We have a vintage lakeside cottage with painted floors throughout. It is unheated and only used during the summer months.

Several years ago, we hired a ”professional” painter to re-paint the floors (the floors are over 100 years old and had been painted many times over the years). We initially wanted to strip and re-finish the hardwood underneath, but were told that due to the age and lumps and bumps and unevenness, this would not be possible. So we decided that re-painting was the best option.

We were not on site when the work was done so are not 100% sure what prep work was done before new paint was put down. We were told that they were spot sanded and 2 coats of water-based floor paint applied.

We immediately had issues with the humid conditions in the house. Anything paper or cardboard left on the floors, stuck to the floors. Any furniture without felt pads on the feet, stuck to the floors. Now, we are noticing that any dirt tracked in on our feet (barefoot or not), sticks to the floors.

We are ready to do something, but not sure what to do. Are painted floors under these conditions an automatic ”no go”? Would a different type of paint or prep resolve our issues? We do not want to lay a different flooring on top of what we have, but would like to work with what we have.

Any ideas or recommendations welcome!