How do I prep crappy pine floors to paint?

Kathleen Werner
by Kathleen Werner
  2 answers
  • Linda Sikut Linda Sikut on Oct 03, 2017

    It depends on what you mean my 'crappy'. :) Are they painted but the color is coming off? Are the uneven? Are they splintering? The first step would be to clean the floors and assess what needs to be done. If paint needs to come off, you can use a paint remover or you can sand it. If it's uneven or splinters are coming off, you definitely need to sand it. There are floor sanders you can rent but you have to be careful using them. You want to keep it moving so you don't sand a hole in the floor. I'm not an expert on sand paper, but you could ask where you rent. I'd suspect that you'd need to start with a 120 grit then move down to a 60 grit to make it smooth. Next you'll need to vacuum the floor WELL to remove all traces of dust. A tack cloth is a good product to use because it lifts the dust off and it won't deposit it back on the floor. I'm thinking that even a Swiffer might work. (There are a bunch of carpenters on here, will someone correct me or add to this please). Once you have the floor clean you can prime it, then paint and seal it, but once you have it clean, you can also stain it the color of your choice then apply at least 3 coats of sealer to protect the floor and make it easier to clean. With the painted floor, you could also use stencils to give it some depth and design. You don't have to do the whole floor, maybe just around the edges/ It's your choice to decide. Either way, you will end up with a beautiful new floor.


    Here's an article to read for more information.

    https://www.profloortips.com/hardwood/painting-wood-floors/


    I wish you the best of luck on your project.