Painting Engineered Wood Floors: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to paint engineered wood floors

Painting engineered wood floors is a great way to update a room, try out a new colour scheme, or cover up any imperfections. It's an especially good option for engineered wood floors with a thin veneer that can be tricky or even impossible to sand down. While painting is a more accessible option than sanding, it's important to note that it will reduce the life expectancy of the floor. To paint engineered wood floors, you'll need to use a floor paint that forms a solid film on the surface, such as a pigmented lacquer. You'll also need to properly prepare the floor by cleaning and de-glossing it, as well as taping off any areas you don't want to get paint on. With the right tools and preparation, you can give your engineered wood floors a fresh new look.

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Choosing the right paint

Type of Paint

Select a paint specifically designed for floors, as regular wall paint is not durable enough to withstand foot traffic, dampness, and wear and tear. Floor paint forms a solid film or lacquer on the surface, providing a protective barrier. It is more expensive than regular paint due to its specialised formulation, which includes a polyurethane base for hardness and pigment for colour.

Oil-Based vs. Water-Based Enamels

Oil-based or water-based enamels are recommended for high-quality, long-lasting results. Oil-based paints take longer to dry, which is important to consider when planning your project. Water-based paints dry more quickly, allowing for a faster application of the second coat.

Primer

If your floor has any bare or exposed wood, you will need to apply a primer before painting. Ensure that the primer is compatible with the type of paint you have chosen.

Number of Coats

Plan to apply multiple coats of paint for the best results. Two coats are often recommended, but you may need to add a third coat if imperfections remain.

Topcoat

After the paint has dried, apply a clear polyurethane finish as a protective topcoat. This will help seal and protect your painted floor. For water-based paints, you can typically apply the first topcoat on the same day as painting, while oil-based paints will require a longer drying time before the topcoat can be applied.

Colour and Design

Consider the colour scheme and design you want to achieve. Paint offers the versatility to customise your floor to fit any colour palette or décor you desire. You can also create unique patterns and designs with paint, especially if you are skilled with a brush.

Remember to carefully read the instructions for your chosen paint, including the recommended number of coats, drying time, and whether light sanding is required between coats.

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Preparing the floor

Before you start painting your engineered wood floors, it's important to prepare the room and ensure your floor is ready for painting. Here are the steps you should take:

  • Clean the floor thoroughly: Vacuum and tack the floor to remove any dust, debris, or dirt. If the previous finish has a sheen to it, you will need to de-gloss the floor so that your paint adheres properly. You can use a pad sander, floor buffer, or sanding screen for this step, depending on the size of the room.
  • Protect the baseboards: Remove or use painter's tape to cover the baseboards to avoid getting paint on them.
  • Plan your painting route: Decide on an exit point and start painting in the opposite corner, always keeping a clear path to your exit.
  • Improve ventilation: Open windows to increase airflow in the room. Proper ventilation is crucial for your safety when working with paint.
  • Wear protective gear: Put on a respirator to avoid inhaling paint fumes.
  • Apply the first coat of paint: Use a roller or paint pad to apply a thin coat of paint, following the direction of the wood's natural grain. Allow at least a day for the first coat to dry, and test the floor before walking on it or placing any equipment on top.
  • Sand the floor (optional): If you want an ultra-smooth finish, you can rescreen the floor after the first coat of paint has dried. Make sure to clean the floor thoroughly after buffing it.

Once you've completed these steps, your floor will be ready for the second coat of paint and any additional coats you may need.

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Painting techniques

Painting engineered wood floors is a great way to refresh a room and try out a new colour scheme. It's important to note that the painting process is different from painting a wall, as you will need to use a "floor paint" that forms a solid film on the surface, much like a lacquer. This type of paint is more durable and can withstand the wear and tear of daily life.

Choose the Right Paint

Select a paint that is specifically designed for floors. These paints typically have a polyurethane base for a hard finish and contain pigments for colour. While they can be more expensive, they are worth the investment for their durability. Consider using a water-based paint, as oil-based paints may take longer to dry and can cause the wood to swell.

Prepare the Floor

Before painting, ensure the floor is clean and free of dust, debris, and any remaining sheen from the previous finish. You may need to use a de-glosser, pad sander, or floor buffer with a sanding screen to remove the sheen. Tape off any baseboards to protect them from accidental paint splatters. Plan your painting route, starting in the corner opposite your exit, so you always have a clear path out of the room.

Apply Paint Properly

Use a paint roller or pad to apply the paint, following the direction of the wood's natural grain. A thin first coat will dry quickly and any voids or thin areas can be covered with additional coats. Allow at least a day for the first coat to dry before applying the second coat. You may need to rescreen the floor with a fine-grit sandpaper between coats to create an ultra-smooth finish.

Finish with a Protective Topcoat

Once the final coat of paint is dry, add a protective topcoat of clear polyurethane. For water-based paints, the first coat of finish will dry within a couple of hours, allowing you to apply the second topcoat on the same day. Oil-based paints will take longer to dry, so wait a few days before replacing the baseboards and adding furniture back into the room.

Maintain and Refresh

With painted floors, you have the advantage of being able to recoat whenever you want. If the paint starts to wear thin, simply add a new layer or repeat the painting process with a different colour. Remember that paint gets into every little crack and crevice, so if you ever want to restore the natural beauty of the wood, there may be traces of paint left behind.

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Finishing touches

Once your paint is dry, you can add a protective top coat of clear polyurethane. The type of paint you have used will determine how long you need to wait before adding the first coat of finish. If you used water-based paints, your first coat of finish will dry after a couple of hours, allowing you to add your second top coat on the same day. Oil-based paints will cause the finish to take longer to dry, so you’ll have to wait longer for your second coat of finish.

Once you’ve added the two top coats, wait a few days for the room to dry and air out completely. Then you can replace the baseboards, add furniture, and enjoy your new floor.

It's important to note that painted wood floors are expected to "patina". This means that, over time, the painted surface will slowly chip and wear away in certain areas, usually those with high foot traffic. This is normal and to be expected.

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Maintaining the new look

Regular Cleaning and Maintenance:

Keep your painted floors clean by regularly sweeping or vacuuming to remove dust, dirt, and debris. Use a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar to avoid scratching the paint. A microfiber dust mop or a dry mop is also an excellent option for daily maintenance. Remember to pay extra attention to high-traffic areas, as they are more prone to dirt and grime buildup.

Protect Against Wear and Tear:

Take preventive measures to minimize potential damage. Encourage family members and guests to take off their shoes at the door to avoid tracking in dirt and debris that can scratch the paint. Place doormats at entrances to reduce the amount of dirt brought into the house. Use area rugs or carpet runners in high-traffic areas like hallways and staircases for added protection. Additionally, consider placing waterproof mats in spill-prone areas like the kitchen or bathroom to prevent water damage.

Address Spills and Stains Immediately:

Spills and water damage are the biggest threats to your painted floors. Always keep a towel or absorbent cloth handy to wipe up any spills immediately. Avoid using a wet mop on the painted floors, as standing water can seep into the wood and cause damage. Instead, opt for a damp mop or a dry dust mop to clean the floors.

Handle Dents and Scratches Promptly:

Accidents happen, but you can minimize the damage by acting quickly. Use scratch concealer to fix scratches and seal the affected area. If your wood veneer is thick enough, you can also try buffing out shallow scratches. By addressing dents and scratches promptly, you can prevent further issues and maintain the new look of your floors.

Refinishing and Repainting:

Over time, your painted floors may start to show signs of wear and tear. To refresh their appearance, consider repainting or refinishing them. Repainting is a simpler process, where you apply a new coat of paint to the existing finish. Refinishing, on the other hand, involves sanding down the existing finish and applying a new coat of paint, which can be more time-consuming and messy. However, refinishing can provide a more durable and long-lasting result.

Remember, proper maintenance and care of your painted engineered wood floors will not only preserve their aesthetic appeal but also extend their lifespan, ensuring your space continues to look and feel brand new.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can paint an engineered wood floor. However, it is important to note that painting the floor will reduce its life expectancy. The process involves roughing up the finish with sanding equipment, applying a wood floor primer, and then several coats of floor paint. The paint job will likely last between 3 to 5 years, after which it will start to chip and wear away in certain areas.

It is important to use a "floor paint" that forms a solid film on the surface, similar to a lacquer. These floor paints usually have a polyurethane base for a hard finish, and they can be quite expensive. Some popular brands include Farrow & Ball and Pallmann.

Before painting, it is crucial to clean the floor thoroughly to remove any dust, debris, or sheen from the previous finish. You may need to use a pad sander, floor buffer, or sanding screen to smooth out and de-gloss the old finish. Additionally, make sure to tape off any areas you want to protect from paint, such as baseboards.

Once the floor is prepared, start by applying a thin coat of paint in the direction of the wood's natural grain. Allow the first coat to dry for at least a day before applying the second coat. You may need to add additional coats for full coverage. After the final coat of paint has dried, apply a protective topcoat of clear polyurethane.

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