So You Want to Paint Your Wood Floors...
Right before our son was born, we did a renovation project on his nursery. (Which also happens to be my office…small house probs!) There was water damage to part of the floors, so we had to install new boards. With little time before his arrival, we decided to paint the wood floors instead of having them sanded and refinished.
Are you thinking of painting your wood floors?
Below I’m sharing our process and my own thoughts on the final outcome!
BEFORE and AFTER
The Process:
Sand floors. Martin used an electric sander to lightly sand the floors. The rough texture gives the primer and paint something to hold on to.
Prime and seal floors. This is pretty quick and easy but makes a big difference. You can buy a primer and sealer in one! Ask your local hardware store what they recommend.
Paint the floors! We just used a roller on a long stick and gave it two coats. The results were fabulous! I linked the paint we used here. The color is Old Monterey Grey by Glidden.
The Pro’s:
Brightens the space! The paint reflects light, so immediately the room feels bigger! (Unless you are doing a dark color!)
Hides imperfections. Our floors had several scrapes from the previous owner. With a coat of paint, you don’t even notice them.
Can easily update a space. There is something about adding the grey paint to the floor that made it feel fresh and modern.
Adds an element of charm. Painted floors are a little more unique and unexpected. Somehow the paint makes the space feel fresh but still highlights the “oldness” of the floors. It accentuates the character of the floor.
Can easily be touched up! We’ve already scuffed up the floor a few times. (This is one of the con’s of painted floors.) But it is super easy to touch up here and there.
Low cost solution. We did not want to pay to refinish the wood floors in this room. The only costs with this project were the can of primer and the can of paint. (And your painting tools.)
Quick and easy. It does not take long at all to paint floors! And it is not rocket science! lol.
The Con’s:
Shows EVERY spec of dirt/dust. Yep, you can see everything. See pics below.
Some scuffs don’t easily come off. I haven’t figured out how to get some shoe scuffs to come off. But again, easy to touch up if needed.
Sliding furniture will leave a noticeable mark. I know you’re not supposed to slide furniture, but who doesn’t?! Painted wood floors are not forgiving in this area. See pics below.
Here is a close up so you can see how visible the dirt and dust is on the painted floor. Also, some shoes leave scuff marks on the painted floors.
I know you’re not supposed to slide furniture! But it happens! Be aware, it will leave a DEFINITE mark on your painted floors. BUT AGAIN, it is very easy to touch up! Also, this is before I swept, so you can see how much the dust and dirt shows up against the grey.
FINAL REVIEW:
I am still very happy with our decision to the paint the floors. I LOVE how it looks in the room.
However, I would only recommend it in small quantities!
(Unless you don’t mind mopping and being very careful all the time!)
Still very happy with our decision to paint the floors!
Details on the rug and room decor linked here.
Do you have experience painting your wood floors! Would love to hear your review below!
Have a great day,
Emily
