One of the most popular ways to revitalize an old wood floor is to apply paint to it. While this can be an expensive process, a fresh coat of paint can breathe new life into an old floor. Painted wood floors are an important part of many historic homes, and they are an effective way to bring life to an old floor that has suffered from a lot of damage.
They are a practical way to freshen up a heavily damaged floor
Painting over heavily damaged hardwood floors is an affordable and practical way to restore them. While it can be expensive and time-consuming to repair or replace a floor entirely, paint allows you to add a fresh coat of color to a floor that looks dull or faded. Before you begin painting, however, you should determine the condition of the wood. If the wood is very old or of low quality, you may not be able to get a stain that will stay on the floor.
Before you begin painting, you must clean the floor thoroughly. Thorough vacuuming and a floor stripper are important. Make sure to remove any dust and debris to avoid creating additional problems. Afterward, you must remove the old finish and the paint. If the paint has already chipped and is scuffed, you may need to remove it again.
They are more expensive than restaining
Renewing old flooring with paint is more expensive than retaining it, but it can bring the floor back to life. It can also mask damage from water and stains. But it’s important to know the condition of the floor before starting the project. If the wood is old and of low quality, it may not be suitable for staining. It may also need to be sanded before it can be repainted.
If your floors are in good condition, you may not need to sand or stain them. You may only need to restain them if you want to change their color. Restaining a floor with different color will add between $1 and $3 per square foot. It also adds around $30 to $100 per gallon, depending on the stain you choose.
They are harder to apply
Before you begin applying the floor finish, you’ll want to make sure you have all the tools you need. The process is easier said than done, and you should be assisted by a helper if you need assistance with the edges of the floor. Once you’ve gathered all of your materials, prepare to spread the floor finish evenly. Make sure to follow the applicator’s directions to avoid streaks or drips. You’ll also need an applicator block or broom handle.
They are harder to clean
Painting old flooring can be a great way to spruce up your home, but you should be careful when choosing the paint. You should choose an oil-based paint that’s easy to clean and scuff-resistant, as latex paint requires about 30 days to form resin bonds. Latex floor paints can also contain urethane for added scuff resistance.