About 15 months ago, I decorated this hall, stairs and landing. I wanted to test something out. The handrail takes a battering, and customer wanted something that would last. However, they had opted for a dark eggshell / satin finish and ring marks etc would probably ruin it pretty quick.
The other problem handrails normally face is the oil from peoples’ hands can damage and lift paint over time. That’s why you often see paint lifting on handrails or newel posts when all the other paintwork in the room is sound.
We needed something which was going to be tough!! Something that was going to last!! Something with maximum durability!!
Knowing how good a finish Zinsser Allcoat is, I opted for that, but because it would mark easily on something like this. I thought I would give it a coat of Tikkurila Unica 20 oil varnish to protect the finished paintwork. Polyvine Decorators’ varnish is supposed to do the same job, but I’ve never used that. Tikkurila is a brand I know and love!
It was a bit trial and error, as I hadn’t used varnish on top of paint before, but it dried smooth as silk. It actually improved the finish of the Zinsser Allcoat, which is pretty awesome in itself! As you can see from the pictures, it added depth and a richness which looked amazing!
So, over a year down the line, there isn’t a mark on it. Even at the bottom where people pivot and swing round it. The pictures were taken today.
Also did the same method on this front door, and drove past it the other week, still solid 👌🏼
So, if you have dark handrails or the like to do, this is a sure fire hit for extra durability 💥
For more information on Zinsser AllCoat click here
For more information on Tikkurila click here
Best Hard-Wearing Paint for Banisters
The above is an example of a specific job. I opted for Zinsser Allcoat because I knew it would look good in black, and then I protected the surface with Tikkurila Unica 20 for maximum durability.
I thought it might be helpful if I explained a little bit more about the products used. I’ll also list a couple of other good hard-wearing paints for banisters.
Zinsser Allcoat
This is a water-based paint that is self-priming. You can use it inside or out, on just about anything from banisters, to a masonry wall or a front door. The opacity in white isn’t great, so if you’re using white, then I’d recommend a coat of undercoat first.
You can’t argue with the results when you use Zinsser Allcoat on a banister. A drop of Smith & Rodger Flow & Bond will help avoid brush marks, but either way, you won’t have an issue achieving a good finish.
Johnstone’s Aqua Guard
This is the most popular water-based paint for interior woodwork amongst Painters and Decorators. It is extremely hard-wearing, so it’s perfect for a banister. You will need to use Aqua Guard Primer to help with adhesion and opacity. This paint is available as a matt, satin, and gloss, and the finish is outstanding.
I haven’t used Johnstone’s Aqua Guard in tinted colours, but I’m sure it’s fine. It’s fantastic in Brilliant White.
RockTop Multi-Surface Clearcoat
This is another varnish you can use over a painted banister to help with durability. Unlike Tikkurila Unica 20, RockTop Multi-Surface Clearcoat is water-based, which makes it a lot quicker and easier to use.
RockTop is a product I use a lot and can wholeheartedly recommend. It barely changes the overall aesthetics and as the name suggests, it really is rock solid. One coat is usually enough to protect paintwork.
FAQs
What is the toughest paint for handrails?
Oil-based paints are probably the toughest, but they’re becoming less popular. You can achieve maximum durability on a painted handrail by using a water-based satin or eggshell and then protecting it with a clear varnish.
Is it better to paint or stain a handrail?
This is down to personal preference. A stained handrail and spindles can look quite dated, but painted spindles and a stained handrail can look brilliant.
How to seal a painted handrail?
All you need to do is apply one coat of clear varnish over the top. Make sure you choose a “multi-surface” varnish, otherwise you may have adhesion issues between varnish and paint.
Should handrails be gloss or satin?
Satin is by far the most popular choice for handrails, but it depends on how much of a feature you’re trying to make of it. Picking your handrail out in a different colour and using a gloss paint is very bold, but it’ll look stunning if you get it right.
Looks great
has anyone tried this method of Tikkurila oil varnish on Kitchen cupboard doors after painting them to give added protection…. Just wondering..
I havent tried, but on darker units, I dont see any reason not to
Hi Wesley.Have you used Zinsser Allcoat exterior ? ( as per link) Thanks.Damian
yes, its the exterior water based zinsser allcoat. I chose that over others as with dark colours, it is a soperb product that doesnt dry with any brushmarks in satin. Then the varnish coat is applied ontop of that
Recoat touch up could possibly blister, the heat from the sun coat pull the varnish away, resulting in small blisters, especially if a dark colour.
How can you touch up the front door with allcoat? Would it stick correctly to the old oil varnish.
I think you are leaving yourself open to problems which no manufacturer will entertain.
Looks great and it’s obviously worked in terms of longevity.
Had/have you previously tried any of the wb Tikkurila clear finishes?
I have tried the kiva on a light handrail, and although good, didnt match the silky, touch fee of the unica, imo
*silky tough feel
I’ve used Zinseer Allcoat Exterior ( can be used internally) on interior woodwork previously, it’s incredible stuff ( even though it’s microporous and slightly softer under the finished cured coat…. I recently tried the new Heavy Duty Extreme Varnish by Polyvine as a protective coat… and that’s worked fantastically well, as close to the PV67 epoxy varnish as you can get in a water based form 👌🏼
Does it only work on darker colours?
Wesley. Which Allcoat did you use?
I want to paint [brush] bannister, newels, etc. to stairs. Previously coated in a white, oil based satinwood. The wearing areas (tops of newels and bannister) have badly worn – down to bare wood in places!
It puts the rest of the paintwork to shame.
Also wondered if this would be good for previously painted wardrobe doors – as they also take a ‘battering’?
I’m painting a bannister in satin allcoat will it not last on it’s own