For the greatest transformation on a small spending budget you cannot beat painting. A brand new color on the walls can change the mood of the room, but it does not stop there! With a few coats you can update a piece of furniture or transform an entire kitchen. Painted wood floors are the most associated with seaside cottages, where they originated for their no-fuss practicality. But paint isn’t only for hardwood floors. Did you know you can also paint tiles, concrete, plywood, and even linoleum?
When you’re ready to start painting floors, here are some tips!
Do not paint yourself in a corner.
Have an escape route in mind. Start from the side of the room opposite the door, then back your way out. You do not want to have to tiptoe across your painted floors, lest they chip or smudge. After all, the whole appeal is that they are hardwearing and practical. To achieve this effect, use at least a semi-gloss paint from the paint aisle, and cover it with a few polyurethane.
Yet, it might pay to look beyond standard interior paints.
Seek out latex enamel-based marine, boat, or porch paint, all of which are hardwearing and built to last. Note that oil-based paints will be hardy, but will also be high in VOCs. If it is finished wood floors you are painting, you will need to sand and prime. While applying the paint, take care of yourself! Save your back by utilizing a floor buffer. It can be backbreaking work, and you don’t want to sacrifice your own health.
Dark does not mean disguised.
General wisdom would make us believe that white or light-colored floors show every speck of dust and dirt, while black- or dark-colored floors disguise debris. But that is misleading: dark-colored floors actually show a lot more than you’d think, including every dust rabbit and crumb. If the disguise is the only reason behind going dark, think twice before you commit.
Need more tips? Give us a call!