Our exterior stairs were in rough shape. When I first painted them two years ago with Cabot Deck Correct, I had high hopes—it promised to fill cracks, lock down splinters, and resist dirt. But instead, the paint sank into the wood, didn’t cover imperfections, and was impossible to keep clean. The risers were still peeling, and every time I used the stairs, I cringed.
Before
After
Scraping the old paint was oddly satisfying—for about 30 minutes. Sanding with a sponge got me nowhere, so I switched to the orbital sander. Still, the prep felt endless. To top it off, we had to leave town mid-project and came back with the worst flu ever.
But the final result made it all that prep worth it. The fresh white paint made the front of our house look so much nicer. And yes, I stepped in it, so keep a damp rag handy.
Steps to Painting: EXTERIOR STAIRS
1. Scraping Off the Old Paint
The first step was to remove the peeling paint from the surface. Using a paint scraper, I carefully scraped away the loose and flaky paint. Some areas were cracked, but not enough to come off with the paint scraper. It’s important to get as smooth a surface as possible, for the new paint to adhere properly. This tool is very helps scrap the paint quickly, but works best with a new blade. Otherwise, you are basically just sanding down the existing paint.
2. Sealing the Edges
First I caulked the area where the wood met the concrete. It wasn’t easy to get a straight line of caulk, especially on the areas of wood that needed repair. In retrospect, I should have saved this for the final step. Getting a straight line would have been easier to achieve and to prevent debris getting into the caulk before it dried. The bottom riser was really rough from moisture seeping in and causing the paint to peel.
3. Repairing Cracks and Holes In The Exterior Stair Risers
Next, I used Bondo All-Purpose Putty. This product is excellent for filling and smoothing imperfections on wood and concrete. After the Bondo dried, I sanded it down for a seamless finish. At first, I tried hand sanding with a sanding sponge, but it wasn’t effective. I switched to an orbital sander. I started with 60-grit sandpaper to smooth the rough areas. Then, I gradually worked up to 220-grit for a smooth finish, ready for paint.
4. Cleaning and Prepping the Area
After sanding, I vacuumed and wiped the steps with a wet rag to remove all dust. Don’t try this on a windy day.
5. Taping Off the Gray Areas
I wanted to paint the risers, banister, railings, columns, and front door trim white. So, I carefully taped off the gray stair parts to keep everything clean and crisp. I used painters tape specifically for rough surfaces, which did exactly what it promised.
6. Priming the Surface
Finally up to Painting! I applied a coat of Kilz White Interior/Exterior Primer. After the first coat dried, I lightly sanded the surface to smooth out any imperfections before applying the second coat.
7. Painting the Exterior Stairs and Exterior Door Frame
For the final color, I used BEHR PREMIUM Ultra Pure White Porch and Patio Floor Paint in a low-lustre finish. I applied it to the risers and trim. I applied two coats, which it needed to cover the areas I had repaired with Bondo.
Final Reveal
Swipe to see the transformation! From dingy and damaged to fresh and flawless — proof that a little elbow grease (and the right tools) can make a huge difference. 
Before: Peeling paint and weathered wood made these stairs unsafe and unsightly. Caulking where the wood meets the concrete After I applied Bondo Exterior stairs freshly painted with primer After: A fresh coat of paint and repaired wood gave these exterior stairs a brand-new look.
Key Tips for Painting Exterior Stairs
- Prep: Sanding, cleaning, and priming are the most important steps if you want a long-lasting finish.
- Quality Products: Invest in an exterior paint designed for wood steps and outdoor use.
- Seal: Don’t skip sealing gaps between the wood and walkway to protect against moisture damage.
- Be Patient: Allow each layer (primer and paint) to dry fully before applying the next, or you can risk it all peeling off.
FAQ: Repairing
Inspect the steps closely for soft spots, discoloration, or crumbling areas. Use a screwdriver to gently press into the wood; if it sinks easily, the wood may be rotting.
No, painting over rotting wood won’t fix the issue. You need to remove the rotted sections. Then, fill the area with wood filler or epoxy. Alternatively, replace the wood entirely. This ensures structural integrity before painting.
For extensive rot, it’s best to replace the damaged boards entirely. If the rot has compromised the structure of the steps, consult a professional for repairs. Once replaced, seal the new wood properly before painting.
Seal gaps where the wood meets concrete to prevent moisture infiltration. Use a high-quality exterior primer and paint, and apply a water-resistant sealer to protect the wood from weather and humidity.
FAQ: Painting
Seal the painted steps with a clear topcoat, such as a polyurethane or polycrylic sealer designed for exterior use. This adds an extra layer of protection against dirt, stains, and weather.
The process typically takes 3–5 days, including prep work, drying time between coats of primer and paint, and applying a sealer. Plan for a long weekend to complete the project.
If the existing paint is in good condition, you can paint over it. However, if it’s peeling or cracking, it must be removed to create a smooth surface for the new paint to adhere properly.
Consider practical and aesthetic factors. Lighter colors like white create a clean look but may show dirt easily, while darker colors hide stains better. Match the color to your home’s exterior design for a cohesive look.
You’ll need a paint scraper, sandpaper or an orbital sander, painter’s tape, a high-quality brush, a roller, primer, paint, and a sealer. Don’t forget protective gear like gloves and a mask for sanding.
Lessons Learned While Repainting My Front Porch Steps
Honestly, this whole process reminded me that a little extra effort can make a huge difference. It wasn’t the most glamorous weekend. At one point, I had dust in my hair, paint on my face, and Bondo under my nails. But I’m no longer cringing every time I walk up to my front door.
If you’re thinking about repainting your exterior steps, take it from me: do the prep work.
Help Me Pick a Color
Next up is tackling the deck boards on the porch. I need to pick a color that’s way better at hiding dirt. Because I’m not scrubbing footprints off the porch every day.
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