Which paint to choose for the floor depending on the base

Selecting the appropriate paint for your floor is essential to getting a long-lasting and eye-catching finish. Whether your floor is tile, wood, or concrete, the type of paint you choose should match it. For the best results, the paint must match the distinctive qualities of each surface.

Paints for wooden floors should enhance the natural grain and provide moisture resistance, while paints for concrete floors should be able to withstand severe wear and tear. Conversely, paint for tile floors must be able to stick to a smooth surface and not chip easily.

Selecting the appropriate paint type will help you achieve a finish that is long-lasting and visually appealing by taking into account the unique requirements of your floor base.

Variety of paints for wooden floors

Wooden flooring is still in demand and popular today because it has been used for a very long time both indoors and outdoors. All due to the fact that it is regarded as warm, safe, profitable, appealing, and environmentally friendly. But it needs to be properly and carefully cared for in order to please. Selecting the appropriate paint is the most crucial step.

Attention: It’s crucial to understand the characteristics and makeup of the paint before making a purchase. Finding the benefits and drawbacks is also essential. However, not every paint is appropriate for every type of floor; you also need to know the specifics of the floor, such as its location (house, street, or barn) and the type of wood it is made of.

Acrylic paints

You should consider this dye right away when painting plywood for the floor and other wooden products. Acrylic paint is a type of paint that is made by adding a special resin along with a lot of water.

Moreover, several dyes are added:

• With this paint, you can carry out work not only when painting the floor, but also other various surfaces, such as walls or external parts of the house and other objects. You can paint with anything, even with a brush or a roller.
• If it is possible to paint with a sprayer, then it will be even better, because it will be more profitable, less dye will be spent, accordingly money is saved. Also, the amount of paint spent on painting will directly depend on the surface being painted and whether the acrylic is good.
• If the surface is made of wood, then more acrylic paint is needed, since wood absorbs more than concrete. It is advisable to apply low-quality paint several times and not in one layer. Acrylic from good manufacturers is applied less and will last longer.

Applying acrylic paint offers the following benefits:

• It is not toxic at all and will not affect the health of the person who will paint and those who will walk on the painted surface;
• It does not have odors that cause headaches and nausea, which cannot be said about simple paint;
• Since there is water in the composition, it is fire resistant, this is a pretty weighty argument;
• Waterproof and heat-resistant, so it is suitable for painting a bathhouse, for example;
• It is allowed to wash the floor after painting and this will not damage the coating;
• Perfectly copes with negative temperatures;
• Remains just as bright and fresh for many years;
• Easy to apply and dries instantly;
• If you accidentally touch something with paint, you can remove it without any problems;
• If there is paint left, it can be stored for a long time and then used again, it will not dry out;
• The painted surface is easy to wash and care for;
• Large selection, a wide variety of shades;
• Resists ultra-violet radiation.

Even odorless acrylic floor paint is available, which facilitates application of the coating in living areas.

Alkyd paints

These paints are composed nearly exactly like acrylic paints. Resin is the sole distinction. One uses this type of dye to achieve a glossy finish.

The primary benefits of these paint types can be identified apart from others:

• Instant drying of the painted surface;
• The paint provides very good protection against wood decomposition in places with high humidity;
• Durability, as the paints are fixed in the wood, flowing inside;
• Thanks to special additives, mold and rot will not occur on this paint;
• Bright and fresh color;
• Resists water and precipitation;
• Protects wood from rotting and decomposition.

When compared to acrylic paints, these paints have certain drawbacks:

• Sharp, unpleasant odor;
• Cannot withstand substances with a chemical base;
• Composition, with flammable elements, this is the biggest minus.

Polyurethane enamel

Only properly dried flooring can be painted with this type of paint. Painting a damp surface may cause the paint to swell and develop cracks after it dries.

For flooring, polyurethane enamel is advised as it provides superior protection against rapid aging, decay, and chipping of the painted surface. Therefore, this kind is perfect for floors that see a lot of foot traffic. The only negative aspect is its extreme toxicity.

Oil paints

Before the invention of acrylic and enamel paints, they were very well-liked. It only falls short in absorption compared to other paint types.

It takes about 24 hours for it to dry completely. However, it’s also used by a lot of audiences as a paint and wood deterioration inhibitor. This paint’s popularity also stems from its resistance to extreme heat and cold.

What is the best paint to use when painting a wooden floor?

When painting wooden surfaces, any of the previously mentioned paints can be used; however, the selection of a specific paint depends on certain features, like:

• The wood of wood from which the floor coating is made;
• How many people walk on this surface;
• Is it possible to treat wood with a special protective oil;
• What is the humidity in this room;
• What is the longest service life of this surface.

Considering each of these details will help you select the appropriate paint type for a given coating.

How to prepare the floor for painting

Painting a floor appears easy at first. All you have to do is use a roller or brush (see Paintbrush selection) to apply paint evenly to the desired surface, then wait for it to dry. However, in practice, this industry has its own quirks and secrets. The state of the floor surface must be known before painting, as painting results are contingent upon it.

Note: If your floor has been painted previously, you can read about various methods of removing paint from its pages on our website.

In order to paint the floor, the following steps must be taken:

• First, you need to apply a special oil and let it soak in and dry for about three days;
• First, paint the floor surface with a roller, brush or gun, as is more convenient, and then leave it to dry for a while;
• Then paint it three to five times and let it dry, it will take up to five days.

Should there be severe flaws in the flooring, you should:

• Before you start painting, you need to get rid of large defects, such as cracks. They are hidden with putty (see. Putty on wood: how to do it wisely), then remove it with sandpaper. When everything dries, cover it with paint in two or three layers.
• It is better to cover the painted coating with varnish, it will reliably protect the surface. If this is not possible, you can come to oils that will give a glossy effect, which will look very beautiful.

The most effective and expert method for floor painting is:

• Two hundred or three hundred grams (by eye) of dry paint should be dissolved in one liter of drying oil.
• The resulting liquid must be applied to the desired surface and left to dry.
• Apply the putty twice, dry it and clean up all the necessary irregularities.
• Paint the floor twice.
• After drying, wash the floor.

What is the optimal amount of paint needed

Paint is typically required in quantities of 200–400 grams per square meter. Either a roller or a paint gun—whichever is more practical—must be used for painting. Using a brush will result in more paint being used, but it’s not a forbidden option.

How to properly maintain a painted wood floor:

• Three to four times a week, you need to clean and wash the floor covering with a cloth soaked in water.
• If there is heavy dirt on the surface, then you need to wipe it with ammonia.
• To make the floor shine, you need to rub it with vegetable oil, and then rub it with a dry cloth.
• If the floor is painted with oil-based paint, then you do not need to wash it with soap and water or substances containing chemicals. This will greatly damage this coating.
• If dust and dirt have accumulated in the cracks, it must be removed with a vacuum cleaner.

A wooden floor adds coziness and warmth to a home or apartment. For the floor covering to last a long time and satisfy the owners, varnish painting and proper maintenance are required. It also requires routine maintenance, including washing and cleaning with certain solutions.

Based on the type of base you’re working with, you can choose the appropriate paint for your floor. Every surface, whether it be tile, concrete, or wood, has different requirements and needs to be painted with the right kind of paint to ensure longevity and a durable finish.

Choosing oil- or water-based polyurethane paints for wooden floors can enhance the wood’s inherent beauty while offering a robust protective layer. Epoxy or acrylic paints are beneficial for concrete floors because they provide resistance to wear and tear, which makes them perfect for high-traffic areas. Using specialized tile paint on tiled surfaces guarantees good adhesion and a polished, seamless finish.

In the end, the type of floor you choose to paint should complement the floor’s composition, foot traffic volume, and desired look. By choosing the appropriate paint, you can improve the look of your room in addition to protecting your floor.

The best paint for your floor depends largely on the type of base, whether it is tile, concrete, or wood. Certain paints are needed for different surfaces in order to guarantee longevity, wear resistance, and a smooth finish. Knowing what your floor base needs will help you choose the right paint so that it looks great and lasts longer underfoot.

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