How to Apply Floor Paint

Not all wooden floors are attractive; there are times when a painted floor can be more beautiful than the bare wood itself. To apply floor paint, you'll just need a weekend and a few supplies. Floor paint is very durable and is available in as many colors as interior latex wall paint, so painting your wood floor can easily transform the look of a living space.

Things You'll Need

• 150-grit sandpaper or sanding sponge
• Damp sponge
• Floor paint
• Paint roller with extension pole
• Paint brush
• Vacuum (optional)
• Water-based polyurethane (optional)

Instructions

1. Lightly sand the floor using sand paper or a sanding sponge. This will rough up the surface and prepare it to accept paint.

2. Wipe down the floor with a damp sponge to remove any dust or debris from sanding. If there's a lot of dust, it may be useful to vacuum first, then wipe the surface. Allow to dry completely before continuing.

3. Apply a thin first coat of floor paint. Carefully cut in around the perimeter with a paintbrush, then use a roller attached to an extension pole to fill in the rest of the floor.

4. Allow the paint to dry completely then lightly sand, wipe clean and apply a second coat of paint. If you want to apply a pattern or design, do so after the second coat is dry.

5. Use the paint roller to apply a polyurethane top coat, if desired. If the floor gets a lot of use, you may want to apply a satin or gloss water-based polyurethane to protect the paint.

Tips & Warnings

• There are a multitude of floor paint patterns online and in home decorating books.

• Wind can blow dust and dirt through open windows and could potentially stick in your wet floor paint. You'll need open windows for ventilation, so consider painting during a period of calm weather.

References

• This Old House: How to Paint a Floor