DIY: Paint Your Floor for a Fresh Update
Sleek white paint, black gloss or rustic checks can be welcome alternatives to that old, worn-out carpet
You remove dirty old carpet hoping to reveal stunning hardwood floors below, but instead are disappointed by worn out and sad looking planks. Don't fret. A fabulous and inexpensive (yet labor intensive) way to refresh worn wood floors is to paint them. There are many creative ways to add your own personal pizzazz with color and pattern. You will be awed by the results — as long as you follow the right steps and are patient in between each step.
More: Are You Gutsy Enough to Paint Your Floor White?
More: Are You Gutsy Enough to Paint Your Floor White?
The first step is to sand your floor lightly and then clean it well. Once you do so, use primer to lay a base and wait 24 hours for it dry completely. Then, for maximum durability, paint your primed floor with oil-based exterior-grade paint. Work from the back of the room and paint your way out to the door. Simple white floors are becoming very popular; you can stop with just that one color if you like.
Even if you are doing only one color — either a light coat to let the wood grain show through or a heavy, glossy coating for maximum sleekness — you will have to add another coat or two 24 hours after your first coat dries. Sand, clean and thoroughly dry between each coat.
White, black, gray are all safe floor color options. But what about red? It's an electrifying jolt of color paired with white walls and offers the opportunity to create a consistent color story, complemented by red accessories in each room.
See the rest of this house
See the rest of this house
A charming toffee yellow and sky blue diamond pattern on an old wood floor creates an inviting cottage feel in this sitting room. A pattern such as this requires you use the lighter color as the base. Once it is dry, you can lay out your pattern with careful measuring and blue painter's tape.
This gingham plaid pattern is so inventive for a painted floor. As long as the the paint coats are kept thin, this pattern seems relatively easy to achieve.
Another plaid pattern in shades of gray is perfectly coordinated to the painted millwork cabinetery on the far wall.
A cute idea is to paint alternating stripes using the wood planks as your guide. No measuring, no painters tape. So easy.
In my opinion, painted wood floors start to look their best after some wear. When the paint has chipped and grown thin in spots, it seems to have been part of the house for a very long time.
Personally, I am drawn to the look of the same paint color extending from the floor to the wall. The wall paneling and chevron pattern floor adds enough visual interest and texture to the room so that it doesn't feel flat and boring. Having some striking furniture and colorful fabric pop in the room's center would create a memorable effect in such a room.
If you have a steady hand and loads of time, consider a custom- painted checkerboard floor. Let your artistic flair shine.
Continuing the paint up the stairs offers more real estate on which to flex your creative muscle.
More: How to Get Rid of Your Old Carpet
13 Choices for Checkered Floors
Are You Gutsy Enough to Paint Your Floor White?
More: How to Get Rid of Your Old Carpet
13 Choices for Checkered Floors
Are You Gutsy Enough to Paint Your Floor White?