Why We Painted our Timber Floors and How to Do It
It’s been a little over a year since we painted our timber floors and I thought it was about time I updated you on how they’ve fared! We get asked a lot about why we chose to paint our floors and whether we would do it again – so, in this post, I’m going to share all the details with you. We had always planned to paint our floors white; it was just a case of when we would get around to it. When we did eventually start the project, it took us two weekends from start to finish and we are so happy with the results. Not only do they look great, but they are also much easier to keep clean than our previous dark-stained timber floors.
Why we chose to paint our timber floors
We chose to paint our timber floors for several reasons. Firstly, we wanted to lighten up the space and make it feel airier. Secondly, we were tired of the dark, dated look of the wood and wanted something fresh and modern. And thirdly, we knew that painting would be much easier and less time-consuming than sanding and staining the floors, which is what we would have had to do if we wanted to achieve a similar look with the wood.
To paint our floors, we first had to sand them down to get rid of any existing varnish or wax. We then applied a primer before painting two coats of white paint. We chose a semi-gloss finish for durability and easy cleaning. The whole process took us a few weekends to complete, but it was well worth it!
If you’re thinking about painting your timber floors, we would recommend it! It’s an easy and transformative project that will give your home an entirely new look.
How we prepared our floors for painting
We sanded our floors with a power sander and then applied a primer before painting. We chose white paint for the top coat to brighten up the space.
What paint and colours we used
We used light grey paint for the main body of the floor and white paint for the border. We wanted a light and airy feel for the space, so we kept the colours fairly neutral. We did experiment with a few different colours before settling on these two, but in the end, we felt that they worked best with the overall aesthetic of the room.
How we applied the paint
We started by sanding down the floors to get rid of any dirt or previous paint. Once that was done, we taped off the skirting boards and applied a primer to the floors. Once the primer was dry, we applied two coats of floor paint, allowing each coat to dry in between. We chose a light grey colour for the paint to give the room a fresh look. Finally, we removed the tape and admired our newly painted floors!
The finished result
Once the painting was complete, we were amazed at how different the space looked. The room felt brighter and more open, and the floors looked amazing. We are so happy with the finished result and would recommend painting timber floors to anyone looking for a quick and easy way to transform their home.
Tips for painting your timber floors
- Before you start painting your timber floors, it’s important to sand them down and remove any existing paint or varnish. This will help the new paint to adhere better and give you a more even finish.
- Once your floors are sanded, make sure to vacuum up all the dust before you start painting. This will help to avoid any imperfections in your finished product.
- When choosing a paint for your timber floors, be sure to pick one that is specifically designed for use on wood. This will ensure that the paint lasts longer and doesn’t damage the flooring underneath.
- Once you have your paint, apply it evenly with a brush or roller, taking care to get into all the nooks and crannies. Be sure to let the first coat of paint dry completely before applying a second coat.
- Once you’re happy with the final results, be sure to protect your newly painted floors by adding a layer of polyurethane or varnish over top. This will help to keep them looking good for years to come!
Why We Painted Our Timber Floor
We painted our timber floors for several reasons. Firstly, we wanted to protect them from wear and tear. Secondly, we wanted to give them a fresh, new look. And thirdly, we wanted to make them easier to clean.
We used water-based floor paint which was quick-drying and had a low odour. We started by sanding down the floors with an electric sander. We then applied two coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next.
Overall, we’re really happy with how our timber floors have turned out. They look great and they’re much easier to keep clean now. If you’re thinking about painting your floors, we would recommend it!
How to Paint a Timber Floor
If you have timber floors that need a makeover, painting them is a great option. It’s not as difficult as you might think and can transform the look of your home. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by giving your floor a good clean. This will help the paint to adhere better and create a smooth finish.
- Once the floor is clean, sand it down to create an even surface.
- Next, apply a primer coat to the floor. This will help the paint to stick and will also provide extra protection against wear and tear.
- When the primer is dry, you can start painting your floor with your chosen paint colour. Use a brush or roller for the best results.
- Once the first coat is dry, apply a second coat for extra durability.
- Allow the paint to fully dry before walking on it or putting any furniture back in place.
The Process
We started by sanding down the floors with coarse grit sandpaper to remove the old paint and varnish. This took a few hours and made quite a mess, but it was worth it to get a smooth surface to work with.
Once the floors were sanded, we vacuumed up all the dust and then went over them with a damp cloth to make sure they were clean before we started painting. We used a primer designed for bare wood floors and then two coats of floor paint in our chosen colour.
It took a couple of days to complete the project, but we’re so happy with the results! Our timber floors look brand new and we know they’ll be much easier to keep clean now that they’re painted.
How the Painted Floor is Holding Up
It’s been a little over two years now since we painted our floors and they’ve held up well! There are a few areas where the paint has worn away a bit (mainly in front of the chairs at the dining table) but other than that they still look great. We did have to touch up the paint a few times in the first year, but that’s to be expected with any kind of floor painting. Overall, we’re really happy with how they’ve held up and would do it again in a heartbeat!