Blog>Expert Advice>A guide to painting floorboards
Last updated: 31 May 2023
A guide to painting floorboards
Our guide to painting floorboards has everything you need to know before embarking on this project: how to prep for professional-looking results, the best paint to use for a long-lasting finish, and a handful of creative ideas too.
Is painting floorboards a good idea?
Painting floorboards is a great way to update and refresh a room on a budget.
If your floorboards aren't in great condition, painting them is often easier and cheaper than refinishing them
With a range of paint colours available, painting floorboards can enhance their appearance, while updating and transforming the entire room
In general, paint will give your flooring long-lasting protection and make it resistant to water and other spillages. And if you have old hardwood flooring, refinishing it might not be an option, and so painting the floorboards can help to extend its life.
Bear in mind though, painting floorboards is a permanent choice. It's generally not reversible. You do, however, have the option to paint over it again in future.
Not sure if you have the time or skills to paint your floorboards?
A professional painter decorator will complete the work efficiently and to a high standard, for a quality finish that'll last.
As a guide, painter decorator ratesare typically around £32per houror £325per day.
Use our handy search to find highly recommended painter decorators in your area. Just add your postcode to get started.
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How to paint floorboards for a long-lasting finish
Preparation
It goes without saying, the first thing you need to do is clear everything out of the room you're painting
Next, check the floor surface is clear of protruding nails or staples and fill any small cracks with wood filler
If your flooring has an existing varnish or wax you will need to sand it to dull the surface. Hiring a drum floor sander will make this task easier and quicker
If you're painting new floorboards, that don't have any previous varnish or wax, give the surface a light sand with medium-grit sandpaper to abrase the surface
Tip: Painting floorboards without sanding is possible, however, for a better finish, and to make sure your paint adheres properly, it's best to sand it first.
Next, vacuum the room, clean the floor with a sugar soap solution, rinse, and allow to dry overnight
Mask skirting boards with painter's tape
Depending on the type of paint you've chosen, you may need to apply a coat of primer first.
Tip: If you're painting new floorboards, apply a coat of stain-blocking primer on the knots to stop them from 'bleeding through' your top coat. Allow to dry.
Painting
The first coat of paint may need to be watered down slightly depending on the surface you're painting and the type of paint you choose. Check the manufacturer's instructions to be sure.
Use a 2-3 inch brush to cut in around the edges of the room where the flooring meets the skirting board
Then use a small, 4-inch foam roller to apply the paint to the rest of the floor. Paint in the same direction as the grain, feathering the paint with your brush to ensure a nice, even finish
Tip: Work from the far side of the room back towards your exit point to avoid boxing yourself into a corner.
Allow the paint to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions (4-6 hours is fairly typical)
Lightly sand (and then vacuum) the entire surface once again
Tip: Don't be tempted to rush the drying and curing stage as you risk the paint peeling or flaking away when dry.
Repeat the painting process using a brush to cut in around the outside edge and a roller/brush combination for the rest of the floor. This coat should not be watered down
If painting on bare wood, you may need a third coat
Tip: In a heavy traffic area, you may choose to apply a top coat or finishing coat for an extra layer of protection.
Carefully remove the painter's tape once the floors are dry
Tread carefully on your newly-painted floor over the next few weeks: wear socks, try to deter pets from walking on it, and don't allow the painted floor to get wet. If possible, hold off putting furniture on the painted floorboards for 3-7 days to allow the paint to cure (i.e. the paint has hardened and fused to the wood).
For best results, we always recommend hiring a professional.
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What's the best paint for floorboards?
The best paint for floorboards must be tough and durable, able to withstand the wear and tear of everyday life.
Specialist floor paints are available in most DIY stores, in either a satin or a matt finish.
Alternatively, a good quality trade woodwork paint will also do a great job.
Tip: If you have light-coloured walls, paint your floor the same colour to make the space feel bigger. For a more dramatic look, opt for a paint colour darker than your walls.
Painted floorboards ideas
There's nothing to stop you from getting a little creative with your floor paint.
Use painter's tape to create a border around the edge of the room or a statement pattern such as checkerboard squares
If you have a narrow entrance hallway, painting horizontal stripes will make it appear wider
Create 'zones' in an open-plan living space by painting different areas in different colours or tones
For a New England vibe, why not try a splatter-paint floor? Yes, it's a thing!
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FAQs
How to get paint off floorboards
If dealing with water-based paint, mix a few drops of washing-up liquid in warm water. Dip a microfibre cloth in the solution, wring it out until damp and scrub the paint in the direction of the wood grain. If the paint is oil-based, you'll need to gently sand off as much paint as possible before carefully applying paint stripper to the affected area.
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