Step 2: Paint the Base Coat

painting the base coat onto a wooden floor
Photo: Kolin Smith
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Paint the base color around the edges of the floor with a 2½-inch paintbrush. Using a paint roller, coat the entire field, starting opposite one door so that you paint yourself out of the room.

Let the paint dry completely. If necessary, lightly sand the floor and apply a second coat. Let the paint dry overnight before laying out the pattern and applying the second color.
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    Tools List

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    • Sanding Sponge
      150-grit sanding sponge
    • paint roller with extension
      Paint tray and roller frame with extension pole
    • straight edge
      Ruler or yardstick
    • framing square
      Framing square
    • putty knife
      Putty knife
    • roller frames
      Mini roller frame
    • paintbrush
      2½-inch polyester-nylon paintbrush

    Shopping List

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    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.