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.

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.
Sweep or vacuum, and mop the floor. Remove as much dirt and dust as possible.
Repair any holes or cracks with a patch or filler that will dry very hard.

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.
Plan your exit---don't paint yourself into a corner. Choose your starting and ending points before you start to paint.
Use the roller to apply the primer, and allow it to dry thoroughly.
Repeat Step 4, only this time mix your paint. Begin painting at the same starting point.
Paint the floor with two coats of the oil-based paint, allowing the paint to dry completely between coats.
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.