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Painted Floors

Decorative painted floors are can be an inexpensive way to jazz up a room. Painted floors -- painted hardwood, plywood, or even concrete -- are fairly easy create and maintain, if you do it right the first time. Painted floor designs can give you any look you can imagine. Take your time and enjoy the fresh look for years.

While putting in your own floors might seem to be the "right" way to add a decorative touch to your home, you will be delighted to hear that painting your floor can work just as well -- and be long-lasting.

Painted floors are a great way to simplify your home decorating, as well as business improvement strategy. With only a few ingredients and a good imagination, you're ready to paint the floors. Painting your old, tired flooring can be a great solution for freshening the look of any room.Here are some quick pros of why you should look into painted floors:
* Most surfaces can benefit from painting
* No special tools are needed
* Low-maintenance

And here are the very few cons:
* Takes a few days to dry
* A fair amount of work to start

Oil paints are especially good when looking into painted floors.Oil paints seem to harden readily, as well as adhere to many surfaces, opposed to water-based paints. Your floor can be wood, concrete, vinyl, or laminate and still be paint-able. The priming part just might be a little different.

If you find you want to apply ceramic tiles over painted concrete floors, research what it takes to make the tile cement and grout stick to the floor finish so that you don't have problems with the tiles down the road.

Start with a clean, dry surface. If you're trying to paint the concrete floor in your basement, this may not work out well, especially if it's damp. Most basements have chemicals mixed into the masonry to prevent floor dampness, so you should be fine. You may need to apply a masonry primer to the concrete floor (if the paint you selected requires it). If you have a wood floor, a primer is strongly recommended in order to hide the grain pattern.

If there are any imperfections in the floor surface, you will want to fill those in with non-porous filler and let it dry and harden before applying the paint. After that, you can paint away. Painted floor designs can be created with the help of plastic stencils or masking tape. Let your imagination run wild.

Here's the hard part -- painted hardwood, concrete and plywood floors need to be left alone for two to three days after the painting is complete. This can be difficult in high-traffic areas, so plan accordingly. After the time is up, you can go back over the surface with a few coats of non-yellowing urethane, or water-based urethane, and let that dry as long as the manufacturer recommends.

The only maintenance you have to do now is to apply another coat of the urethane every couple of years (as well as clean the surface as you would any other flooring). The shine should stick around even with heavy traffic. Many businesses use painted floors because of this dramatic durability and inexpensive upkeep.

Decorative painted floors can really make a statement. You can recreate a 50s diner with the black and white checked pattern. I saw a game room painted like a chess or checkers board, and it looked great! You can create the look of tiles and wooden flooring as well. It's hard to tell the difference if the paint job is well done. Have you ever seen a "rug" painted on the floor? I have, and it's a fantastic decorative painted floor. You can even create walkways in a business to direct customers to areas that they may be searching for.

Painted floors are the new rage in modern flooring and design. And because they're so durable, they're a great way to improve a room, without cutting and measuring.

Comments

I am a decorative painter and I have a request to do a painted checkerboard finish over a wood floor. Do you recommend oil paint and primer? Or water based? Which manufacturer? What water-based urethane do you recommend? Thank you for your posts, they are extremely helpful!

Erica at March 8, 2008 2:27 PM

I've seen different approaches to painting wood floors. If you want the grain to show through you'd use a thinner paint than if you want the wood to "disappear". I personally avoid oil paints when possible and move more toward water-based paints; I really like Sherwin Williams eco-paints.

Once you have the pattern finished and cured, cover it with Varathane's Diamond Coat Polyurethane. It is easy to apply, dries quickly and is hard as nails.

The Flooring Lady at March 8, 2008 3:10 PM

i would like to know how to paint my shop concrete floor in black and white checkerboard step by step instructions or tell me a site to go to , to find step by step instructions

wanda at May 19, 2008 8:00 PM

I have painted one room on my house, the floor i mean (concrete) and i love the way it looks not i want to do the whole house. I am trying to find a color that will go with an entire house and i don't like dark colors. I need something that hides dirt well because we live int he county and lots of animals exist in this house. I can't seem to find any sites to check out patterns or colors can you help. do you knw of any. thanks for all your help in advance.

Sandy at June 20, 2008 5:26 AM

Hi Sandy,

You might want to consider going with a couple of colors, there's these neat outfits sold at most any hardware/home improvement stores that have a paint pan with two parts for a paint roller that is split into two paint rollers. You use two colors and can keep going over them as much as you want to blend the colors as much or as little you please.

It'd be difficult for me to tell you what colors you use as I obviously cannot see the colors that you have already decorated with.

There's all sorts of painting effects you can try, from marbleling, to sponging, or even using glittery flakes in the paint - the possibilities really are endless!

You need to go to the paint section of a larger home improvement/hardware store and check out the paint department. They'll have info, brochures and color samples to get you started. Don't forget to visit the paint manufacturer's web sites - I'm sure they'll have all kinds of info to check out and inspire you!

The Flooring Lady at June 20, 2008 8:19 PM

I'm hoping to paint/sponge stamp a basement concrete floor that looks like a brickyard. Can you help me find a website with directions on how?

Christie at July 28, 2008 4:54 PM

I don't know of any, but that doesn't mean there isn't one that doesn't exist! The web is a big place........

I'd suggest going to your favorite search engine (mine's Google) and you should find what you're looiking for.

The Flooring Lady at July 29, 2008 11:47 AM

Our home is concrete slab. I have some carpet I want to replace with painted plywood. Our home is in the style of an old farmhouse. We even have a lot of old timers out here that think we moved the house and set it down here which thrills me. Is there a source of info (want to walk me through it) or do I need to keep looking for the basics on doing this. I'm not too worried about the paint right now but instead how to put the plywood down. Thanks for anything you can offer in help. al

al at October 4, 2008 9:03 AM

Al, indeed what a compliment for old timers to think you moved an old farmhouse to your property. And good for you for continuing that look with your "wood" floor idea.

I haven't done what you are considering but so I'll share my thoughts and hope it's enough information. One question I have though is what the ceiling height is because that will make a difference about approaches you take.

First, I highly recommend moisture proofing the slab so your plywood doesn't suffer from absorbed moisture from the ground. If your ceiling height is minimal consider laying a Raven Industry vapor barrier film on the concrete before laying the plywood down.

Without the film you could glue the plywood down, using Bostik's Best glue. With the film I think nailing is your primary option.

Using a floating floor solution leaves you the options of glue or nail for attaching the plywood to your floor.

Do use interior grade plywood for a smoother surface. I used exterior grade plywood on a floor that worked for the situation but would have preferred the interior grade.

Though I didn't prime my plywood floor I think you should so the paint will adhere better. After completing your paint task and letting it dry thoroughly apply several coats of a water-based polyurethane so the paint doesn't get scraped off with the traffic and daily activity a floor gets. I love Varathane's Diamond Coat polyurethane which is available at a variety of stores, include Home Depot.

Ask more questions if I missed something. Good luck!

The Flooring Lady at October 4, 2008 9:38 AM

I want to paint a diamond pattern on a new wood floor. I want the grain to show through. I need step by step directions.

vedonna at October 12, 2008 7:04 PM

I have a laminate floor that I hate the color of. Any ideas on how to paint the laminate such as type of paint and any tricks?

Thanks!

Stephanie

Stephanie at October 13, 2008 11:38 AM

Hi Vedonna - check out Concrete Flooring Ideas. It's not step-by-step instructions, but it's a super simple project.

The Flooring Lady at October 13, 2008 4:14 PM

I'm not sure what you mean by 'laminate' - do you mean vinyl or linoleum or the kind of floor referred to as laminate - which is basically a "picture" of wood with a protective coating. Heh......then again there are some floorings referred to as laminate that are actually engineered hardwood. Go figure. Anyhoo, the articles below should help - they're for painting over vinyl, but will give you a very good idea of what to do and what you need to take into consideration before you it.

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/fc_vin...274954,00.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_2084033_paint-vinyl-floor.html

http://www.bhg.com/decorating/fabulo...eovers/?page=2

Make sure paint and polyurethane are compatible. A water-based polyurethane is nonyellowing. Your local paint store should be able to advise you. Preparing the floor for the paint is crucial for making sure the paint adheres well.

The Flooring Lady at October 13, 2008 6:39 PM

Hi!

Is there anything you can specifically recommend with which to treat a plywood floor to give it a more upscale, natural look? I'm told the flooring options are limited due to the the floor's definitive slant attributable to house settling. As a result, a flooring company recommended either sheet vinyl or carpet. I'm not thrilled with either in this kitchen/dining area.

Many thanks,
Marjie

Marjie at October 20, 2008 11:07 PM

Hi Marjie,
Good question! I would seriously recommend hiring a professional - somebody who does home improvements - they can level your floor before you install the new flooring of your choice.

The Flooring Lady at October 21, 2008 6:45 AM

Hi again TFL, thanks for your earlier recommendations. You said I could ask more questions so here goes. My ceilings are 10 feet where I would like to put down plywood over concrete, why does that matter? Home Depot has a nail gun they recommended...is that the kind of nailing you had in mind? And though I hate to seem really behind the curve...what do you mean by a floating floor solution? thanks much!

al at October 26, 2008 8:58 PM

Hi Al,
I was asking about the ceiling height in case they were rather low, as is sometimes the case with old houses. Yes, that is the kind of nailing I had in mind.

A floating floor is one that doesn't require nailing, the planks interlock together which is a nice feature because it helps with how wood expands & contracts with different temperatures & humidity. You can always use the search function at the upper right-hand corner of the page to look up floating flooring (and other terms of course!).

The Flooring Lady at October 30, 2008 7:20 AM

okay, that floating floor I understand. Just hadn't ever seen interlocking plywood :-)
Back to the vapor barrier... it's not that I want to avoid pulling up the carpet-but could I put the barrier over the carpet and get a little extra insulation out of it? The carpet is in good shape. Thanks for your help. It's not that I don't trust the guys in the stores but...You can tell me stop asking questions anytime!

al at November 3, 2008 12:29 PM

Hi Al!
Actually, what I have seen is interlocking sheets of chipboard, not plywood.

I think you'll find that if you install a floating floor over carpeting that it won't work - the flooring needs something solid under it so it won't shift and pop out of it's channels. Bear in mind that I don't know what kind of carpeting you're talking about either. ;~)

As far as your trust in the guys at the stores, I'm with you......caveat emptor. Heh.

Try as hard as you might, you'll never get me to tell you to stop asking questions! LOL That what this site is for!

The Flooring Lady at November 4, 2008 3:23 PM

Hi There TFL,

We are excited about painting the floor in our kitchen, dining room and bathrooms, but have a couple of questions about the final product. After the urethane on the floor dries, wouldn't the floor become a little slippery (because urethane is such a smooth product), especially if it becomes wet? We were thinking of using a slightly textured primer before painting so that the final product isn't slippery; would that be a good idea or is it even necessary?

Thanks!
Kristin

Kristin at November 16, 2008 5:53 PM

Probably not necessary IMO, but if you feel it's too slippery there are products that can be used to make it less so.

The Flooring Lady at November 16, 2008 7:21 PM

I am looking for info on how to use brown paper bags and polyurethane to cover over an old painted wood floor in a cabin. Do you know where I can get this info?

Marlene at December 28, 2008 5:57 PM

The best thing I can suggest is to go to your favorite search engine (mine's www.google.com) and input your search there. I've never heard of this. Good luck!

The Flooring Lady at December 29, 2008 12:28 PM

What would I need to do to paint over an existing tile floor with that black glue under it?

patsy masters at January 5, 2009 10:19 AM

Hi Patsy...... I'm not sure I'm following you - are you wanting to take up the tile or just paint over it? Either way, the subject has been covered lots and lots of times on this site - I'd suggest using the site's search engine and type in paint or painting and tile or vinyl.

The Flooring Lady at January 7, 2009 10:38 AM

Where can I see pictures of nice painted floors?

julie at February 3, 2009 6:15 AM

All over the internet! Go to google.com and do a photo search. ;~)

The Flooring Lady at February 3, 2009 8:10 AM

Can I paint the flooring under my carpet? or can I paint my carpet? If so how?

Krystel at February 23, 2009 11:57 AM

Hi Krystel,
No, you can't paint your carpet. You can probably paint the flooring under your carpet. What kind of flooring is it?

The Flooring Lady at February 25, 2009 9:55 PM

I have a white textured tile floor and in Florida whenever someone comes in the sand gets caught next to this texture. Is there any way I can paint these tile floors so that they are easier to clean. It would take me a week to get down with a scrub brush and then it would only stay clean for a few minutes!

Marcie at February 27, 2009 12:35 AM

Hi Marcie,
It would be such a shame to have to resort to painting your floors. Are your floors ceramic, porcelain or stone? Have you thought about using a polyurethane or clear epoxy coat?

The Flooring Lady at February 27, 2009 11:18 AM

The previous owners glued carpet to polished old pine floors in three rooms. The shabby carpet lifts off readily, but there is a 1/4" layer of glue with ridges (and some glued-in fibres) that three different tradesmen say cannot be removed by solvents or by sanding as the glue melts. I don't want to recarpet or plane the floors off as I would need to plane the whole house to match. Would it be too weird if I scrubbed it and painted it? If so, what would you recommend?

Lyn at March 8, 2009 12:16 AM

Since the floor was polished, it might be worth it to do a little testing to see how well removing the glue would work. The polish might keep the glue from penetrating the wood when you go to remove the glue. Try different methods in small areas. It's up to you if you want to paint it.

There is more info for painting floors here and here.

The Flooring Lady at March 11, 2009 2:12 PM

Hello Flooring Lady, Thank you for your website and time. We just pulled up vinyl flooring in our kitchen and have removed 99% of the glue (oh what fun that was going chemical free up to this point). I think I want to paint it the way I'm seeing garage floors look, with a solid color, no fancy art work or designs. Does all the glue need to come up, like in the corners where it was installed thick, and what steps are needed to prepare concrete for painting?

Jimbo at March 28, 2009 4:10 PM

Hi Jimbo,
It really depends on if YOU think the glue at the edged needs to come up - I can't see it. If it looks smooth and flat and won't detract from the overall look AND you can live with it, then sure. Pretty much, all that you need to do is make sure the concrete is very clean before painting - and dry. ;o)

The Flooring Lady at March 31, 2009 4:45 PM

i am wanting to paint a floor in a bedroom. i am pulling the old carpet and it is the wood planks underneath. should i fill the cracks or what is the best process to acheive a shabby chic look?

lacy at April 10, 2009 12:59 PM

Hi Lacy,
I would leave the cracks alone if you're going for a shabby chick look, but it's really up to you. ;~)

The Flooring Lady at April 14, 2009 1:55 AM

hi..we just pulled up OLD vinyl tiles and I want to paint the particle board floor underneath. the room is approx.20x40,you can see square pattern stains from old tiles so I'm looking for the EASIEST,LEAST EFFORT way to paint it & have it still look good. Some patterns are too much headache & work, do you have any suggestions for a simple fix? by the way, we rent so I don't want to put too much $ or time,I have a few gallons of earthtone paints I could use and not have to buy(hopefully)any leads will help! (faux/stonewash?) thanks !

roni at April 15, 2009 5:24 PM

Hi Roni,
Painting floors and sealing afterwards has been covered numerous times. Use the search box at the top right of the page.

The Flooring Lady at April 20, 2009 11:24 AM

I have a floor that is painted a tan and black checker board. It is in a high traffic area. Do you recommend coating it with poly or applying a coat of wax, which I would reapply every year (possibly every six months) Is there an advantage of one over the other.

Jeanie at May 1, 2009 6:09 AM

Hi Jeanie,
It's really up to you, but I recommend poly. Diamond Coat Varathane Polyurethane is a really good brand. All you should have to do is apply another coat every couple years (aside from regular cleaning). Good luck!

The Flooring Lady at May 3, 2009 12:30 AM

would you please give me advice on whether it is possible to paint a laminate floor?

claire at May 22, 2009 3:15 PM

Hi Clair,
Yes, it is possible -- see this article.

The Flooring Lady at May 25, 2009 11:57 AM

Hello,

We bought a house and had to unexpectedly remove the prevous owner's pet soiled carpeting (throughout).
Eventually, we will have wood floors installed - but that seems to be farther in the future than originally anticipated.

Downstairs is concrete, upstairs is plywood subfloor. For now, we are thinking of painting the plywood upstairs. Question: How will the glue for the cork underlay (which will go down under the solid wood floor that will be installed) react a painted plywood surface?
We don't want to create a situation in the future, where we have to sand the subfloor before the hardwood can be installed because of the paint.

So, can adhesive be applied to a painted surface and still perform?

Thanks for your feedback.

Molly in Monarch Beach

molly at July 13, 2009 9:10 AM

Hi Molly, Adhesive will not adhere properly to a painted surface. You would need to sand the subfloor in the future to lay any flooring. Sorry!

The Flooring Lady at July 15, 2009 1:06 PM

Help! My sons room has flooded ever since we have lived here, my husband will never get the problem fixed, so as of tomorrow I am going to tear out the carpet, it is concrete underneath, and I want soemthing that will look great and last a very lond time. I have no artistic ability. Any advice? What about concrete stain? thanks so very much!
Machel Allen

machel allem at July 27, 2009 10:49 PM

Machel,

The damp conditions in a room can cause health issues beyond carpet trouble. I would suggest you fixing the issue as soon as possible.

In regards to staining the concrete that is an option. You can read more here :
Stained Concrete Flooring
Thank you

The Flooring Lady at July 28, 2009 8:34 AM

I have a old house and wooded floor cover in a tile i took off and it looks like tare i would like to paint them but dont know where to start HELP !!!

MONA

mona at September 2, 2009 9:56 AM

Mona,

I'm reading this that old tar paper that was laid under the tile is the issue, and is it now stuck on top of the wood floor which you would like to paint?

You can use a tar paper removal product, your local hardware store should be able to local a product that is non-toxic. It is probable you will still have to sand the flooring to remove all traces of the tar paper.

The Flooring Lady at September 3, 2009 5:57 PM

I have hardwood that has had the linoleum "rug" as my grandmother called them on top. The floor is unfinished, but where the linoluem layed the floor is stained from the tar like finish. Will paint take to this surface? The floor itself doesn't seem to have any finish on the surface.

Denise at October 28, 2009 8:58 AM

Denise,

If the wood is stained, and you are just painting over the top of it, it should work fine.

If there is a tar like material stuck to the wood, this will have to be removed for the paint to adhere to the surface.

The Flooring Lady at October 29, 2009 1:27 PM