How to Paint a Floor

By: Jennifer Stimpson, This Old House magazine

Shopping List

Supplies You Will Need

1. porch and floor paint Stands up to foot traffic and scuffs better than wall paint. One gallon covers 300 square feet; you'll need enough base color for two coats and enough pattern color to cover half the floor with two coats.

2. painter's tape Get tape labeled "delicate," which is the least tacky, so it won't pull up the base-coat paint when removed.

3. ½-inch nap roller

4. 3-inch mini foam roller

5. water-based polyurethane (optional) For a top coat of added durability. Satin finish will look best.

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Tools List
Tools You Will Need
- 150-grit sanding sponge
- Paint tray and roller frame with extension pole
- Ruler or yardstick
- Framing square
- Putty knife
- Mini roller frame
- 2½-inch polyester-nylon paintbrush
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sanding a wood floor with a sanding sponge

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Photo: Kolin Smith

Introduction
Overview
Steps:
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11: Finish Coat the Floor

1. Prep the Base

To make the paint adhere better and the finish last longer, sand and clean the floor first. Coating the entire floor using the lighter of the two colors as a base coat creates a clean slate for laying out the pattern and acts as a primer for the darker pattern color.
Using a sanding sponge, gently rough up the floor finish and level any high spots from previous stain or filler. Wipe the floor clean with a damp sponge and allow it to dry thoroughly. Cover the space beneath doors with plastic to prevent dust from blowing in and ruining the wet finish.