Painting Wood Floors (2023 Guide)

Looking to revitalize your old wood floors with a fresh coat of paint? This cost-effective solution will give your home a new look without breaking the bank.

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Before you start painting wood floors, it’s important to properly prepare the surface, choose the appropriate paint, and use the right techniques to achieve a durable finish that lasts. With the right approach and focus, you’ll be able to achieve professional-looking results that will enhance the overall aesthetic of your home. Let’s jump into it.

Tools for Painting Wood Floors

There are several tools and supplies that are needed to paint wood floors, including:

Paint: Choose a paint that is specifically designed for wood floors, such as an oil-based enamel or water-based polyurethane.
Paint brushes: Use a high-quality paintbrush to apply the paint to the floors.
Roller: A roller can be used to apply paint to large areas quickly.
Roller tray: A tray is used to hold the paint while using the roller.
Sandpaper: Use sandpaper to rough up the surface of the floor, creating a surface that paint will adhere to.
Tack cloth: Use a tack cloth to remove dust and debris from the floor after sanding.
Drop cloths: Place drop cloths on the floor to protect it from spills and drips.
Masking tape: Use masking tape to protect baseboards and other areas that should not be painted.
Primer: If the floor is in bad condition, a primer is needed to prepare the surface before painting.
Paint thinner or mineral spirits: Use paint thinner or mineral spirits to clean up any spills or drips.
Stir sticks: Use stir sticks to mix the paint.
Stirring machine: A power drill with a paint mixer attachment could be helpful if you are going to paint a large area.
Paint scraper: A paint scraper can be used to remove any loose paint or debris before painting.
Stirring cups: You may need stirring cups to pour paint into the tray or the bucket of the paint roller.
Screwdriver: A screwdriver can be used to remove any hardware from the floor, such as door handles or cabinet pulls, before painting.

Choosing the Right Paint for Painting Wood Floors

Choosing the right paint for painting wood floors is crucial for achieving a durable and long-lasting finish. There are several types of paint that are suitable for wood floors, including:

Oil-based enamel: This type of paint is a great option for wood floors because it is extremely durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic. It also dries to a hard, glossy finish that is easy to clean. Oil-based paints have strong odors and can take a long time to dry.
Water-based polyurethane: This type of paint is also a good choice for wood floors because it is durable and dries to a hard, glossy finish. It also has less odor and dries faster than oil-based paint.
Epoxy: Epoxy is a two-part paint that is mixed together before application. It is a great option for wood floors that are in poor condition because it fills in small cracks and crevices and creates a smooth surface. It’s also very durable and resistant to abrasion and chemicals.
Acrylic paint: Acrylic paint is also an option but it’s not as durable as the previous options mentioned. It’s more suitable for low traffic areas or for a temporary solution.

Consider the color and finish of the paint; if you want a glossy finish, choose a paint with a high gloss level. If you prefer a matte finish, choose a paint with a low gloss level. And if you are going to paint over a dark color, you might need a primer to cover it.

When buying paint, be sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendations for surface preparation, application method and the number of coats required. It’s also recommended to do a test area before doing the whole project, to make sure you’re happy with the final result.

Cost For Painting Your Wood Floors

The cost to paint wood floors can vary depending on several factors, such as the size of the area to be painted, the type of paint used, and the condition of the floor.

In general, the cost of the paint itself can range from $20 to $75 per gallon, with oil-based enamel and epoxy being on the higher end of the spectrum. The cost of tools and other materials, such as paint brushes, rollers, and drop cloths, can add another $50 to $100.

If the floor is in poor condition and needs to be repaired or sanded before painting, the cost will be higher. Also, if you are going to hire a professional painter, the cost can range from $2 to $5 per square foot, depending on the experience and reputation of the painter.Painting wood floors is a big project and can be time-consuming, so if you’re not comfortable with doing it yourself, it’s probably best to hire a professional to do the job.

Overall, the cost of painting wood floors can range from a few hundred dollars for a small area to several thousand dollars for a large area, depending on the factors mentioned. I recommend getting a few estimates from different professionals or paint stores, compare prices and services before making a final decision if you decide to hire a professional for the job.

Steps for Painting Wood Floors

Here are the general steps for painting wood floors:

Prepare the surface: Start by removing all furniture, rugs, and other items from the room. Use a paint scraper to remove any loose paint or debris. Sand the floor with a fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any imperfections. Clean the floor thoroughly with a tack cloth to remove all dust and debris.
Repair any damage: If there are any cracks, holes, or other damage to the floor, repair them with wood filler and sand smooth.
Prime the floor: If the floor is in poor condition or has been previously painted, apply a primer to the surface. This will help the paint adhere better and provide a smooth surface for the paint to go on.
Tape off baseboards and other areas that should not be painted: Use masking tape to protect the baseboards, door frames, and other areas that should not be painted.
Paint the edges: Use a paintbrush to paint the edges of the room, including around the baseboards and door frames.
Roll on the paint: Use a roller to apply the paint to the rest of the floor. Start in one corner of the room and work your way out. Be sure to overlap each pass slightly to ensure an even coat.
Allow the paint to dry: Allow the paint to dry completely before applying a second coat. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for drying time.
Apply a second coat: Repeat steps 5 through 7, applying a second coat of paint to the floor.
Allow the paint to cure: Allow the paint to cure completely before replacing furniture or walking on the floor. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for curing time.
Clean up: Clean up any spills or drips with paint thinner or mineral spirits. Remove the masking tape and dispose of the drop cloths.

It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for surface preparation, application method, and drying and curing times for best results.

Check out this project video below by Jami Ray Vintage showing their project.

Source – Jami Ray Vintage

Pros and cons of Painting Hardwood Floors

Pros of painting hardwood floors:

Can be a cost-effective way to update the look of your floors
Allows for a wide range of color and design options
Can be used to conceal imperfections or damage in the wood
Can be easily touched up or repainted as needed
Can be a good option for renters who cannot make permanent changes to the property

Cons of painting hardwood floors:

May not be as durable as other flooring options
Can be difficult to remove if you decide to change the look of your floors later
Some types of paint may not be suitable for wood floors, so it’s important to use a product specifically designed for this purpose
Can be difficult to achieve a smooth, even finish
If not done properly, paint can chip, peel or scratch.

I hope this blog article has been helpful. If you have additional questions and want to get in contact with GGR Home Inspections please send us a note, text, or call.