How to Paint Your Wood Floors

Painting a wood floor is an inexpensive way to make a wood floor that is in not so good condition actually work with your décor. Painting a wood floor is a relatively easy project that accomplished in just a matter of days. Painted wood floors compliment almost any style of décor. Country looks are probably one of the first interior design ideas that you think of when you think about painted wood floor, but a floors painted in sleek and shiny colors can easily finish a contemporary look in your home.

Here are some suggested materials to get you started, but I highly recommend reading the entire article before you run out to the home improvement store. Possible supplies:

· Primer
· Paint
· Varnish
· Painter's tape
· Paint rollers
· Paint brushes
· Sand Paper or Floor sander

Almost all types of décor should follow a similar plan, so here is a general run down on how to paint your wood floor. Later we will deal with different ideas to fit your painted wood floors into your specific interior design.

The first step will be sanding the areas that need to be painted. If you will be painting the entire floor I suggest renting a floor sander for the weekend. It will save you a lot of time and energy and does not cost a lot of money. If you are only doing small area or specific design you may find that sandpaper or a hand sander will work for you.

Once you have sanded your wood floors you will need to remove all of the dust. For a small area you can use a clean dry clothe. For the entire floor I recommend mopping at least twice. You will want your painted wood floor to be smooth and the only way to do that is to make sure the entire surface is clean before you paint.

Now you are ready to roll on your paint. Exterior paint is great for this type of project. It is durable and will stand up to mopping. You may want to roll a coat of primer on before you paint your wood floors.

Now for a brief interlude on tips for certain décor styles. For a sleek, contemporary, modern, or minimal décor paint your floors with a high gloss solid color. Grays, dark browns, and even pop art inspired colors are all suggested ideas.

For traditional décor try painting a boarder on existing wood floors. Tape off a two-inch border around the entire room and paint in a color you want to accent in your room. You could also rub in a darker stain than your existing wood floor. Be sure to follow the walls of your room. If you have any recessed areas make sure you mimic them with the border.

Diamonds and checkers always work well for a painted wood floor in a country décor. Use the painter's tape to mark off your diamonds. Then fill in with the paint. If you want to leave the floor in its natural wood state and just paint the diamonds. For a wood floor in terrible shape paint the entire floor with a base coat and then tape off diamonds and paint them. For a sophisticated look try painting the floor and the diamonds in the same color, but different shades.

Ok, now that your wood floor is painted and dried you are ready to put some clear coats on to protect all of your hard work. I recommend at least three coats. Use oil base polyurethane for extreme durability. If you use a water base clear coat it will smell a little less offensive. Make sure you follow the instructions on the product you buy. Always wait for each coat to dry before you walk on it or add additional coats.

Painted wood floors are a great way to add design and color into your home. Painted wood floors are also a great way to decorate your home on a budget.