Subscribe to RSS feed
How to Paint Floors for the Perfect Finish
Floors in the home are subject to all kinds of wear and tear, from muddy shoe prints to spillages in the kitchen. Over time, they can become damaged and worn out. But if you don’t want to replace floors with carpet, giving them a fresh coat of paint is a practical, budget-friendly option to boost their appearance.
Painting floors is a great way to create a rustic look in a home. And as long as you properly prepare beforehand, your painted floors will last. In this guide, we’ll take you through how to paint floors to achieve an effortless finish. We’ll cover:
Whether you’re dealing with wooden floors or tiled floors, all you need is a touch of floor paint to give them a new lease of life.
Can you paint floors?
The short answer is yes, you absolutely can paint floors. However, it’s important to remember that this isn’t a temporary fix, and there is lots of preparation involved.
Painting floors has many benefits, from extending their lifespan to hiding imperfections. Before beginning your project, consider the floor’s material, as different materials require different care and maintenance. Whether you’re painting concrete floors or painting tiles on the floor, read on to find out how each floor type should be dealt with.
Wood floors
Wondering if you can paint a wooden floor? Most wooden interior floors can be painted. If you don’t like the natural hardwood look, painting over floorboards is a good way to put your own spin on a design. Remember to test a small, discreet patch of floor before painting the whole thing. Prepare the area and add a small amount of paint, checking for any peeling or flaking after one day.
Discover our range of interior floor paints to get started.
Concrete floors
Concrete is an incredibly durable floor material. However, its dull grey colour can be unappealing for many. Luckily, its versatility means it can be altered and painted.
Should I use paint or stain on a concrete floor?
Concrete is porous, so any acid-based stains applied to it may result in a patchy look. Using paint for concrete flooring is a better option for an even finish—although it will require occasional touch-ups.
Tiled floors
Wondering if you can paint floor tiles? Generally, paint can be applied to any tiled floor in the home. If you want to avoid the costs of replacing tiles, painting them is a good option to give them a fresh look. However, painted tiles run the risk of flaking in areas of the home exposed to moisture (such as the bathroom). For better results, only paint tiles in dry spaces.
How to prepare a floor for painting
Before you begin painting floors, there are several steps you should take to ensure you get the best results. Follow our three-step process for straightforward preparation.
It’s important to wear the right protective clothing, too. This includes:
Safety goggles
Safety gloves
A mask
Workwear trousers
Read our complete guide to decorator workwear and PPE to learn how to protect yourself when painting and decorating.
Step 1: Remove all furniture from the room
The first step is removing all furniture from the room. This could include sofas, tables and chairs. After that, remove any dirt and debris from the floor’s surface. If you mop the floor, remember to let it dry fully before moving on to the next step. If you’re dealing with a concrete floor, you might want to use a concrete degreaser to ensure thorough cleanliness.
Step 2: Sand the floor and deal with any repairs
Give the floor a light sanding to achieve an even surface before painting. Once it’s as smooth as possible, vacuum any sand residue left behind. After you’ve sanded, repair any cracks, chips or holes using filler. Then, you’re ready to prime!
Step 3: Apply primer
Priming the floors is a step you don’t want to miss, as it ensures the paint will stick to the surface properly. Choose a primer that is compatible with the type of floor you’re decorating. For example, if you’re painting tiles, choose a water-based bonding primer. Apply with a paintbrush for best results.
Best paint for painting floors
Looking for the best paint for floors? Here at Dulux Decorator Centre, we have a range of options suitable for concrete, wood and tile surfaces.
Is floor paint durable?
High-quality floor paint is tough, durable and has a beautiful finish. Whether you’re looking for paint for kitchen floor tiles or a living room floor, read on to learn about three excellent products from our range.
Armstead Trade Anti Slip Floor Paint
The Armstead Trade Anti Slip Floor Paint is a solvent-based product with a textured protective floor finish. Its anti-slip qualities make it ideal for use on staircases and walkways.
Blackfriar Polyurethane Floor Paint
The Blackfriar Polyurethane Floor Paint is suitable for most surfaces, including brickwork, metal and concrete. Formulated to resist grease and oil, it transforms floors with a semi-gloss finish.
Coo-Var Floor Paint
The Coo-Var Floor Paint is versatile and easy to use. This product can also be used on walls and window ledges. It’s available in various colours to suit your preference.
How to paint floors
So, you’ve prepared your floors and chosen the perfect paint—now it’s time to decorate.
You will need:
Floor paint
Step 1: Get everything in order
Just like with any painting job, before you begin, ventilate the room by opening the windows. Then, ensure your paint is properly mixed and start by painting around the room’s edges. Using a small brush, apply paint along the entire perimeter.
Step 2: Apply paint with a roller
Next, fill your roller tray just over halfway with the floor paint. Apply paint to the floor using a roller, starting at the wall furthest away from the door and making your way across. Take your time and take care not to paint yourself into a corner!
Step 3: Leave sufficient time between coats
Once you’ve finished the first coat, immediately wash the paintbrush and roller with hot water. Wait until the coat is completely dry before applying another—we recommend waiting between four to six hours.
Similarly, after you’ve applied the final coat (around three coats is usually sufficient), wait until the floor is fully dry before walking on it.
Want to paint the skirting boards, too? Explore our guide on how to achieve an expert finish.
Floor painting ideas
Whether you envision a neutral design or want to go bold with a patterned floor, read on for our top three painting ideas.
Cheerful checkered pattern
A checkered floor always looks great, whether it’s in the bathroom or kitchen. This style adds a unique touch to a room and is particularly effective in smaller spaces. If you want to go all out, why not experiment with contrasting colours instead of the classic black-and-white look?
Striped look
Want to jazz up your floorboards? For an impactful look, consider painting each floorboard a different colour. You could choose completely contrasting shades or colours from the same palette. Finish off with a fluffy rug to make the floorboards stand out even more.
Bold tiles
Thinking about painting your floor tiles? If you’re on a budget, painting over existing tiles is a fantastic way to spruce up their look. And you don’t just have to paint over them in one colour, either. Create a fun geometric print using a metal or plastic stencil—these are widely available online.
Is painting floor tiles a good idea?
Many people wonder if painting floor tiles is the way to go. Painted tiles will last, as long as you use durable paint and the floor is prepared beforehand. So go for it!
Painting the floor is straightforward when you know how and is great for adding interest to a home. For even more decorating and design tips, explore the rest of the Dulux Decorator Centre blogs. From unique wallpaper ideas to Colour of the Year guides, you’ll find it all here.