Imagine breathing new life into your worn-out wood floors without the hassle and expense of complete renovation or replacement. Instead of costly overhauls, a simple paintbrush can transform your floors, adding a fresh pop of color to your living space. Benjamin Moore offers an economical and creative solution: painting wood floors. This approach not only extends the life of your flooring but also gives it a unique look that sets your home apart.
For years, homeowners have primarily relied on staining or refinishing when dealing with wood floors. However, painting is gaining popularity as an alternative. It’s simpler to execute and offers a broader range of color options, making it easier to achieve a personalized style. For floors with significant wear, uneven staining, or age-related damage, painting is an ideal way to restore their appearance at a fraction of the cost.
Given the daily wear and tear on floors, selecting the right paint is crucial. Benjamin Moore recommends the following products to ensure long-lasting and visually appealing results:
Follow Benjamin Moore’s step-by-step instructions to achieve flawless results:
White is a popular choice for painted wood floors, as it brightens and enlarges a space. However, you can choose any color that matches your style. Always test the color on a small section of the floor before committing, as removing paint from wood floors is challenging. When selecting a finish, note that high-gloss surfaces may be slicker than satin or matte finishes.
Tip: If your walls are white or light-colored, painting the floor the same shade can make the room feel more spacious.
Remove all furniture and rugs from the area. If the floor has been previously painted or stained and has a glossy finish, sand it lightly with medium-grit sandpaper (120–150 grit) to roughen the surface and improve paint adhesion. Thoroughly clean the floor by vacuuming and mopping, then wipe away stubborn stains with warm, soapy water. Rinse with clean water and let the floor dry overnight. Mask baseboards and edges with painter’s tape.
Tip: If you carefully tape off the edges, you won’t need to remove baseboards.
Use a 2½-inch angled brush to paint the edges of the room with Fresh Start® High-Hiding All Purpose Primer. Then, switch to a roller with an extension pole to cover the rest of the floor. Work toward the exit to avoid trapping yourself in a corner. Allow the primer to dry completely—ideally overnight—before proceeding.
Tip: If the floor is already painted and in good condition, sanding may suffice for adhesion, eliminating the need for primer.
Using the same technique as with the primer, apply the first coat of Floor & Patio Latex Enamel. Start with the edges using a brush, then roll the rest of the floor.
Let the first coat dry (check the paint can for recoat time) before applying a second coat. Remove painter’s tape immediately after finishing the final coat.
Tip: Leaving tape on too long can damage wood surfaces like baseboards.
Refer to the paint label or technical data sheet for curing time. Proper drying is critical—avoid walking on the floor or replacing furniture until the paint has fully cured, which may take several days.
Tip: Drying time (time between coats) and curing time (time before regular use) may differ—read instructions carefully.
Once the floor is fully cured, move furniture back cautiously to avoid scratching the fresh paint.
Tip: Rugs and floor mats can help protect painted floors.
For those with an artistic flair, painter’s tape can be used to create geometric patterns, stripes, borders, or even a faux rug design.
Painting wood floors is an affordable and creative way to rejuvenate your space. Whether you opt for classic white or bold colors, this method allows you to express your style while extending the life of your flooring. With careful preparation and quality materials, your floors can become a stunning focal point in your home.
