Groomed Home Smarter Living
Did you know that it is possible to paint and give a second life to your flooring? Whether it’s made out of tiles, concrete, or wood, it’s actually easier than you think.
Here is our step-by-step guide to painting your floor.
Before Starting | Concrete | Tiles | Wood
Before starting
Which paint should I choose?
You have several options when it comes to the type of paint you should be using for your flooring:
- Special flooring paint is more resistant, and can be used on tiles, concrete, and wood.
- Epoxy paint, which can also be used on multiple textures. However, you must also apply a sealer to the end to protect the floor.
- Tile-only paint will be only compatible with tiles. Note that you must apply as an undercoat a binding primer that will allow the paint to properly adhere to the main tiles.
How long does it take?
The time it will take for the paint to take will, of course, primarily depend on the surface you’ll be painting.
Note that it is recommended to let the floor “rest” for 4 to 5 days if you used the special paint dedicated to flooring.
The usual drying times are as follows:
- For floor tiles: 24 hours minimum for an undercoat, and another 24 hours for each of the subsequent two layers.
- For concrete or cement: a few hours for the first layer, then 24 hours for the second layer.
- For a wooden floor: half a day for each of the two layers.
What mistakes should be avoided?
- Do not waste your time painting an oiled floor. The oil will prevent the paint from sticking, and it may peel off quickly.
- No need to try to paint a floor that is too wet. The paint does not hold.
- Avoid painting your concrete floor if it is too hot or too cold.
Tips
- In the bathroom and kitchen, it is best to use paint that is water-resistant.
- If you just want to bring out the grain of your floor, there’s no need to repaint the flooring. Use an oil finish instead.
- To highlight the seals of your tiles, use special paint pens dedicated to tile sealing.
Painting a concrete or cement floor
Prepare the flooring
- Clean the floor properly.
- Make sure the concrete or cement is completely dry.
- Brush the floor to remove any remaining dust or particles.
Apply the paint
- Protect the baseboards with masking tape.
- Mix the paint.
- Paint the corners with a small and appropriate paintbrush.
- Apply the rest of the paint with a roller. Do it in a crossing motion, to avoid leaving any traces.
- Allow the surface to dry for a few hours.
- Apply a second coat.
- Allow the flooring and paint to dry again for 24 hours.
Painting floor tiles
Prepare the flooring
- Clean the tiles, whether inside or outside the house.
- Make sure they are completely dry.
Apply the undercoat
Painting floor tiles requires the application of a primer, a special undercoat that allows the paint to adhere better to the floor.
Here’s how to do it:
- Protect the baseboards with masking tape.
- Stir the primer.
- First paint the seals and edges between the tiles, using an appropriate, small paintbrush (unless you want to heavily emphasize them).
- Apply the undercoat with a roller, using a crossing motion to avoid leaving any traces.
- Allow to dry for at least 24 hours.
Apply the paint
- Apply the first paint coat following the same instructions as for undercoat.
- Let it dry for 24 hours
- Lightly sand the floor to remove any roughness.
- Dust to remove any particles.
- Apply the second paint coat.
- Let the tiles dry for another 24 hours.
Painting a wooden floor
Prepare the flooring
- Fill any holes and cracks with wood filler.
- Sand the floor if it has been varnished, waxed or painted.
- Dust to remove any particles.
Apply the paint
- Protect the baseboards with masking tape.
- Mix the paint.
- Paint the edges first using a small and appropriate paintbrush.
- Apply the paint with a roller. Do it in a crossing motion, to avoid leaving any traces.
- Allow it to dry for at least 12 hours.
- Sand the floor with extra-fine sandpaper.
- Dust to remove any particles.
- Apply the second coat.
- Allow the floor to dry for another 12 hours.
