How to Paint Wood Floors and Stairs

Paint wood floors and stairs for a new look at minimal cost. Sometimes wood floors are damaged and in need of a complete overhaul. Instead of stripping the floors, painting them is an inexpensive option.

Floors can be painted one color or with intricate designs.

Things You'll Need

• Floor paint
• Primer
• Paintbrush and / or roller
• Paint tray
• Tape, stencils optional
• Broom and vacuum
• Mop
• Rags

Instructions

1. Clean the floors or stairs completely. Sweep the room and dispose of the debris. Next, vacuum the room, getting in the cracks and corners to ensure the dust is picked up. Mop the floor and let it dry.

2. Gather your supplies as listed in the Things You'll Need section.

3. Prime the wood floors. Use a good quality primer, like Kilz, cover the wood completely to seal the wood. Use a roller with a long handle to make this job easier. Use a brush in the corners and around the edges first.

   Priming wood floors is a good way to cover pet stains and odors or other unsightly damage to the floors.

   Let the primer dry completely following the directions on the can.

4. Paint the floor the main color. Use the same techniques as when priming to apply the first coat of paint.

   If needed, apply a second coat of paint after the first coat is completely dry.

5. Start painting stairs at the top and work your way down. Ensure you have anything you need from upstairs before painting so it won't be necessary to step on the wet paint.

6. Apply stencils over the base coat. If desired, use stencils to apply designs to the wood floors and stairs. Try out the look of different colors painted on top of one another on a scrap piece of wood to determine the look you want.

   Another option is to use tape to partition off parts of wood floors to paint each a different color.

   Let the paint dry completely.

7. Apply a varnish finish such as polyurethane to the top of the painted floor to protect the finish.

Tips & Warnings

• Lightly sand between coats for better adhesion. Vacuum up the dust before painting the next coat.

• To make a removable floor, consider painting a floor cloth you can move from room to room or take with you when you move.

• Work from the farthest corner back to the door so you don't paint yourself in a corner.

• Oil-based paints have strong odors and take much longer to dry. Try a latex paint for fewer odors and quicker drying time.

Resources

• Floorcloth Magic: How to Paint Canvas Rugs for Decorating