How to Paint a Wood Floor

If you find yourself in a home with wood floors that have seen better days, there's an alternative to having them professionally redone. Consider creating your own masterpiece by painting your wood floor.

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

Instructions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tips & Warnings

• Tap into your creativity. The floor doesn't have be one solid color. Use different techniques to paint designs or faux finishes.