never harvest your herbs at this time of day, garden pros warn

Gardening

Never Harvest Your Herbs at This Time of Day, Garden Pros Warn—It Will Ruin the Flavor

Drescription

Whether you have a full bed of rosemary, oregano, and mint or are growing a mini edible herb garden in pots, there' a specific methodology in retaining flavor and freshness that comes down to the time of day you harvest.

We spoke with two experts to understand the worst time of day to harvest herbs, and how to set your harvesting schedule up for success when it comes to timing.

Meet the Expert

Sara Rubens is a certified garden coach and founder of Seed to Sanctuary, a company that supports people in becoming proficient gardeners.

Edwin Dysinger is an expert gardener and the co-founder of the garden planning app Seedtime.

The Worst Time to Harvest Herbs

The worst time to harvest herbs is in the afternoon, especially during the summer when the day hits its hottest point.

"This is when the sun is strongest and the plants are under the most stress," says gardening coach Sara Rubens. "During this time, essential oils—which are responsible for the herb’s aroma and flavor—tend to dissipate due to the heat."

In doing so, you potentially lose out on a lot of their unique taste and won't be able to experience the plant at its best. However, there is a single exception to the rule.

"If your goal is longer shelf life, rather than greater potency and flavor, it is ideal to harvest from mid-day to afternoon," says expert gardener Edwin Dysinger. "This is because during the day, as the herbs photosynthesize, they manufacture carbohydrates (sugars) as a byproduct. Higher carbohydrate levels in the leaves result in better post-harvest storage."

On extremely hot summer days, you may still need to adjust your harvesting time to earlier. Even if you're planning for storage as opposed to using right away, the sun can scorch or wilt the leaves.

Best Time to Harvest Herbs

The best time to harvest your herbs is in the morning, just after the dew has dried and before the sun gets too hot. While your culinary and DIY endeavors will benefit from the exceptional flavor, there are a few other reasons for this.

"In addition to having higher levels of essential oils in the morning, levels of vitamins, antioxidants, and polyphenols are also higher and decrease as the day progresses with prolonged exposure to the sun," says Dysinger.

How to Harvest Herbs for Maximum Flavor

Now that you have the time of day down, there are a few other factors to consider for an optimal harvest.

Dysinger notes that for leafy herbs that eventually flower, it's best to harvest before those blooms appear. Not only will it impact the taste if they flower, but leave production will decrease, too.

"Regular picking of leaves will help to prolong the time before flowering," he says. "If you want to do a larger harvest for preservation and storage, leave between one-half and two-thirds of the plant intact. This will enable it to have the strength to regrow quickly for more harvests."

Well-timed plucking and harvesting are imperative, as is giving your herbs the best possible growing conditions. Ruben notes that well-draining soil, ample sunlight, and the right levels of water are key—and so is pruning.

"Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and more tender leaves," she says.

If you have cooler patches around your garden, consider bringing in some herbs that grow in shade, like cilantro or sweet cicely. Don't forget to take a look at herb companion plants for successful growth and to overwinter your plants so you can keep the cycle going next season.

5 Tips for Flavorful Herbs

Here are a few expert-approved tips for keeping your herbs full of flavor:

Harvest in the morning. Do so after the dew dries and before the sun reaches its peak. This will retain flavor, antioxidants, and oils.

Watch the fertilizer. Ruben notes that too much fertilizer can dilute the flavor of herbs too. "Growing herbs in nutrient-rich but not overly fertile soil, and harvesting them at the right time, will help ensure they’re flavorful and aromatic," she says.

Understand your herbs' needs. Make sure that they're receiving the right amount of light or shade, water, and nutrients; even herbs that love the sun might need shade on extremely hot days.

Prevent bolting. Don't allow certain herbs (like basil) to flower if you intend to harvest—this can put a damper on the taste.

Know your herb. Learn which parts are edible for each herb type you have. You'll be able to make the most of every bit of flavor this way.

How to Pack Light and Still Be Fashionable, According to Style Expert Tan France

Traveling with only a carry-on doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your best looks. As a frequent traveler, style expert Tan France has more experience than most when it comes to striking the right balance between packing practically and fashionably. France even partnered with Europe's train booking app, Trainline, to create the brand’s first-ever European style guide of curated “trainleisure” outfits for top European destinations—the UK, France, and Italy. But picking out what to wear on any kind of vacation is only half the battle—getting it all to fit in our luggage is the even trickier half. As much as we wish we could just bring all the options, overpacking and overpaying for a checked bag can really ruin the vacay vibe. So, for stress-free and stylish travels, take notes from France's six tips for packing light as a fashionista. How to Pack Light Without Compromising Style Pick 3-ish Pairs of Shoes As tempting as it is to pack shoes for each outfit, that’s a travel fashion fail. France recommends bringing only three pairs of shoes, one option to wear on the ride, and two options in your carry-on bag. In the train, plane, or car, wear your bulkiest, heaviest, or chunkiest shoe. “The longer the train or plane ride, the more important that you take on that chunky shoe,” he says. “Whether loafers, heels, or boots, France says donning the heaviest shoes frees up the most space and baggage weight. If sporting a clunky shoe on a long-haul flight sounds like a drag, France has a remedy. “I’ve always got, in my backpack or bag, a pair of thin slippers that I will change into as soon as I get on the plane,” he says, showing off over video call the hotel slippers he picked up on his travels. After boarding, put the clunky shoe in your carry-on or the overhead compartment and enjoy a comfy, slippered transit experience. In your carry-on bag, pack two other types of footwear. The first should be a soft, lightweight sneaker that is perfect for “walking around the city all day…from train to tube to bus and still feeling comfortable.” These shoes will be your go-to in case of inclement weather, so make sure they’re ones you’re okay with getting dirty. For adventure trips, bring a neutral-colored sneaker or hiking shoe hybrid with enough traction for a light climb. The last pair of shoes (when warm-weather traveling) should be a slim, leather or faux, slide-on sandal, perfect for the pool, beach, or a morning jaunt to the coffee shop. If you’re thinking, “Why not a flip-flop?” France says think again. Even at the pool, rubber flip-flops don’t exude chic. In contrast, leather sandals are easy to clean, comfortable to wear, and just as versatile. Pack for the Person You Are, Not the Person You Want to Be on Vacation “So many of us pack as if we're going to be another person when we're in a foreign land, and none of us are,” France laughs. “If you don’t have the confidence to wear an outfit in your home state, you probably won’t have the confidence to wear it elsewhere,” he says. Instead, he advises planning outfits in advance, taking photos of your fashion prep, and packing only the things most aligned with your trip itinerary (and your personal style). If your instinct is to dress like the locals while on vacation, chances are you’re headed straight for a fashion faux pas. Instead of helping you to blend in, he explains, this can just make it look like you’re in costume trying to cosplay stereotypes. It’s important to respect the local culture, and wearing what you think locals wear is a recipe for a misstep. France says to instead “take the things you know you’re going to feel good in, things that you feel comfortable in, and the things that actually feel like you.” To maximize space in your suitcase or carry-on, France recommends storing socks, belts, or other small items inside your shoes. Contrast Neutral Clothing with Colorful Accessories To maximize outfit options, pack neutral-colored clothing and punchy accessories to bring your looks to life. For accessories, think statement jewelry—belts, neckerchieves, and scarves. These items are easy to pack and won’t take up much space. France says to always use the space inside shoes to stuff belts, socks, neckties, and other small items. This will help your shoes keep their shape, while maximizing all available space. Stay Weather-Ready The weather is always unpredictable, regardless of what the apps say. Plan for every eventuality by bringing on the layers and packing a mini pocket umbrella. Particularly when traveling from cold climates to hotter ones, plan for lightweight layers. Not only does this allow for a wide range of outfit combinations, but versatile layers help you prepare for any surprise seasonal shift. But don't just throw any random jacket or sweater in your bag. Opt for multiple lightweight layers that can work together and be styled different ways, versus one chunky sweater that takes up more space. And don't forget to incorporate these layers into your outfit planning stage, so that they still look intentional on your trip. “Make sure every layer you put on is still a look,” France says, since you may be putting on or removing these layers throughout the day. For example, before packing a sporty windbreaker that may not match any of your sundresses, consider if a breezy button down shirt or thin cardigan may be a better match with the outfits you have packed. Skip the Vacuum Seal Bags Vacuum seal bags may seem like a good solution to fitting more outfit options in your luggage, but France says they make clothes too wrinkly to bear. “Most people aren’t staying at a hotel that has an amazing iron,” he says. Even if you will have access to a good iron, no one wants to spend precious vacation time ironing out heavily wrinkled clothing. “It’s not worth it," France says. "Just pack lighter.” Leave Room to Shop Traveling isn't all about the shopping and souvenirs, but some things are just too good to pass up on. And one of the benefits of packing lighter is that it leaves room for these items in your luggage. However, France says it's still important to be discerning about what you spend your money on and try to focus on "the things you truly can’t buy at home." To prepare for some shopping, consider packing an empty, lightweight bag in your luggage that can function as a personal item for your trip back home. France also says to “see your body as an extra way to carry your new pieces,” on the way back. For any bulky wearable, put it on your person–rather than overstuffing your limited number of travel bags. Style expert Tan France is one of the Fab Five on Netflix's series Queer Eye. His memoir, Naturally Tan, was published in June 2019, and it became a New York Times Bestseller. He was also the host of the web series talk show Dressing Funny and co-host of Next in Fashion, a fashion competition reality show on Netflix. Space-Saving Packing Tips Use packing cubes to separate outfits or garments for specific activities (all of your workout gear in one, for example). Leave items you're very unlikely to wear at home. Roll rather than fold lightweight garments like T-shirts. Plan your outfits; this will help you determine if you have extraneous items you're unlikely to wear. Pack small items last. A thin tank top that can be rolled and stuffed into any available crevice in your suitcase is an easy last-minute addition, but you'll have more difficulty finding a spot for that bulky blazer. Wear layers on the plane. Wrapping that chunky sweater over your shoulders will save room in your suitcase, plus you'll be prepared if the plane is chilly. Opt for travel-size toiletries or decant your favorite full-size products into smaller (TSA-approved) bottles with leak-proof lids. Include at least one spare outfit, underwear, and socks in your carry-on. Not only will this save space in your checked luggage, but it will save the day if your luggage is misplaced. Rely on versatile garments that can work with many outfits. A jacket that coordinates with any outfit is better than one that only works with certain looks.

Ryann Got A Perm (!!) Wanna See The 2022 Version?? Let’s Just Say She May Never Go Back

Here’s the thing I know will be true. Some of you with naturally curly hair will want to shake me and scream why would you want to change your perfectly straight hair?? Those with straight hair will be super intrigued and eager to see how this turns out. We all want we can’t have. When I showed family my new perm my aunt with gorgeous naturally curly hair was like, “It looks good! But I want straight hair!” It’s just the way it goes. All of us straight-haired gals dream about curly hair at one time or another. Because I have always had straight hair, I have always envied people with bouncy, exciting curls. I am talking Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City or Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman vibes. So a couple of years ago when I heard perms are back, I immediately hopped on board. My mom grew up in the eighties so I have heard perm horror stories but I wouldn’t let that deter me. But then a pandemic happened and lots of things became more pressing than getting a perm. But as fate would have it, a few months ago the opportunity to get a perm landed in my lap. Just as all hero journeys go, the stars aligned and I was chosen for the quest. This is me and my naturally straight hair. And I love my hair, I really do. I am very lucky to have healthy, thick, long hair, but the look you see here is the one thing my hair does. What I mean is, I am not capable of any type of hairstyling so hair down is the only hair “look” I have in my arsenal. I was beyond ready to switch it up and try something very new. Enter Curl Cult founded by Emily’s friend and hairstylist Janine. Janine spent four years in Italy creating this new perm technology so I felt extremely safe and comfortable in her hands. I am famously super trusting with hairstylists so I was ready for her to give me the most intense, voluminous curls possible. You know what they say. When in Rome. Emily was pretty nervous for me and volunteered to be my mom/hair advocate. But I am fairly gutsy when it comes to my hair. I have chopped off all my hair multiple times including getting a pixie cut when I was 16. I guess I have never had a haircut bad enough to make me fearful. *KNOCKS ON WOOD* I think the above photo depicts Emily, a curly-haired gal explaining to me, a straight-haired gal, that I will have CURLS by the end of this. HA. I think we both would like to swap hair (hence Emily’s blowout and my eagerness to get a perm) so she was trying her best to prep me for curly hair life. Her biggest fear was that I wouldn’t like it. My biggest fear was that my hair would be a few inches shorter. But other than that I was ready and excited. I showed Janine the level of curl I wanted, while Emily held all the nerves for me. I knew I wanted a layered, voluminous look and was willing to go extremely curly. I really wanted a brand new look, so the curlier the better. HERE WE GO! First, Lauren gave me a trim and layered my hair so the curls wouldn’t be too uniform. If I wasn’t getting married this year, I would have done a full 70s shag perm with bangs. But I had to keep it tame for the wedding, and getting bangs is always a risk. This is the last photo of me with straight hair. Now the party’s about to begin. Once my hair was washed and conditioned, Janine got to work rolling individual, approximately 1 inch sized strands of my hair. I am no mathematician but I think she had to put in around 100 rolls in my hair. This process probably took the longest and by the time this step was complete, it felt like my head weighed an extra 15 pounds from all the rollers. The next step is putting a liberal amount of perm solution on each strand. If you ever have gotten a perm, you might remember the smell. It’s not pleasant and the sulfur stink would linger in your hair for days. I didn’t know this but luckily I didn’t have to experience it. Janine spent 4 years working with a chemist in Italy to remove the stinky smells of perms. Her perm reduced the caustic odor adding a fresh berry scent and it WORKED. So this isn’t a smelly American perm, it’s a refined berry-infused ~Italian perm~ Once the solution was applied, I sat in a chair under a heat lamp and waited for about 30 minutes. Once the perm goddesses (Janine and Lauren) declared the solution was set, they applied a neutralizer. This is another way Janine eliminated steps in the perm process. Their neutralizer is applied over their perm solution, so there is no more messy rinsing and blotting at the bowl. Seriously, Janine’s process is magic. Once the rollers were removed we rinsed and conditioned my hair once more. You know the famous Legally Blonde quote? “Isn’t it the first cardinal rule of perm maintenance that you are forbidden to wet your hair for at least 24 hours after getting a perm at the risk of deactivating the ammonium thioglycolate” Well more accurately, you are forbidden to shampoo your hair for 48 hours. If you do, it will reverse the perm so if you have full regret, it’s an option. But luckily that was not my experience at all. The next step feels the longest because you just want to see what the result is. But you must wait for it to air dry so the curls can fully activate. My hair is very thick so this took about an hour (with the help of a heat lamp). As I was letting it air dry I could see the curls were forming and becoming more alive by the minute as I was anxiously awaiting the final reveal. SHE HAS CURLS. Honestly, we were all shocked at how good it looked. You really never know what a hairstyle change will do to your face and your whole look but luckily I was immediately in love. I think I said “I feel like Julia Roberts ala Pretty Woman” far too many times. You can almost tell through photos how soft and touchable this perm is. Perms back in the day were crunchy but this perm feels and looks natural. People have assumed that I’ve always had curly hair and that I am just now starting to wear it naturally. *flips hair* No big deal. The texture is so gorgeous and soft. I couldn’t stop flipping my hair back and forth – it was so fun. That day was windy so you can really see the frizz but as someone with straight hair, I found the big frizzy hair extremely charming. You can come for me in the comments if you want, but I feel powerful having voluminous hair that can not be tamed. So this concludes my hero’s journey. It was the best experience and I would 100% do it all over again. Next time, I might even go shoulder-length and even curlier. I am all in. If you want this perm (and you should) I have great news. You do not need to be based in LA to get it. Your stylist can be Curl Cult Certified and join the movement in just 45 minutes. Just have them start here. You can also find a Curl Cult Certified stylist near you here. And there’s us – just 3 curly-haired gals out on the town! Thank you, thank you, thank you, Janine for giving me the curls I have always wanted. It’s so fun being a curly-haired gal and I think everyone should try it. Here is a video of the whole process if you are interested (just wait for the add to play): And in case you are curious, here is what it looks like now, one month after the perm: This is another difference between the Curl Cult perm and the perms of the past. The grow-out process is much easier because the perm softens over time. My perm has already softened so I get effortless, beach curls with no heat or styling tools. I just use the Curl Cult Shampoo and Conditioner, Magic Spell (this stuff is bottled GOLD), and Curl Cream and let it air dry (you can get the whole kit here). I am famously very lazy with my hair so it’s incredible I get this look with the tiniest bit of effort. Again, THANK YOU JANINE. I could not have enjoyed this experience or the results more. If you have any questions, fire them down below.

How to Start a Successful Herb Garden and Grow All of Your Favorite Flavors

Pick a space for your herb garden that can provide the proper light, soil nutrients, and humidity your herbs need. Pick and place herbs according to their needs—some plants need less water than others. After harvesting herbs they can either be frozen or dried in order to keep them viable for longer. Herb gardens are the perfect introduction to gardening and supply your senses and pantry with fresh flavors and scents. Whether you plan to grow herbs in containers or a small plot, here are the things you need to know to start a successful herb garden. Pick a Space for Your Herb Garden Herb gardens are so popular because they are easy to start and maintain; they grow quickly and you can begin harvesting within a few weeks. The size of your herb garden is up to you and depends on the quantity and variety of herbs you want to grow. Light Almost all herbs require at least 6 hours of full sun daily. A few such as chervil, mint, chives, and cilantro can be grown in an area with light shade. Soil Herbs need well-draining soil. They will no thrive in heavy, wet soil. Adding compost to clay soil will help improve the structure and drainage. The soil does not have to be highly fertile; too many nutrients tends to produce excessive amounts of poorly-flavored foliage. Temperature and Humidity Mediterranean herbs like basil, thyme, rosemary, oregano, and lavender like warm, sunny, dry conditions. Most perennial and biennial herbs can overwinter if they are protected with layers of mulch. Established herbs can tolerate dry conditions but supplemental water is recommended during periods of drought. Use mulch to conserve soil moisture, but keep it away from the base of the plants to prevent stem rot. Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! Pick Which Herbs You Want to Grow Most people plant the herbs they enjoy using for cooking, making teas, or drying for potpourri. Some make selections based on fragrance or bloom color. The beauty of an herb garden is that it is personal to your preferences. It is a good idea to group your chosen herbs by their watering needs to prevent over-watering those that prefer drier conditions. Drought-Tolerant Herbs Borage: Once established, allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Fennel: Drought-tolerant once established; allow the soil to dry between waterings. Lavender: Lavender will not survive wet roots and heavy soil. Marjoram: Drought-tolerant and prefers dry soil with occasional watering. Oregano: Thrives in dry and warm climates with low rainfall levels. Sage: A drought-tolerant plant that prefers soil to dry out between waterings. Rosemary: Prefers slightly drier conditions and minimal watering. Thyme: Water only when the soil is completely dry. Winter savory: Once established, prefers dry soil. Herbs with Moderate Watering Needs Basil: A broadleaf herb, it requires more water than herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage. Bay laurel: For healthy leaves, keep the soil evenly moist. Catnip: A member of the mint family, catnip requires consistent moisture to flourish. Chervil: Prefers evenly moist soil with good drainage. Chives: Although drought-tolerant, chives must be watered evenly throughout the growing season for high yields. Cilantro: The soil should be kept evenly moist for tender leaves. Dill: Requires consistent moisture levels to flower and produce seeds. Lemon balm: Prefers soil that is moist but never wet. Lemon verbena: Requires regular watering. Mint: Thrives around water and can tolerate wet roots. Parsley: Evenly moist soil produces the most tender leaves of flat or curly parsley. Tarragon: Young plants need regular watering to become established. Propagating Herbs There are many ways to propagate herbs, and doing so can keep your herb garden fresh and perpetually growing for years. By Seed Nearly all herbs grow well from seed that you've saved or purchased. Fine herbs like anise, cilantro, dill, and fennel should be directly sown into the garden once the danger of frost has passed because they do not transplant well. Basil, parsley, sage, and thyme can be started indoors and transplanted into the garden when temperatures warm. After planting seeds in well-tilled soil with good drainage, water lightly until they germinate. From Cuttings To quickly establish new plants, herbs can be propagated from cuttings. Take cuttings in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing; select a 3 to 4-inch stem that is healthy and tender. Strip the leaves off the bottom two inches and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Place the stem in a small pot of moistened potting soil. Cover the pot with a plastic bag and place it in an area with bright, indirect light. Keep the soil moist and remove the plastic bag when new leaves begin to grow. Transplant the cutting into the garden once the plant has at least 3 or 4 sets of new leaves. By Division Herbs that have a clumping habit like tarragon, chives, and mint can be divided to create new plants. Use a garden trowel to gently dig up the clump of herbs. Use a clean, sterile knife to separate individual plants and replant or share them with others. Harvesting Herbs Once an herb plant has enough foliage to maintain growth, fresh leaves can be harvested. It's best to harvest herbs before they flower or go to seed because leaf production declines. Snip stems at a leaf node with sharp, sterile clippers. For the best flavor, pick leaves or seeds after the morning dew has evaporated but before temperatures are high. Before using, discard any bruised or soiled leaves and inspect the herbs for insects or foreign matter. Rinse the herbs under running water and shake gently to remove excess moisture. How to Preserve Herbs The two best methods for preserving herbs are freezing and drying. Depending on the herbs you're drying, one method might suit your needs better than the other. By Freezing Tender herbs like basil, chives, cilantro, dill, lemon balm, mint, parsley, and tarragon freeze well in small batches. After harvesting and rinsing the herbs, pat the herbs dry. Place the herbs in a freezer bag, seal the bag, and place it in the freezer. To freeze in pre-measured portions, chop the herbs finely and place them in an ice cube tray. Add a small amount of water and allow the tray to freeze. When solid, pop out the cubes and store them in plastic bags. By Drying Rosemary, sage, thyme, and winter savory are the easiest herbs to dry and will retain the most flavor and color. After harvesting and rinsing the herbs, pat them dry with a paper towel. Form small bunches and tie them with cotton string. Hang the bunches upside down in a warm, well-ventilated place until the moisture evaporates. Avoid hang in direct sunlight that can strip flavor and color. The herbs are dry when the leaves crumble and the stems break when bent. Store dried herbs whole, crumbled, or ground in a cool, dark spot in a labeled airtight container for up to six months for the best flavor.

A Quick Painting The Stairs Post…And How It’s Been Holding Up

This is a case of “how we tried to keep the budget low by saving money on the floors upstairs” which now just seems hilarious and cute. That’s right. Years ago when we bought this house we knew that we needed to do a lot of work on the first floor (reconfigure the living room, add the totally necessary sunroom, and redo the poorly constructed 60s addition). But the second floor was fine! Just needed some paint and new carpet. It’s just for the kids anyway, not our room…But once we realized that we needed all new plumbing and actual electrical, it was full of asbestos and lots of lead paint, we ended up tearing open the walls. But we were still in this “let’s save up here, the kids don’t need fancy” attempt. We wanted to splurge downstairs on some things, including the flooring, but upstairs? No, it was fine! We’d put in new carpet (there wasn’t original wood underneath), and paint the stairs and the landing. Done. Underneath the carpet here on the stairs was wood flooring (just not in the bedrooms and I don’t remember why or what was in there). While I love a runner ideally this would’ve been a natural wood. The stairs, underneath the carpet, were in great shape. The subfloor was good and they didn’t creak very much. The landing was fine, just needed some patching and a bit of restoration but I actually like the look of wobbly wood painted white in old houses. Great. So the decision was made and everyone agreed – just keep the wood stairs, the stringer, and the flooring on the landing and paint it. This is after months of construction but as you can see it was in worse and worse condition. Here’s a bit of the painted process: The Painted Stairs We chose the color Smoky Blue by Sherwin-Williams and we love it. Now in the grand scheme of things do I wish that we had wood stairs and wood floors instead of carpeted rooms? A tiny bit, but not very much. The cost difference was certainly not huge in comparison to the cost of the renovation so it just seems silly now that we tried to save money here. I truly do love the color and I love the wall-to-wall carpet – it’s very cozy, comfortable, and calming. Did painting the stairs instead of installing new stairs save us some money? Sure, but honestly probably just a couple thousand dollars in materials and a couple thousand in labor. Which isn’t nothing! If I could go back in time would I still make that choice? I honestly haven’t thought about it til this very second, which means I don’t really regret it. But sure, if I could snap my fingers I’d put that gorgeous Zena flooring everywhere and layer rugs. I asked my painter what they used and how they did it and here’s what she said: 1. What kind of primer did we use on the stairs? We used Zinsser Cover Stain oil-based primer (Stain Blocker). 2. How many coats of primer were applied? 1 coat of primer. 3. How many coats of the TREAD-PLEX Waterborne floor coating will be applied? 1 light coat first, then 2 hours later we do a full coat of paint. 4. How will it be applied? Hand or Spray? Sprayed. 5. Do you do the tread and riser at the same time? If not, what order will they be painted in? Will the stringer be painted 1st? The stringer gets painted first, then once it is dry, we cover it up with masking paper. Once the stringer is completely covered, we start painting the stairs. 6. How long does it need to cure between coats? 2 hours. The Real Question: How Has It Kept Up Since Moving In? It’s only been since late August, so 3 months tops. We always knew that we were going to add a runner but it’s taken longer than I planned, so there are some tiny chips on the edges of the treads and hard-to-see cracks already due to a lot of wear and tear. I’m very excited to get the stair runner installed (we chose this one). Stay tuned!