Interior Painting · Nov 2019
Two-story foyer with iron balusters painted
Two-story foyer with iron balusters painted. These are before, in-progress and after photos from the job, taken Nov 2019. This interior painting project was done by Larry Gaytos and the My Personal Painter crew. We are based in Florence, Kentucky, and our work is covered by a 2-year touch-up warranty.
Before and After Photos
Two-Story Foyer Repainted Around Oak Rails and Black Iron Balusters
This two-story foyer has a long open staircase with an oak handrail, oak newel posts and black iron balusters in twisted and basket styles, photographed in Nov 2019. Before the work, the tall walls had a mottled, sponged faux finish in tan and peach that looked blotchy under the iron chandelier. The ceiling is textured, and a tall window sits high on the upper wall. In-progress photos show a telescoping ladder set up in the stairwell, drop cloths draped over every stair tread, and the balcony walkway upstairs covered for protection. In the after photos, the walls are a smooth, even light warm neutral from floor to ceiling line. The sponged pattern is gone, and the lighter walls make the black balusters and oak rails stand out. The upper wall around the window reads clean and bright, and the chandelier now hangs against a calm background instead of a busy finish.
How We Painted This Two-Story Foyer
- We draped drop cloths over every stair tread and along the upstairs walkway, and covered the floor at the base of the stairs.
- A telescoping ladder was set up on the stairs with level footing, so the crew could safely reach the tallest walls and the upper window.
- Nail holes and dings were filled, and ridges in the old sponged finish were sanded down so they would not show through the new color.
- A coat of primer went over the faux finish to even out the mottled tan and peach layers and give the new paint one uniform base.
- We cut in carefully around the oak rails, iron balusters, window casing and textured ceiling line, keeping each edge neat and straight.
- Two finish coats were rolled on the walls, then we removed the drop cloths and checked the foyer from both the stairs and the balcony.
Paint Colors Similar to This Light Foyer and Black Balusters
These are similar shades to consider for a tall foyer like this one, not the exact paint color that was used on these walls.
Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist OC-27
A soft, warm light neutral close to the new foyer walls. It stays bright on tall walls that get light from a high window.
Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter HC-172
A warm gray-beige a shade deeper than these walls. It suits oak rails and hides scuffs along a busy staircase.
Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron 2124-10
A soft black similar to the iron balusters. It works well if you ever want to refresh metal spindles or stair accents.
Questions About Painting a Two-Story Foyer
Can you paint over a sponged or faux wall finish?
Yes. The wall should be checked for raised texture and sanded where needed, then primed so the different layers of color do not show through. A faux finish with a glaze may also need a bonding primer. After priming, two finish coats usually give a smooth, solid color.
How do painters reach the walls in a tall foyer?
Painters use extension ladders, telescoping stair ladders, planks or small scaffolds, depending on the stair layout. The ladder must sit level and secure on the steps. Extension poles help with rolling high walls. Working safely at height takes time, which is one reason many homeowners hire this job out.
What sheen is best for stairwell and foyer walls?
Eggshell or satin is a common choice. Both have a slight sheen that wipes clean better than flat paint, which helps where hands, bags and pets brush the walls. Flat paint hides wall flaws best on very tall surfaces, so some painters use flat high up and eggshell lower.
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