Update wooden floors by painting them It's a trend that's gaining more and more followers among those looking for a radical transformation at home without major renovations or unmanageable budgets. If you're thinking about renovating your rooms and giving them a completely new look, painting can be your greatest ally to add personality, make the most of what you already have, and, at the same time, improve the functionality of the floor.
In this article we break down for you All the options available for painting wooden floors, the colors on the rise, the advantages of choosing this alternative and, of course, tips and key steps to achieve a long-lasting result, elegance and with a lot of life ahead of it. If you're into trying new things and personalizing every corner, keep reading!
Reasons to paint wooden floors at home
The idea of applying a layer of color to the floor may seem daring, but its benefits are so numerous and clear that more and more homeowners are opting for it. Painting wooden floors not only refreshes the aesthetics, also contributes to the protection and longevity of the material, making the initial investment more than pay for itself over time. Restore wooden floors before painting can be a good option to ensure a perfect finish.
Among the main advantages, it is worth highlighting that It is an affordable reform, easy to perform without professional experience and allows you to experiment with a wide color palette. In addition, Painting provides personality and differentiation to each room, allowing you to play with the decoration according to the use of the space or the style you want to give it. If you are looking for an alternative to replacing or traditionally sanding and varnishing the floor, painting your floor opens up a range of modern and original possibilities.
The resistance of floor paints has evolved a lot and, applying the correct techniques, They can remain in perfect condition for more than a decade. In addition, natural wear and tear over time often further embellishes the result, creating that vintage or "lived-in" effect so sought after in current interior design trends.
Aesthetic and functional advantages of painting wooden floors
Choosing to paint the floor instead of changing it completely is a Saving up to two-thirds of the cost of a traditional renovation. Not only is it an economical alternative, but it is also very practical and sustainable financing model, since we take advantage of the existing support avoiding generating debris or waste.
Worried about durability? Specific floor paints, such as epoxy or polyurethane bases, stand out for its resistance to traffic and for offering washable, easy-to-maintain finishes. This makes them the ideal choice for high-traffic areas, kitchens, children's rooms, and even commercial spaces and vacation rentals.
On the aesthetic side, Painting the floor allows you to play with an infinite number of styles: from Scandinavian minimalism with whites and greys, through retro-inspired geometric patterns, to finishes that imitate polished cement or earth tones for interiors cozyIt's also ideal for applying custom designs, creating distinct areas, or even simulating carpets.
Trending colors and combinations for every space
When deciding on the color for your painted wood floor, it is important to take into account both the brightness of the room such as effect that you want to achieve. Light tones such as white, off-white, cream or terracotta contribute to creating environments more spacious, cleaner and brighter, ideal for small homes or rooms with little natural light. Trends in white wooden floors offer various options for this style.
If you prefer a bold touch, Intense colors such as navy blue, olive green, or even reds and blacks can become the authentic protagonist of the house, especially combined with furniture with simple lines and neutral wallsIn children's rooms or creative spaces, painting allows you to play with thematic color schemes, stripes, geometric shapes or surprising contrasts that invite the imagination.
Uniformity or customization? If you want all rooms appear larger and connected, unifying the color of the floors is the best option; however, if you are looking for give personality to every corner, you can differentiate the colors by rooms or areas, keeping only certain common spaces with a tone to provide continuity.
Types of paint recommended for wooden floors
The key to a long-lasting result and elegance resides in selecting the proper paint according nature of the soil and use that you're going to have. Today, there are several high-quality options, especially:
- Epoxy paints: Ideal for their high resistance to wear, moisture, and stains, they are common in professional spaces, but are increasingly in demand in the home. Differences between varnishes and wood paints.
- Polyurethane enamel: Provides an elastic finish, resistant to impacts and heavy traffic, with a moderate brightness and variety of colors.
- Acrylic and water-based paints: More environmentally friendly and low-odor, perfect for environments with children and pets.
- Premium solutions like Modern Eggshell by Farrow & Ball or Intelligent Floor Paint by Little Greene: Both widely recommended by its chromatic range, resistance, ease of application and washable finishes.
Remember that, in addition to the type of paint, the pre-primer and the final sealer are fundamental steps to ensure a good anchorage and protect the finish from wear and moisture. For a longer-lasting finish, see How to remove stains from wooden floors.
Step by step: how to successfully paint a wooden floor
Before you jump in with the roller, it is essential to follow a meticulous process to ensure that the paint is fixed correctly and the result is property:
- Cleaning and preparation: Clean the floor thoroughly, removing any dust, grease, or old wax. Repair any imperfections with epoxy filler if there are any bumps, scratches, or holes.
- Sanded: Lightly sand the surface to promote adhesion of the primer and paint.
- Primer: Apply a coat of wood-specific primer, preferably from the same brand as the paint you choose. This seals the pores and prevents moisture and mold.
- Painting: Once the primer has dried, apply the first coat of paint with a roller or brush, starting with the areas furthest from the door. Let it dry according to the manufacturer's instructions and apply one or two additional coats for a consistent color. uniform and resistant.
- Sealed: Finish off with a clear floor sealer (optional but recommended for high-traffic areas) for maximum protection.
Care and maintenance of painted wooden floors
One of the biggest advantages of opting for paint is that maintenance is much simpler than with other finishes. Simply sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dust and dirt, and damp mop to maintain shine and cleanliness. Quality paint is washable and very durable, so minor domestic accidents are not usually a problem.
In addition, attention must be paid to the points of greatest wear, protect furniture legs with pads, avoid dragging heavy objects, and if you notice areas with color loss, you can easily touch up or repaint the area without the need for a complete renovation.
Comparison: Natural, synthetic and laminate wood floors
Although more and more people choose to paint natural wood floors, it is also possible to apply these techniques on Laminate flooring or synthetic flooring that imitates woodNatural wood floors, such as parquet and wood flooring, are known for their beauty, durability, and the ability to restore them after years of use, either by polishing or painting. If you'd like more information about these options, discover the different options of wooden floors.
The laminate and vinyl flooring They allow you to easily renew the decoration and usually require less maintenance, although their durability against knocks and scratches may be lower. In all cases, the key to a long lifespan is choosing the right one. proper paint and follow proper surface preparation. For best results, also check surfaces that imitate wood.
Whichever type you choose, there are multiple design options: herringbone, checkerboard, slatted, joint set... In addition, the variety of colors and finishes allows you to create unique environments. training for all styles and budgets. For inspiration, visit examples of floors with elegant patterns.
Expert technical tips and tricks
To ensure a professional result, it's important to keep in mind a few details that make the difference:
- Use masking tape to protect skirting boards and baseboards during painting.
- Choose quality tools: Specific rollers and brushes for enamels or epoxy paints facilitate application uniform.
- Don't skimp on drying time: Follow the manufacturer's instructions before applying new layers or stepping on the floor, normally 24 hours for complete drying.
- Ventilate the room well while you work, especially if you use synthetic or two-component paints.
- Consult the color and finish chart of each manufacturer to ensure you get the tone and texture that best suits your decor.
How much does it cost to paint a wooden floor?
The cost of painting a wooden floor is significantly lower than replacing it, although it can vary depending on the surface to be covered, the type of paint selected, and whether you decide to do it yourself or hire a professional. The price usually ranges between 10 and 20 €/m2, depending on the product and the preparation required. Even adding a final sealer, the total cost is much more competitive than a new floor or parquet installation.
In rooms with high humidity or exposure to water, such as bathrooms or kitchens, It is advisable to choose specific waterproof paints or consult a specialist to avoid long-term problems.
Give new life to wooden floors with paint It is a practical, creative and sustainable option, Able to transform any room in just a few days and with a small investment. The possibility of choosing colors, finishes, and even personalized designs makes this technique The perfect solution for those looking to personalize their home and surprise with impressive results. With proper preparation and quality products, you'll have a durable, beautiful, and easy-to-maintain floor, saving time and money in the process.
