Boring question re: painting staircase

[Gettingannoyednow]

We had the house renovated, ran out of money, did some things because we had to and left others until we had done more money.

This is how we ended up with a staircase which is fairly newly carpeted but the wooden bits at the side, the balusters and bannister all require painting. It's going to be a right faff. I really, really don't want to get paint on the new-ish carpet.

Can I pay a handy (wo)man to come round and take up the carpet on the stairs, and then put the same carpet back down again a few days later when I've finished painting?

I've looked at trying to protect the carpet with masking tape but I don't think it will work.

I have high standards but poor DIY skills. Helpful advice appreciated!

Whoever you get to do it will cover it up properly or remove it as you wish

I'm going to do the painting myself, I was just wondering whether the carpet fitter will think I'm mad or if there's a cheaper way round it.

I’ve seen plastic stuff, possibly slightly sticky, that gets laid onto carpets to protect them when doing building or painting.

Is it a runner or does the carpet go edge to edge of the stairs?

this kind of thing

Can you do the fake tan mitt trick to help with painting? (Put paint on the mitt and the use to paint rather than trying to paint tricky curves with a brush)

My tip is start at the top of the stairs! Once made the mistake of starting at the bottom. Much easier to go down rather than up.

How is the carpet fitted?

I thought most people just put something on the stairs? I've seen handymen use sheets of plastic. I use old bedsheets. I've never heard of anyone removing the carpets.

I’d just take my time and put masking tape on the edges of the carpet tucking a little bit under and paint that edge carefully with a smallish brush.

Use this, put it 1cm too far to each edge and use a plastic spatula or smoothing tool to tuck the overhang in between the skirting board and the edge of the carpet. It’s easy!

put a thick masking tape over the carpet and push the edge in with a chisel where it meets the wooden side

Yes, had it twice, both successful. I have a brilliant NHS dentist but he's retiring soon and there's no-one to take his place yet.

Ooooh that looks great. Will give it a go!

Is it a runner or does the carpet go edge to edge of the stairs?

Fitted carpet 😫

put a thick masking tape over the carpet and push the edge in with a chisel where it meets the wooden side

Will give this a try tonight.

Thanks all!