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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the finished checkerboard-painted wood floor

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Photo: Kolin Smith

Introduction
Overview
Steps:
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12

11: Finish Coat the Floor

11. Finish Coat the Floor

Porch and floor paint is very durable, but for high-traffic areas consider topping the  floor with a coat of polyurethane. After the paint has dried for a full day, use a roller to apply the finish evenly across the floor. If you plan to add a second coat of paint, lightly sand the first coat before putting the second one down.

Tip: The higher the gloss on paint or polyurethane, the more durable it is. If you want the resilience of high gloss without the shine, put on a top coat of satin polyurethane to tone down the gloss.