While the ceiling paper dried, I began assembling the staircase. This staircase is a little complicated because the instructions are a bit vague. The most important thing to remember is that the risers go flush along THE SIDE EDGE of the staircase "spine". The steps rest ON TOP of the spine. If you don't get this part right, the staircase will have a gap on the staircase side wall.
I painted my staircase on all sides because I am unsure as to what will be visible or not once installed. I decided to stain the steps dark brown and paint everything else white.
It takes a lot of detailed work to finish the staircase. All parts need to be finished before installation. The staircase has to be sanded after the first coat of paint and then given a second coat for a smooth finish. Gaps along the steps and risers have to be filled with spackling compound. Then all of the paint and stain has to be re-touched. You also have to give the glue adequate drying time so the staircase can be handled for touch ups.
I decided to wallpaper and trim the inside side of the staircase. This area is not visible unless you look in through the front door upwards. Even then, visibility is obscured, but I do not like leaving any unfinished areas in the dollhouse.
This staircase will not go in easily. Because the ceilings are finished, it is vital that you do not damage them during installation. I sanded down the staircase so that it fit between the floors easier. Even then, it will not just slide in. So I positioned the top part, that touches the ceiling, in place and then used a rubber mallet to help the bottom into position. It doesn't matter if the floors are scratched because they will have a flooring put over them. Be gentle. If you hammer the staircase too hard, it might break. Go easy and steady so you make sure that the tabs are aligned to the back wall slots.
You do not need glue to hold the staircase in. It is under pressure from being between two floors and will not move. The flooring that will placed around it will further hold it in place. You can always run glue along the bottom floor joints once the staircase in installed, but because it is a difficult installation, applying glue anywhere else might cause damage to the surrounding wallpapered walls from drips or smears.
