You don't need to find a new market

You already work in homes where the staircase is visibly worn, smooth or dated. Stair renovation isn't a completely new target group, but an extra solution for clients who already trust you. The client is already there, the trust is already there — only the offer was missing until now. And there's something else at play: whoever tackles a client's staircase in winter, keeps that client warm. Come spring, that same client won't think of anyone else for the exterior painting — but you.

Three ways to start as a painter with stair renovation

You can enter at three levels, and you don't have to start with the heaviest.

Route 1 — Paint the staircase, renew the treads with GripStep Pro
You paint the stringer, side panels, risers and handrail — the work you already do daily — and apply GripStep Pro to the existing treads: anti-slip elements in natural stone composite placed on the walking surface of the tread. Entry level: low-threshold, no installation partner needed.

Route 2 — Get started without becoming an installer yourself
You advise the client and handle the painting; an installation partner from the Omnistair network takes care of the technical measuring, custom cutting and installation of the complete overlay treads. You only do a rough initial survey yourself. What remains is what you already do well: advising the client, carrying out the painting and finishing the staircase. How the fee and delivery work exactly is discussed during the introductory meeting.

Route 3 — Carry out complete Signature renovations independently
After a 3-day practical training, you independently carry out the full renovation: advising, measuring, custom cutting, installing and finishing. After that, you decide per job what you outsource and what you do yourself — everything yourself for a simple straight staircase, bringing in the installation partner for a spiral staircase or a full schedule. You work with Signature: Omnistair's complete, seamless staircase finish — treads, side panels, risers, handrails and optional LED lighting. Entry level: after practical training.

Why Signature is especially interesting for painters

A client who has their staircase painted spends a modest amount. A client who chooses a complete Signature renovation invests in the centrepiece of their home — and that difference shows in what's left per job. With Signature, the EverStep tread forms the durable base for the walking surface; the complete custom finish — side panels, risers, stringer and handrail — is built around it. Same client, same home, but a job worth a multiple of painting alone.

Support when something goes wrong

You work according to an established system and receive instructions for substrate assessment, preparation and application. Omnistair supports you with product-technical questions. For routes 1 and 3, responsibility for your own installation stays with you as an independent contractor. For route 2, the same split applies as with any manufacturer: Omnistair guarantees the material, and the installation partner who installs is responsible for their own installation — not you as the painter.

Short training, proven system — preventing costly failures

The biggest concern with a new service isn't the technique, but the risk: what if it comes loose, what if the client makes a claim? That's why at Omnistair you never work it out on your own. For route 3, the training is a practical 3-day course built around preparation, system build-up, finishing and client advice. Price and entry requirements are discussed during the introductory meeting. The training is also open to career changers and returners looking for hands-on work.

You don't need to invest in a full workshop right away

For routes 1 and 2, you don't need to master a whole new installation trade or expensive spray equipment. You largely use the tools and skills you already have as a painter. For route 3, we discuss in advance which additional materials and tools are needed. You can start small and expand only once you want to take on more of the work yourself.

What your first project looks like

1. You spot a staircase at an existing client that's due for renewal
2. Advice and sample selection with the client
3. Survey of the staircase (rough for route 2, precise for route 3)
4. Quotation
5. Installation by you and/or the installation partner, depending on the chosen route
6. Delivery according to the agreements of the chosen route

Start with your own clients

You don't need to run ads to get started. Go through your current client list: at how many homes where you've worked is there a staircase that's worn, smooth or dated? A single email or message in October — "I'm doing staircases this winter too" — is often enough to plan your first jobs.

Prefer advising over installing yourself?

Then take a look at the route for selling stair renovation selling-stair-renovation. A craftsman from the Omnistair network handles the measuring and installation there, while you guide the client and receive a fee per completed project.

Already an established stair renovation company? See this page for companies

Frequently asked questions

1. Do I need experience with stair renovation to get started? No. Experience as a painter and being able to prepare and finish work carefully form a good basis. In route 1 you learn to install GripStep Pro. In route 2 you provide advice and painting, and an installation partner handles the technically critical part. For route 3 you take a more extensive practical training.
2. Do I need expensive equipment? Not to get started. For routes 1 and 2 you don't need a whole new workshop or expensive spray equipment — you work with your own tools. For route 3 we discuss in advance which materials and tools are needed.
3. How long is the Signature training? The training takes 3 days and is built practically around preparation, system build-up, finishing and client advice. Price and entry requirements are discussed during the introductory meeting.
4. Can I do this alongside my existing painting business? Yes. Stair renovation can be planned as an additional indoor service, for example during periods when outdoor work is postponed. You decide which routes and how many projects fit your schedule.
5. What if something goes wrong with the installation? For routes 1 and 3 you work according to the processing instructions and receive technical support from Omnistair; installation responsibility lies with you. For route 2, the same split applies as with any manufacturer: Omnistair guarantees the material, the installation partner who installs is responsible for their own installation.

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