DIY Home Improvement – How to Paint a Hardwood Floor

When in optimal condition, hardwood floors provide a rich beauty that can’t be found in carpeting, vinyl, or any other type of floor surface. After years of wear, however, they can take on a dull, lackluster appearance that some homeowners find a bit boring. Instead of refinishing and/or restaining, consider learning how to paint a hardwood floor. Whether you’re looking to paint the entire surface, or just add a decorative pattern or design, you’ll find that adding a touch of paint will brighten a room and give it a more updated look.

For your convenience, we’ve provided a material list and simple ‘how-to’ instructions on how to paint a hardwood floor below. As with any paint job, preparation is of utmost importance, so take the time necessary to prepare the wood surface before moving on to painting. It may take a little extra time and effort, but it’s worth it. In addition, please note that to properly paint over hardwood, the flooring itself will need to be in good condition. There should be no chips, cracks, or holes. With that said, let’s continue.

Materials needed to paint a hardwood floor:

– Sandpaper or floor sander

– Vacuum

– Bucket, sponge, and warm water

– Liquid deglosser

– Stain blocking primer /sealer

– Paintbrush

– Paint roller

– Paint

– Clear polyurethane

How to paint a hardwood floor:

NOTE – If you are simply adding a decorative stencil or pattern to your floor, you will not need to sand or scrub the floor to begin. Skip to Step 6 and begin painting.

Step 1 – Sand the floor using either sandpaper or a floor sander, depending on the size of the area you will be painting. If you’ll be painting the entire floor, a floor sander will save you a great deal of time and effort. They can be rented for a day at a time.

Step 2 – Vacuum or sweep away loose sand particles.

Step 3 – Wipe the floor down with a soft sponge and warm water.

Step 4 – Apply an even coat of liquid deglosser. Allow it to dry completely.

Step 5 – Apply a coat of stain blocking primer/sealer to keep the finish from the hardwood floor from bleeding through the new paint. Allow it to dry completely.

Step 6 – You’re ready to paint over hardwood! Choose the color that appeals to you and apply smooth even strokes of paint with a paint roller. If you would prefer to paint-on a pattern or design, be sure the floor is completely dry before taping off or applying the stencil.

Step 7 – When you’re through painting, wait for it to dry completely and then cover it with a coat of clear polyurethane. This will give your floor a glossy finish and help protect it from wear and tear.

 

More from Jennifer Wagner:

DIY Faux Painting – Color Washing

DIY Home Improvement – How to paint over vinyl flooring

DIY Faux Painting – Wood Graining

Source: Personal knowledge