How To Paint A Floor
67Painting a floor can be time consuming for those who are not familiar with painting. It can also be expensive depending on the type of paint you use. There are many different types of paint designed for specific applications. Make sure the paint you choose is for painting a floor.
Do not paint Yourself into a Corner!
First Step
The first thing you must do before painting a floor is make sure it is clean and dry. Scrubbing the floor is the best way to insure that it is clean, but after scrubbing the floor takes time to dry. Sometimes it may take days even, depending on the humidity. Using a shop vac will also get the dust off your floor.
You may want to sand your floor before doing this step. It depends on the condition or the particular floor you are painting.
Second Step
In this step you want to prime the floor with a good primer which is also a sealer. Valspar is a good manufacturer of paint and paint products. As stated before, make sure the paint you use is designed for the purpose you use it for. Allow the primer coat to dry thoroughly.
You should also decide what type of paint you are going to use. Oil Base paints are a little more durable than latex paints, but they need a much longer drying time.
Wood Floor Painting
Concrete Floors
When painting concrete, the floor must be cured completely. If it is a new floor or pad let it cure for at least 90 days before painting. It can also take up to 180 days for concrete to cure completely.
Be sure and use a paint or stain specifically made for concrete. If the floor is prone to water or dampness, you may want to add a little sand to your paint to give some grip to your feet as you walk on it. Always follow directions on your paint bucket when applying paint.
Epoxy is a type of paint which hardens more than paint and lasts much longer. It is used generally in garages. As always be sure and follow all directions when using epoxy to paint your floor. Epoxy is also more toxic than normal paint and care should be given to ventilating properly and use a mask approved for chemical use.
Painting a Concrete Floor
Conclusion
Painting a floor requires a lot of planning ahead. It also requires a lot of work. If you plan on a design, it depends on the design you choose to do to determine how long it will take to finish. Be sure and read all instructions and follow directions according to the paint you use. Also, make sure you choose the right paint for the job you are doing.
Even latex paint has an odor to it so be sure and use good ventilation in the area you are working.
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Wish I saw this before I painted my garage floor...we made into my workshop and when it was empty it seemed so large...and of course I planned very little and I wanted a carpet looking floor, you know a throwrug type...
So I painted stripes around the outer edges, 3 different colors even, and then painted fringe on either end...Looked so nice I was so proud....Hee hee
So now we put everything back in...??? and all you could see was the middle, plain nothing there... all the stripe's got covered up, well except for the fringe part...Guess I have a lot to learn...or like silly says...have you come paint my floor! ! !...:O) Hugs G-Ma
What if I accidentally walk across the floor before it dries :). I kid, but once several of us leaned on a wall in PE we did not know had wet paint on it, and we had to rinse it off of our clothes and hair lol.
Thank you silly. Of course for the right amount of money I will come paint your floor for you. Just let me know if you want me to.
G-Ma, as I told silly, for enough money I will come paint your floor for you. Of course I do not work cheap. It costs a lot of money to get me to come work for you.
SweetiePie, it is a wonder the paint came out of your clothes. Most paint won't anymore. Glad it did come out though. They usually hang a sign when the paint is wet anymore.
Hey Sir, I wish I'd read this Hub before I painted my floors with Kilz, lol! They are probably in need of a new coat. I will take your suggestions to heart. Thanks.
Kilz is actually just a primer and stain blocker. It is used as the first coat down on the floor then the top coat paint goes on.
That picture up there would SO be me!!!
No way LM...or at least I would there with you>>>:O) Hugs
Misery loves company...giggle giggle
Hi Sirdent,
The paint incident was in 1992 and the guys who painted the wall did not realize people were going to be using the hall way to the weight room, so it is really funny how it all happened. It took forever to get it out of the bottom of my hair, but it never did come off my clothes. I think it would be fun to paint the floor if I ever own a house, but right now since I rent we really are not allowed to do much to the unit.
Sounds like a lot of work. I agree with the other ladies, I would have to get you to come and paint it for me. :)
It IS a lot of planning, work to paint properly - and that has been too much for me yet...I'm thinking I'd like to get rid of carpet and paint the concrete...but so far just dreaming. If you cloned yourself, would your paint work be cheaper...:-)
frogy, it would cost you twice as much that way. The clone must be paid also, although the money would be mine. :P
I can do it Donna as long as you can afford me, as I said I am expensive.
All useful information. Never painted a floor but I know where the info is if I have to:-)
wow sirdent,, just think if all of us ladies had the money to fly ya in to paint,,think how busy you would be,,,,,oh by the way when we fly ya in to paint do you do windows too,,,
I do anything that is needed to be done silly. OF course it all costs extra. :P
Thanks for the scomment Ethel. Are you the one who kept seeing the streaker back in the 70s?
Hello friend. I love that Px , girls in the corner. She needs: either crane or surgical boots. :-).
When I saw the title "how to paint a floor" My first thot was if the floors hold still long enuf for you to really paint them (as you would a portrait) ok, so now I need a cup of coffee and focus! I miss living in a place I can paint how I choose.. Apartments don't let me do that.. :(
You brought up my childhood memories. We painted the wooden floors in our apartment like every 5 years (along with complete walls paint over). For me as a child it was fun. For a first night we had to go sleep at my aunt's house, and then for a couple more days we had "sky walks"- boards laid over the floor.
I cannot have painted hardwood floors. My mother-in-law was determined to do it and the paint is coming up all over the place.
That was great info, and so easy to follow esp for blonde. Thumbs up !!!
As always great info Sir dent.
Lisa
Amazing same address, same title, same published time frame.
Odd don't ya think??????
Good hub. You should also pick the paint based on what you plan on using the floor for. Staining wood floors is something that a person needs to be extrmely carefull about. Not all wood floors are designed to be stripped and restained. Even those that are, you have to make sure that you don't sand through the stainable wood. This is a good hub and gives people enough to get the job done.
This is a really smart idea.. wish I had thought of doing this to my old house.. lol. :P This is definitely something to think about. Thanks! :)
i must say interesting hub
silly 2 years ago
sorry to allergic to paint,,, so i guess the best bet is have you come paint my floor ,, or just put carpet down......