Painting hardwood floors is a bold yet rewarding way to update the look of your home without the cost of replacing the flooring. Whether you want to refresh the natural wood tone with a stain or go for a modern, solid color using paint, the process requires proper preparation and the right materials. In this guide, you’ll learn how to paint hardwood floors step by step, from choosing the right finish to sealing the surface for long-lasting durability.
How to Paint Hardwood Floors
If you’ve decided to paint your hardwood floors, it’s important to choose the right paint based on the type of wood flooring you have. Is your floor solid hardwood or laminate? Are you planning to preserve the natural wood tones, or do you want to go with solid colors like white, cream, or gray? Let’s walk through the steps for both situations.
Hardwood floors are made from natural wood, and when they’re 100% solid hardwood, they have their own unique natural color. It’s not possible to completely change the wood species appearance using a stain. For example, if your floor is walnut, staining it with an oak-colored wood stain won’t truly turn it into oak. Yes, you can apply oak stain, but because wood stains are semi-transparent, the walnut undertones will still show through and alter the final color.
So, if you already have a walnut-colored floor, the best way to refresh it is by using the same walnut color. However, if you want to change it to a lighter, solid color like white, cream, beige, or gray, acrylic paint is your best option. Acrylic paint completely covers the surface, unlike stains that let the wood grain and color show through. With the help of a primer, even the darkest wood tones can be completely covered and transformed into your desired color.
However, acrylic paint alone doesn’t provide enough protection for hardwood floors. To guard against scratches and moisture, you’ll need a protective topcoat. Below is a step-by-step guide to painting both natural hardwood and laminate floors:
1-Choose the Right Paint
If your floor is natural hardwood, you can either stain it with a wood stain in its original tone or use acrylic paint if you’re aiming for a solid color. Make sure the new color matches your furniture and walls. If the room has limited natural light, a lighter floor color can help brighten the space.
2-Prep the Floor
Use painter’s tape to cover the baseboards and protect them from paint. If the floor has a glossy finish, lightly sand it with 200-220 grit sandpaper. You can even reuse the sanding dust to fill small cracks: mix it with a bit of clear wood finish and apply it with a putty knife. This method works especially well if you’re using wood stain. Before painting hardwood floors, you can also fill cracks using convenient, ready-to-use water-based wood fillers for a smooth finish.
3-Prime the Floor
If you’re going for a solid color, apply a thin coat of water-based white primer or acrylic primer. For darker floors, apply 2 to 3 coats of primer, waiting at least 5 hours between coats. This will help the paint adhere better and ensure the true color shows up on the wood. Related post: What is a primer paint?
4-Apply the First Coat
Whether you’re using water-based, polyurethane, or oil-based paint, apply the first coat with a high-quality short-nap roller. For textured or grooved wood areas, use a quality brush to reach into the grain. You’ll also need a brush to cut in around the baseboards. Allow at least 5 hours for water-based or polyurethane paints to dry, and 24 hours for oil-based paints.
Tip: Avoid oil-based paint if you’re painting your floors white—it tends to yellow and stain easily over time. It can also crack due to its hard finish, making it a last-resort option for floor projects.
5-Apply the Second Coat
After the first layer fully dries, apply a second coat to ensure your painted hardwood floors look smooth and consistent. This is the most important layer. After you paint hardwood floors, allow at least 24 hours of drying time before walking on them to protect the finish.
6-Seal the Floor
If you used acrylic paint, seal the surface with a water-based acrylic floor sealer or epoxy. This step will protect the painted floor from scratches, spills, and everyday wear. Sealing your painted hardwood floors will not only protect them but also make cleaning much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Painting a Hardwood Floor a Good Idea?
Yes, painting a hardwood floor can be a great idea—especially if the wood is worn, outdated, or doesn’t match your current style. It’s a cost-effective way to give your space a fresh, modern look without replacing the flooring. With the right prep, paint, and sealer, painted hardwood floors can be both beautiful and durable. Just make sure you’re okay with covering the natural wood grain permanently.
What Kind of Paint Can You Use on Hardwood Floor
For hardwood floors, the best paint options are water-based acrylic or polyurethane floor paints. These provide solid coverage, resist wear, and are easy to clean. Avoid oil-based paints, especially for light colors, as they tend to yellow over time and may crack. Always use a primer first to help the paint bond properly to the wood.
Can You Paint Hardwood Floors Without Sanding?
Yes, you can paint hardwood floors without sanding, but light sanding is strongly recommended for better paint adhesion. If the floor has a glossy finish, a quick scuff with 200–220 grit sandpaper helps the primer and paint stick properly. Skipping sanding may lead to peeling or uneven coverage over time.
Can I Paint Over My Wooden Floor?
Yes, you can paint over your wooden floor as long as it’s properly cleaned, prepped, and primed. Whether it’s solid hardwood or engineered wood, applying the right type of primer and paint—like water-based acrylic—will ensure long-lasting results. Just make sure to seal the surface afterward to protect against scratches and moisture.
