The How's And Why's Of Painting A Wood Floor That Has Cosmetic Damage

Although many homeowners never even think to paint their wooden floors, this type of refinishing is highly economical and practical. In the case of floors that have extensive cosmetic damage, painting the wood can easily cover up scars and stains without necessitating expensive repairs. If you're considering painting your wooden floors, read on to find out more.

Why should you paint your wood floor?

There are many benefits to painting a wood floor, especially one that has sustained a lot of cosmetic damage. Here are just a few of the advantages:

• Painting is less expensive than other types of floor refinishing.
• You can inexpensively change the colors any time you want.
• Paint can cover up old scratches just as well as other types of floor finish, and can mask damage that transparent stain can't.
• Paint creates a hard seal that can protect floors and prevent further damage.
• Paint can be applied in decorative patterns and designs.

Will paint stay on your floor without scratching off?

If the paint is properly applied and the right type of paint is used, it should adhere to the floors for many years. On floors that have a coating of stain and varnish, some sanding with an orbital sander will be required to create a rough enough surface that the paint can bond to it. Floors that have no varnish, or areas where the varnish has been worn away, primer will need to be applied. Once the floors have been prepped for paint, use oil based porch-grade paint in the color of your choice.

Can paint be taken off later?

Paint is permanent. Once it's been applied to a wooden floor, getting the paint off could be very difficult or impossible. If you have any thoughts of refinishing the floors with a transparent stain in the future, don't paint them now. Contact a hardwood floor refinishing professional, like Cooper Floors, to discuss your options and figure out what works best for you.

Are there some colors that are better than others?

If you're trying to cover up old stains, scratches, gouges and other forms of damage, darker paint colors are more likely to disguise these problems. In addition, lighter paint colors may show natural features of the wood, like knots, much more easily. To prevent these stains and knots from appearing through the paint, spot primer may be required.

For more information about painting or refinishing your older, damaged wooden floors, contact a wood refinishing professional in your area.