Painting a floor can dramatically change its appearance, but you have to make sure to get the right paint, says John Bunnell, owner of the CertaPro Painters franchise in Austin, Texas. Keep in mind the amount of foot traffic the floor will be experiencing, as well as the type of paint you use.
Most paint jobs are not meant to be walked on. So you have to keep certain requirements in mind when painting a floor. First, you need a very strong adhesion level between the paint and the substrate. Second, you need to ensure that the product you use will be able to withstand the expected amount of foot traffic in the room. A variety of products are designed to withstand foot traffic. It’s recommended that you defer to the professionals to decide how much product you need to use, since some of them can get a bit pricey.
Surface Preparation
First, you need to ensure that the floor’s surface is properly cleaned and de-glossed prior to priming and painting. Once it is de-glossed, you can prime the floor. Keep in mind that once the primer is applied, you may notice certain defects or cracks that need to be caulked or filled in.
Make sure you are using the proper paint for your floor surface, whether it is wooden, concrete, or tile. A professional will be able to consult with you on this.
Plywood Floors
Painting a plywood floor is relatively easy, and it can produce very good results. Once you prime the wood, you need to apply three coats of urethane paint. You will need to reapply the paint roughly every two years for the best results. You should inspect the floor at least once a year to see how it is faring.
Some people may decide they want to enhance their floors with stenciling and other types of decorating options. This can work, but remember that the key to success when it comes to any painting job, including floors, is proper surface preparation.
