Painting Kitchen Floors

How do you clean painted floors?

A 1:8 vinegar:water solution is a great cleaning solution for most floors. If your painted floor has a polyurethane or varnish finish you can clean it as you would any hard surface floor. But if it doesn't have a protective layer over the paint, be careful and use only a sponge or cloth for cleaning the floor.

Regular sweeping is important for any floor, but a painted floor that doesn't have a protective layer should get a dry mop or vacuuming instead.

Consider coating the painted floor with a water-based polyurethane finish to make it last longer and wear better. It'll make your cleaning easier too.

Do I need to use floor paint, or can I use regular interior paint and just put a polyurethane on it? For wood flooring- I just need to clean and sand it first?

You can use interior paint for floors, and applying a polyurethane finish on top is vital to the protection of the pattern or paint.

Raw wood should always be primed so the color coat doesn't absorb into the wood, changing the color and the look, as well as the durability. So sand it, clean it, prime it and then paint it.

I have a freshly painted floor, I used a water based paint. Do I have to sand again before putting on a coat of polyurethane. Thank you

I know sanding is recommended before applying subsequent coats of paint or finish. My concern would be ruining that fresh finish with a sanding. If you can sand lightly enough it would be a good idea. But look at the directions of the product you are using to find out what is recommended.

And I hope you are using a water-based polyurethane as that protective coat.

As part of our kitchen remodel we pulled up the vinyl floor and under is a combination of old wood planks and plywood. It seems we are going to have to put a plywood base down no matter what kind of floor we install. I'm trying to keep costs down and still look nice. Do you think we could make it look nice if we just painted the plywood instead of covering it with another product? I've heard of some people cutting groves into plywood to make it look like planks...

Painting your kitchen floor could look great. And be lots of fun. If you want the floor to look like planks you can groove it and then paint it. Or you can buy the double roller/split paint pan and get a marble look. Painting any number of patterns on the floor would be interesting -- stencil, faux rug, or combed for example.

Just be sure to put enough sealer on it so the paint doesn't wear off in the high traffic areas.

I am painting a plywood floor. Should I use porch enamel for floors and top with polyurethane coating, or can I use a latex enamel and coat with polyurethane?

Also, I'm interested in finding out how to put grooves in the plywood floor to make it look like plank flooring.

Thanks,
Lori

I wouldn't use porch enamel for indoor flooring. If the plywood floor is outdoors, say in a covered or enclosed porch I'd use the porch enamel. If the floor you are painting is indoors use low VOC paint and coat it with polyurethane. I personally love the Diamond Coat Varathane Polyurethane product -- it's easy to work with, water based so easy to clean up, and is low VOC.

I have painted a MDF floor with primer and latex paint. To protect it, I was told at the paint store to purchase a floor Polyurethane. It is oil based, does that matter and why?

I can't begin to imagine why you would have an MDF floor, especially in the kitchen, but so be it. The problems I see with oil-based polyurethane are that it tends to yellow faster than water-based polyurethane, clean up is messy and hard, and it stinks. The smell is one problem but the fact the smell indicates the presence of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) means your air quality will suffer for years to come.

There are great water-based polyurethanes you can use that will be durable and not harm your air quality, at least not as much for as long. Try Diamond Coat Varathane Polyurethane.

I want to paint my wood and make it look marbelized...any suggestions?

The technique I used on my floor was to use a system of a split roller pan and a split roller -- giving you two reservoirs and two rollers to work with. Pour a different color paint in each reservoir, load your rollers and go to town with the sloppiest technique you can use. You will fine tune your technique to get the look you desire.

I've seen these system as the big box home improvement stores, and I bet you can find them in lots of places that sell paint. The directions say to use highly contrasting paints, which I've seen result in great looks, but I've also used very similar colors to get a more subtle result.

When you are content with the look, seal it with a water-based polyurethane (I prefer the Diamond Coat Varathane polyurethane). It'll be fun and look great.

Dear Flooring Lady, My husband and I have been remodeling a farm house that was built in 1920. We are putting tongue and groove down for the flooring. I want to paint it and distress it. What kinds of paint and clear coat should i use. We are also putting it in kitchen and baths. Is this a problem?

Lisa

I don't think the type of paint matters. You get to decide if you want translucent or opaque, and buy accordingly -- or thin as you desire. I will urge you to use Sherwin Williams low VOC paint for air quality reasons.

But yes, the clear coat does matter. I love Diamond Coat Varathane polyurethane because it's easy to apply, drys fast and clear, and is low VOC.

I'm not sure if you are asking me if the wood or the paint in the kitchen and bath are the problem, but my experience is that if you don't let water stand on the floor you can put almost anything anywhere in the house.

I always get confused in regard to the paint finishes. If I am painting the bedroom floors of of a 100 year old victorian (they have been painted in the past), should I use a satin finish paint and a gloss polyurethane to seal them? Thanks!

I think the bigger issue is whether the present finish is oil- or water-based. It's hard to switch to water-based on top of oil-based paint, though it can be done. You get to decide whether you go with matte, satin or gloss paint and polyurethane. Those decisions are personal decisions more than "correct" and "incorrect" choices.

I personally prefer matte finishes because they don't show prints and dust as much. But I also think I'm rare in that preference.

Dear Flooring Lady,

We have hardwoods all throughout our classic saltbox colonial, except in the small bath/mudroom area/entryway from the garage which is an ugly modern tile. The tile stops and the hard would starts in a small hallway as you enter the kitchen. We would like to paint a distressed diamond pattern on new hard woods in this area. Should we match the wood throughout the house or contrast it with a wide plank, textured wood for more rustic look? Will 2 different wood floors look odd together even though one will be painted?

Jen

It's hard to say without seeing the area you are reflooring, but my immediate reaction is that the same width planks throughout would be better. One way to tell for sure is to take samples of both styles of wood you are contemplating and lay them out in the area and see which feels better to you.

The paint will "disguise" the different floorings you have so the differences won't look odd. Have fun!

I'm painting my cottage kitchen floor. The floor is made of +/- 3" bare pine planks that had been covered with (asphestos?) tile when the house was built in 1948. The tile was glued to the wood using what apeared to be tar paper and a dark adhesive.

I was able to scrape off the majority of the paper and glue left behind using a wallpaper steamer. However, some diluted adhesive remained. I have applied 3 coats of latex primer but it appears that the dark adhesive bleeds through when water is spilled on it.

I'm going to use a blue top coat using floor and porch paint, but I'm concerned that the staining will come through that as well.

Is there anything I can use to prevent bleeding? Also, does the paint alone waterproof the floor or is it necessary to use a polycoat sealer on a kitchen floor to prevent water damage?

Thanks for your help.

I'd apply KILZ Original or KILZ Odorless primers to "lock" the stain away, if you can't find something to remove it completely. That should stop the bleeding through to your prier and your top coat.

You need to seal the paint surface to keep it from wearing off as quickly. See my recommendation further up in the comments as to which product I like best.

A bit more research has introduced me to compounds that remove adhesives. Of course you can get high- and low-VOC compounds for the job. Go to your favorite hardware/home improvement store and ask about this product.

Must one use a brush when applying Diamond Coat Varathane polyurethane to a painted kitchen floor or would a roller do?
What are the minimum number of coats that you recommend?

You don't want to use a roller to apply this product. Use a good synthetic brush and disturb the product as little as possible so you don't create bubbles that will hurt your finish quality.

The minimum number of coats depends on how much and what type of traffic it's going to get. The minimum in my opinion is two, but I'd probably put three to four coats to have a great finish.

WHAT TYPE OF PRODUCT DO YOU USE TO FILL IN CRACKS AND DENTS IN 70S VINYL TILE?

Hi Sandy,

My first concern would be that if you're working on 'vinyl' tile from the 70's that it very well may contain asbestos. Scary, scary, SCARY thought!!! Seriously, you need to get it tested - there are testing kits at most major home improvement stores. If it contains asbestos you need to have it removed or cover it. Removing it opens up a whole new can of worms and you'll need to figure out if you're willing to take on the risk yourself (and dispose of it properly!) or call in a professional to do the job. A lot of people go with covering it because so long as it's covered properly then the asbestos dust can't escape and damage your lungs, etc.

I cannot stress enough that you need to find out for sure what you're dealing with.

My house was built in 1948 and has beautiful hardwoods however in my sons foom the lady that we bought the house from locked several cats in that room and they ruined a small corner of the hardwoods. we used kiltz and deck paint to cover however when my son was born we covered it with carpet. we could like to repaint them and add stencils. do you reccommend a certain type of paint and sealant? our hardwoods are think and certain spots wave. do you know what causes the wave in the floor?

Hi Christina,

I don't know what would cause the flooring to be wavy, except maybe moisture, weak floor joists or just because 60 years of the house settling made it uneven. You might be able to try to even it out some by renting a floor sander. Personally, I'd rather live with it and think of it as part of the charm that goes with owning an older home, but that's just me. ;~)

There's lots of different paints on the market, it just depends on the qualities you're looking for. Some of the vapors aren't so nice, but there are some with low and no VOC's. Whatever product you choose, you'll have to look for a sealer that won't harm the paint and protect your hard work. They are quite a few on the market now with low VOC's as well. Good luck on your project, it sounds like you're one creative lady!

Hi- I have a 2 family home built in the late 1800s. I live in the 1st floor flat, and am re-doing the 2nd floor for rental. The 2nd floor kitchen has hardwood floors that someone painted years ago with an "apple" theme - yellow paint with apples every 4 or 5 inches stenciled in. How do you like them apples? Well, I don't really. So I want to paint over the kitchen floor. I would prefer to use linoleum, by the floor is uneven in spots - kinda wavy like another commenter mentioned. So the cheapest, easiest way to go without using some kind of floor leveler would be to paint. My contractor suggested I use deck paint, but I haven't heard of low or no VOC deck paint. Is there such a thing? Or would I be better off with regular paint followed by a good sealer? This is the kitchen, so it needs to be a surface that can withstand spills, cleaning, etc.
What do you recommend?
thanks
Tim
NY

Hi Tim,

My first thought when I read this was "hmm........wonder what that old floor would look like stripped". You may have a really nice old floor under that paint! Just something to think about.

If you're really wanting to paint it though, I'd recommend something along the lines of a low VOC interior paint (I like Sherwin Williams myself) and follow that with several coats of Urethane Diamond Coat Polyurethane formulated for floors. Good luck with your project!

I just want to better understand your solution for low VOC paint applied to floors. I have a previously painted floor I want to paint over, but with low VOC paint. I am told the low VOC interior paints, in semi-gloss,will not withstand use (and exterior are not better). Also, you suggest polyurethane after, but doesn't that defeat the purpose of low VOC paint?

Hi Carter,
Good question! There are actually polys that are low VOC now - consumers are very concerned with VOC's and many manufacturer's have taken notice! A good product line is Diamond Coat Varathane Polyurethane formulated for floors.

My floor is very small we have pretty much a galley kitchen it has seen better days there are nicks and scratches all over I'm very into shappy sheek looking things and I mentioned to my husband I wantd to paint the floor he said with the shape the floor was in it would look bad because of the dents and scratches can it still be done even with the problems there are I do not and can not afford new flooring at this time AND what about any wax or polish that has been used in the past

The house I purchased was new in 1985. Although the guy who built the house put in a double sub floor he used those cheap peel and place floor tiles and after years of kids and dogs I have some swelled spots near the sink and the dog dish. I was wondering as long as the sub floor is not moldy or weak (which it seems just fine when I walk on it) can I sand the sub floor down level, fill in the cracks and paint the floor to my liking. My cuboards sit directly on the floor so I can't build the floor up any with wood or my doors will not open. I would put down vinyl but cannot find a design I like.

Hi Dawn,
What kind of flooring do you have?

You can try it, but you may not be happy with the results. It really depends on if you think YOU can live with it.

I have plain linoleum PLEASE if you can help ease my mind before the holidays get here and my family of 32 see it Christmas eve. I am one of those people that gets some thing in HER head and will start the project a week before the party

Hi Dawn,
And the question is??

My question was I have linoleum floor in a galley kitchen it is the main floor to our house so it has seen better days and the people who owned it before us knew it needed work but hid the blemishes from us, when we moved in we found out it had some dents, scratches, and looks bad for me. I'm into shabby sheek design and wanted to know if even with the problems can it still be done, my husband says no it can't but with the holidays are coming and I'd like it to look good and what about any old wax that is one the floor if any. CAN I PAINT IT !!!!!

Hi Dawn,

Yes, it can be painted. Strip off the old finish first. You can also fill in the dents and deep scratches if you desire.

Where could I find some photos of painted floors to get ideas for a kitchen? Cannot afford new flooring and am planning to paint plywood subfloor after removing linoleum. I have seen a few on-line but would like more pics. Thanks.

Try searching again using different terms. Suggestions:
painted flooring
painting flooring
(use variations of paint, painting, floor, floors, flooring)
DIY (do-it-yourself)
throw the word ideas in there
patterns

What should I use as a sealer on a painted floor?

Mike

Polyurethane - but make sure that it will work with the kind of paint you've used.

HI, can I paint plywood kitchen floor? thank you.

Yes, you can, and be sure to seal with polyurethane. Make sure the poly is compatible with the paint you use too.

HI... I just painted my kitchen floor to resemble bricks. The cost was less than 100 dollars and I am soo excited. WOW I have pics

That is so cool Lisa! If you can upload them to a free photo hosting service you can create links that others can click on to view the pics. Great job!

I'm buying a fixer-upper. Having been built in 1939, the kitchen linoleum is terrible, worn and even bare in some spots. I wood like to paint the floors assuming (I have yet to move into the house) that there are wood floors underneath. If there are wood floors, how do I get rid of the material (glue or cement) adhering the linoleum in order to paint the floor??

I'm buying a fixer-upper. Having been built in 1939, the kitchen linoleum is terrible, worn and even bare in some spots. I wood like to paint the floors assuming (I have yet to move into the house) that there are wood floors underneath. If there are wood floors, how do I get rid of the material (glue or cement) adhering the linoleum in order to paint the floor??

Hi Joyce,
This subject has been covered many times throughout the site. Hopefully it's an adhesive and not cement. Use the search engine, located at the top right-hand corner of the page and use the words adhesive removal - you'll get lots of information. Good luck!

i would like to use a matte finish black paint or a black solid stain to update and modernize my old worn oak hardwood floors saw it done on a decorating show and it looked awesome what do i use to clean the wood before painting it and should i put polyurethane over the top so the paint wont scratch off thank you for your help susan

Susan,

Preparing your floors is extremely important when choosing to paint or stain them. The old treatment must be removed or made ready to accept paint.

For your wood floor you will need to make sure the old varnish or wax is removed. For stubborn spots, you may need to scrape and sand the areas, making sure to sand with the grain of the wood. For safety sake, use a dust mask and safety glasses before sanding to avoid dust inhalation. After you've swept the area and wiped with a damp towel or mop, take the time to pound in the nails, if you have any, and fill the gouges with a wood filler. Finally, clean the floor with a non-wax liquid floor cleaner and allow the floor to dry.

I would also suggest a primer coat if you go with the paint rather than the stain.

You would most definitely want to protect the floor with a polyurethane, I recommend
Diamond Coat Varathane Polyurethane a very good product. Whew, it seems like a big effort but when all is said and done it will be worth it!

Susan, another thing you could consider if you want to keep the look of the oak floors -- grain, etc -- then consider putting black paint in a water-based polyurethane. I haven't done this in black but I have done it with white to give a pickled look to wood. It's a great way to modernize at a low cost.