I want to remodel my oak(80's) staircase by painting ballusters black.?

Question

My floors and trim are cherry and the staircase just doesn't match. How much of the staircase should be painted? If painting wouldn't look right it really needs to be stained darker. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

If you go with stain then it is less likely than paint to wear off from usage and look shabby. You could stain it dark cherry but I would worry that anything very dark will tend to show dirt easily. Bring home a chart from the paint store and also ask them about what will work best on a stairway.

Answer 2

stain it cherry.