peel or bubble. With time it fades and loses it's water repellency but it does last for about 3 to 4 years before it has to be reapplied. It would work for your wooden steps.

https://www.deckstainhelp.com/armstrong-clark-wood-deck-stain-review-2017

https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com

Thanks for your suggestion. I will look into the colour choices since the porch and ballisters are in 2 different colors that would be a factor.

Wood steps are always going to get damp through out the years no matter how many time you paint them, we added brick steps instead of wood. just in case here is a video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JO5dJaLtPpY

Floor paint perhaps?

Paint can peel due to a difference in moisture. Bottom, sides, and top should be protected. I pre-treated a deck bottom before installing the boards. Also, ensure there is drainage on your steps. Gaps between boards or a slight slope.

The paint will always fade or peel, but you should be able to get it to last for a few years if you follow these steps: https://homeguides.sfgate.com/paint-exterior-wooden-staircase-25065.html

If you sand it thoroughly you could stain instead

It is super hard to get any type of finish to stick to an exterior horizontal surface, especially if it's damp. I've tried so many different types of primers and paints and sealants, and have never been satisfied. That why I use Trex type decking and trim boards outside for those type of projects. HERE is a post where I talk in depth about the new front porch addition where we used Trex.

You could remove all the paint and stain or pickle or whitewash.

Opaque stain should do the trick!

Hi Heather. Sand all the peeling paint off. You could use a sander or a pressure washer if you have one available. Then clean well. And, last but not least, go ahead and stain. Good luck Heather. Stay well and healthy.

Hi! I would add, that as you replace any wood you might want to consider pressure treated wood. For exterior wood, I use exterior sealer intended for exposure to water like a marine sealer. Good luck and stay well!

Thanks for the input. I think that stain is the answer.

Hello. I don’t know if this would help or would be attractive solution. But when our elderly dog was having troubles on the stairs we’ve got we purchased those black sand paper strips to put on the treads. I wonder if that application of the nonslip surface tread would help your paint job last longer if the abrasive stair tread would handle the abuse rather than the paint job?

What kind of paint are you using? Porch & Floor paint or Marine Epoxy are the two I've used successfully for those applications. You have to make sure it is totally dry first.