Should I paint or stain my hardwood floors?

Author: Miss Lulu Grady DVM  |  Last update: Sunday, May 22, 2022

Painted Hardwood Floors are Easier to Maintain
Painted floors are easier to maintain than stained and natural floors. In fact, you can keep reapplying a new coat of paint when the old paint becomes thin. Painting a hardwood floor is also less demanding, although you should do it professionally for the best results.

Is it better to paint or stain wood floors?

While the effect isn't as strong as painting, a stained floor will preserve its colour much better, be more resistant to damage and will last longer. Many people seem to think so because it is it the most popular choice.

Is it a good idea to paint hardwood floors?

When hardwood floors are 100+ years old and refinishing is questionable, painting is a great alternative. It's also an inexpensive alternative to replacing flooring, and less work, too. And leaving the floors in place means less waste in the landfill. Painting floors can also help hide imperfections.

Do painted wood floors last?

It Isn't Very Durable

One of the downsides of painting your floor instead of refinishing it is that paint is not very durable. It won't last long; instead, it can start chipping and getting worn out after a few years (depending on use). At that point, your floors won't look new anymore.

Should you stain hardwood floors?

Hardwood floors should be refinished if there are multiple blemishes, if there are planks bending upwards, or if the flooring is starting to age. Staining is a great option when you have unfinished wood or would like to change the look of newer wood. Staining still needs a sander to get rid of that top coat, however.

Choosing the right stain for your wood floors

What happens if you don't finish hardwood floors?

Oil and moisture from your skin and from your pets will seep into the wood. Dirt tracked in on your shoes will get ground into the pores of the wood. Spilled drinks will stain the floor if they're not cleaned up immediately. All of these things are prevented by finishing the floor.

Can hardwood floors be stained a different color?

When you refinish your floors, you can change the color of your flooring. Most hardwood floors can be made darker, lighter, redder, or anywhere in between. If your flooring is solid hardwood, it can be sanded and refinished in a different stain for a different appearance.

Do you paint or do floors first?

Most people think that painting should be done first to prevent any spills from marring brand-new flooring. However, experts agree that new flooring should always be installed before you have any interior painting done.

Can you paint wood floors GREY?

Apply a gray epoxy floor paint to the floor, and cover over the wood with at least one coat of epoxy floor paint. Use a roller or a paintbrush to paint the floor. Cut in around the edges with the brush, and then roll out the larger areas in the room.

Can I paint my hardwood floors white?

We recommend a water-based matte or satin polyurethane finish on whitewashed or white-stained floors. If they have no permanent topcoat, the finish of white pigment-stained or whitewashed floors can be delicate, and they're susceptible to damage from harsh chemicals.

How long does a painted floor last?

Ideally, your cement floor paint can last several decades. And while there's no way to guarantee long-lasting floors, the experts at Anderson Painting will put you in the best position by installing Penntek polyurea coatings, whose 15-year warranty will also give you peace of mind.

Can you paint hardwood floors without sanding?

If you choose to give a second coat of paint, continue exactly as the first coat. That's it, no need for sanding! It is possible and easy to paint a wooden floor without sanding!

What kind of paint do you use on hardwood floors?

The best types of paint to use on wood floors are latex or acrylic enamel wood paints. These paints produce very few fumes, are durable, and are eco-friendly. In the past, oil-based paints were recommended but are now banned in many states due to their negative impact on the environment.

Should I stain oak floor?

If this is not the look you're going for, or you want to completely transform how they look, then staining is a great option. Luckily, oak floors are perfect candidates for being stained and take stain application extremely well when the proper techniques are used.

What is the most durable floor paint?

Epoxy Floor Paint:

Epoxy paint is more durable than latex based paints and they also have the similar dampness control power. However, epoxy floor paint should be mixed properly but one nice touch of this paint has the ability to give the concrete floor a smoother finish.

How can I change the color of my hardwood floors?

To paint your hardwood floors:
  1. Sand the surface of your floors with sandpaper.
  2. Clean the floor of any dust or debris.
  3. Using a brush or roller, apply a thin first coat of paint. ...
  4. Allow 24 to 48 hours for the paint to dry.
  5. Sand the painted surface with sandpaper.

How do you paint old house hardwood floors?

Steps
  1. Gently rough up the floor's finish and level any high spots with a 150-grit sanding sponge. ...
  2. Meanwhile, cover the space beneath doors with plastic to keep dust from blowing in.
  3. Beginning on the opposite side of the room from the door, paint the entire floor with a base coat of the lighter of your two colors.

Do I need to sand floor before painting?

Will I need to sand the floors? Some floors might have a finish meant to help protect from scratches, scuffs, spills, and water damage. If the floors have a wax or peeling finish, which helps make wood floors more durable, Varano says you'll need to at least do a light sand to remove it before you begin painting.

How do you protect newly finished hardwood floors during construction?

Consider some of the following tips to protect your floor during renovations.
  1. Use Temporary Floor Coverings. ...
  2. Apply Painter's Tape to Non-Adhesive Floor Coverings. ...
  3. Determine Walking Routes. ...
  4. Keep the Site Clean and Well Ventilated. ...
  5. Seal the Rest of the Room.

When remodeling When do you paint?

We recommend painting once all major structural and functional work is done, but before new flooring or carpet is installed. Essentially, floors come last so you can avoid the heavier wear and tear multiple contractors, tools and dust the full renovation brings.

How much does it cost to stain a hardwood floor?

Staining hardwood floors costs between $1 and $3 per square foot. Prices can vary due to the quality and type of stain and the price of labor in your area. Low-end stains average $30 per gallon, and high-end ones can go for $100 per gallon.

What are the most popular wood floor colors?

Most Popular Hardwood Floor Colors
  • Classic Pine. ...
  • Cherry Toned. ...
  • Moody Grays. ...
  • Multi-Color Character. ...
  • Subtle Stripes. ...
  • Flat Light Gray. ...
  • Two-Tone. ...
  • Bold and Red. Woods of all kinds take stain colors well, allowing you to get a multitude of different looks for your flooring.

Can you stain hardwood floors darker without sanding?

Minwax® PolyShades® is an easy way to change the color of your currently stained or polyurethane finished wood. There's no stripping or heavy sanding necessary to remove the old finish!

Should you oil wood floors?

Over time a wooden floor may lose its lustre or sheen and need refreshing and reviving with an application of wood floor oil. Alternatively, an unfinished floor will need protecting with oil or varnish to eliminate the chance of damage to the surface of the floor.

What do you put on unfinished hardwood floors?

Now the floor has been prepared, it must be sealed with either a wood floor lacquer or wood floor oil. The choice of oil or lacquer (sometimes known as varnish), is completely your choice. A lacquer or varnish will provide a smooth finish to your wooden floor and is available in either a matt or semi-matt appearance.

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