Things You'll Need:
- Fine-grit sandpaper
- Palm sander (optional)
- Detergent
- Bleach (optional)
- Floor primer
- Floor paint
- Paint brushes
- Rollers
- Painting poles
- Floor polyurethane sealer
-
Step 1
Prepare the wood floor with a light sanding. Whether your wood floor was stained or previously painted, use sandpaper or a palm sander to lightly go over the finish so that the floor will accept the paint. Use a fine-grit paper for this process.
-
Step 2
Using detergent and water, clean the whole floor. Remove all dirt, dust and oil. If you spot mold or mildew, get rid of it with a bleach and water solution, usually three-parts water to one-part bleach. Rinse the floor.
-
Step 3
Buy a primer specifically designedfor wood floors. Tell the paint store professional what kind of paint you're using. Latex paint needs a latex primer, but an alkyd primer can be used for alkyd, polyurethane and latex.
-
Step 4
Choose your paint. Certain paint is made just for floors. If you're looking for a satin finish, you should use latex floor paint. If you want a semi-gloss or gloss finish, use alkyd, polyurethane or latex floor paint.
-
Step 5
Paint the floor. Using a brush, start at the outer edges of the floor and cut in. Then, with a roller attached to a painting pole, fill in the center of the floor. Apply as coats until you get the look you want.
-
Step 6
Seal the floor. 2 to 3 coats of polyurethane sealer made for floors will keep the floor in good condition for at least 3 to 5 years. Let the floor set for 2 days before applying the sealer.
