The staircase is the most touched part of a home, but the decision here sits with protectors and varnishes rather than wall paint. Treads, railings and handrails carry different loads and are usually handled with different products.
Wood: protection first, appearance second
Clear protectors form a barrier against mould and fungus on wooden treads and handrails without hiding the grain. The varnish over it takes on wear and UV; outdoors, UV resistance is the first criterion in choosing a product.
Metal railings and wrought iron
On metal the order is fixed: rust removal, a suitable primer, then the topcoat. Skip a step and even the best topcoat sits on rust and lifts within a couple of seasons.
Stairwell walls
Stairwell walls meet hands and bags constantly. A highly washable interior paint lasts longer here than a decorative texture; where texture is wanted, keeping it above hand height is a common solution.
