How to Paint Wood Floors

If you’re looking for guidance on how to paint wood floors, the likelihood is you’re in a situation where your wood floors have seen better days or you simply fancy a change.  Either way, with a bit of planning and a lot of preparation, painting wood floors can be a really successful way of introducing a whole new look to your interior.

Painting a wood floor will enhance most styles of interior and shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg.  Here are the various steps to help you paint your wood floor:

Clear the room of all furnishings and rugs, remembering to lift and not to drag heavy items which could chip or severely scratch your floor.

Sand the area to be painted.  If you plan to paint the whole wood floor, it’s a good idea to hire a floor sander because the cost won’t break the bank and will give you great, quick results.

When the sanding process is complete, it’s important to let the dust settle and vacuum the floor thoroughly before mopping at least a couple of times with a moist microfiber mop.  It is really important to make sure that the whole area is free of dust before you start to paint your wood floor.

If you choose to include a primer in your project, now is the time to apply it.  The best way to apply both the primer and your paint is with a roller as it will give an even and widespread coat in minimal time.

If you are painting your whole wood floor the same colour, you will be ready to apply your paint as soon as the primer has thoroughly dried (check the tin for drying times if you’re in any doubt).  That said, if you are planning on being adventurous and painting a pattern on to your wood floor, you will need to mark up and tape out the pattern before you start.  NB.  Wood floor pattern painting is quite an ambitious project and depending upon the detail and your skills can either provide an eye-catching end result or end up a bit of a disaster.  So if you’re in any doubt at all, try out your ideas in an inconspicuous part of your room before going wild all over!

Once your painting is complete and you’re happy that the coverage is even and uniform, it’s time to coat the floor with clear varnish or a water based clear coat.  Two to three coats of protection are likely to be required and will help your new-look flooring stay looking good for longer. Once again, follow the instructions on the tin carefully and make sure each coat is completely dry before going on to the next coat.  Needless to say, it’s essential that the final coat is dry before replacing your furnishings or starting to re-use the room.