How to paint a floor

Attractive and easy to apply, Floor paint">floor paint doesn't require a lot of upkeep. However, bear in mind that as your floor has to withstand a lot of activity, you need to choose a paint that is highly resistant to footfall. Of course you also need to pick the right type of paint for your surface.

Polyurethane paint is often the paint of choice for floors. Made up of a polyurethane resin and a solvent, this paint is very resistant to shocks and scratches as well as UV rays and chemicals. It can be used both indoors and outdoors.

But beware: the VOC content of this paint is high so take care to ventilate the room properly during application and drying. What's more, your tools will have to be cleaned in white spirit once you're done.

Steps

1. Prepare the floor

2. Apply your first coat to the floor

3. Apply your second coat to the floor

To start, your floor needs to be completely clean, dry and free of any contaminants. Scrape away any traces of chipped paint, plaster or glue using a scraper tool. If your floor has small cracks, use this time to fill them.

Vacuum any traces of dust then clean the floor thoroughly to ensure there are no grease marks. Depending on your surface, you may need to take further steps to prepare the floor. For example, if you have a highly porous or dusty concrete floor, you will need to apply the appropriate primer. If you are dealing with a wooden floor that has already been stained or varnish, you will need to sand the surface first. 

Protect your skirting boards and/or the base of your walls from paint by covering them with tape">masking tape.  

Fit your drill with a mixing attachment and mix the paint well. If you don't have a drill, you can use a clean paint stirrer. 

Carefully pour some paint into your paint tray. Paint trays with grids are really handy for wiping off the roller and avoiding paint splashes. 

Use an edging brush to apply paint in any corners and around the perimeter of the room. 

Use your roller to cover the rest of the floor working from the back of the room towards the door. 

Overlap your roller strokes for an even result and work in sections if your room is large. Be sure to always move the roller in the same direction. If you are painting floorboards, follow the direction of the boards and the grain of the wood.

Leave the paint to dry for a few hours. The amount of time you need to wait will be indicated by the manufacturer. Once your paint is fully dry, apply a second coat following the method described above. 

Remove the masking tape as you work as it's best to do so while the paint is still wet. 

Leave the floor to dry for 12 to 24 hours (following the paint instructions). After this time, you can walk on the floor but you will have to wait a few days before replacing your furniture. 

Required skills

• Cleaning surfaces

• Preparing surfaces

• Applying paint

• Mixing paint using a drill

• Good mobility

Required time

Depends on floor size and drying times.

Number of people required

1 person

Tools and equipment

• Floor paint

• Cleaning product

• Vacuum cleaner

• Masking tape

• Broom

• Scraper

• Edging brush

• Roller with extendible pole

• Paint tray

• Sponge

• Bucket

• Mixing attachment

• Drill

Safety wear

• Protective gloves

• Safety goggles

Please note: this is a non-exhaustive list; be sure to match your personal protective equipment to the job at hand.