How to Paint a Floor
Painting the floor can be an easy way to change the look of a room, and is less expensive than most other flooring options. The most important thing to remember when painting a floor, is that you must apply a urethane finish to keep the paint from peeling, cracking, and flaking from foot traffic. Other than that, all you really need is a good roller, primer and an oil-based paint. The easy-to-follow steps below will walk you through floor painting.
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Remove all items that can be removed from the room. To protect cabinets, baseboards, etc., apply painter's tape to the item at the juncture where it meets the floor.
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Sweep or vacuum, and mop the floor. Remove as much dirt and dust as possible.
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Repair any holes or cracks with a patch or filler that will dry very hard.
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Attach the roller to an extended handle, and if desired, wrap your shoes in painter's booties or plastic bags. Mix the primer and pour it into a tray that is easy to move around.
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Plan your exit---don't paint yourself into a corner. Choose your starting and ending points before you start to paint.
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Use the roller to apply the primer, and allow it to dry thoroughly.
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Repeat Step 4, only this time mix your paint. Begin painting at the same starting point.
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Paint the floor with two coats of the oil-based paint, allowing the paint to dry completely between coats.
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After the paint has been dry for two or three days, apply at least three coats of a water-based urethane. Again, allow the finish to dry completely between coats.
Things You Will Need
- Painter's tape Broom or vacuum and mop Filler Oil-based paint Primer appropriate for your floor (wood, concrete, etc.) Water-based urethane Paint roller with long/extended handle