How to Paint Your Floor

I’ve wanted to paint our sunroom floor white for quite some time. Today I’m going to share how to paint your floor!

To be honest, my worry about painting the floors was a lot worse than actually painting them. I’m now wondering why I didn’t do this sooner.

This was my first time painting a floor but I’ve stained this floor and the she shed floor about 4 years ago.

You can see the stain we originally put on this floor here and also how the sunroom came out when we did it over here.

BUT

We have kids, we have dogs, and you know what, the floor was looking really gross….

Just some stains that occurred out there which I hid with a scatter rug.

Okay, here’s what I used and my tips!

Materials

Sander
Vacuum
Painting Trays
Roller
Extendable Handle
Brush (disposable) and one Purdy
Benjamin Moore Fresh Start Oil Based Primer
Benjamin Moore Floor & Patio Paint (I used white)

Method

Step 1 – Make sure your surface is free from dirt and debris. Our floor was previously stained but didn’t have a shiny surface so I scuff sanded with a palm sander and vacuumed the floor. I also wiped all around the molding to remove and dust or pollen.

Step 2 – Prime your floor. To be on the safe side, I applied one coat of primer. I brushed around the edge of the floor first before rolling. This is the primer we used.

This primer is stain blocking and can be used inside and outside.

You will need to wait for it to dry overnight before painting the floor.

Step 3 – Allow this primer to dry thoroughly. See above note.

Step 4 – Time for the paint! I brushed the edges and then rolled on the rest. This is the paint we used:

They also have a high gloss option but opted for the low sheen.

Allow coats to dry in between.

I applied three coats of the Floor & Patio paint.

I think it’s fun to see videos sometimes, so I created a little video of painting the floor:

If you’re planning on painting your floor, you may want to pin this for later:

More Tips for Painting Your Floor

Make Sure the Weather is Cooperating

I’ve wanted to paint the sunroom ALL spring but only just got around to it because it’s been too cold and too wet. My friends at Hingham Lumber (my local Benjamin Moore retailer) suggested I wait until it’s dry for at least one day and 50 degrees around the clock for at least two days. If you live here in New England then you know this has been an issue 😉

Don’t Paint Yourself into a Corner

Perhaps obvious, but make sure you can get out of the room, once the floors painted. This is why I started at the far corner and worked toward the door.

Remove all Dust and Dirt

I used a vacuum AND swiffer between coats. We have dogs and the dog hair was the worst part. If you see a hair try and get it out while painting when it’s still wet.

Prevent High Traffic or Pets from Coming In

I closed off this room to all traffic while working on it. This was a bit of pain because it’s the way the dogs go in and out from the back yard.

What Finish Suits Your Needs?

I love the look of a high gloss floor BUT high gloss can be slippery. Kids will be coming in and out of here with wet feet from the pool and I didn’t want anyone falling.

Allow Paint to Cure

We waited two days before bringing our furniture back in just to be on the safe side.

Add a Door Mat for Your Dogs

To protect the floor from muddy paws I purchased two of these mats to put out for the dogs. I opted for charcoal. I LOVE how it looks against the white but the mats protect the newly painted floor from getting grimy.

I’m so happy we painted the floor and also so surprised how much brighter the room looks. It was a sunny and bright room before but the white floors really are beautiful! Now, I can’t wait to paint the She Shed floor.