Well assuming you have to prime all that beautiful wood anyways, you might as well prime everything white. Then paint the top rail black as you expect. Step back and see how you like the look. If you're not sure, go ahead and throw just a little bit of black on the newel post. If you don't like it, well put some more primer on there and a bunch of coats of paint to get back to white. =)

I bet the black newel post will look nice, it would look like a black frame with white spindles within.

Of course all you guys like that wood LOL.

Or I could try white newel post first.

I would be inclined to paint the handrails and newel post black and the spindles and top of half wall white.

Don't forget the prep work is the most important part and will take the longest time, especially with turned balusters.

Yes this is probably one of the reasons why it hasn’t been done yet millworkman. LOL. Could be a winter project.

Elle I really find that that half wall gets a lot of abuse. I kind of like the idea of the wood disappearing to White just worry about the upkeep cleaning it.

My first suggestion is to replace the railing with something more contemporary and less colonial. If that isn't an option I would suggest white newel and white balusters along with black top rail and black for the wall cap.

Houseatthelake I would love to see what you ended up doing - I have a similar situation- thanks!