Terrific Techniques for Tuesday

Painted Floors:  What's not to love about these gorgeous beauties?

Yesterday, I posted a few photos of painted floors (Coastal-Kitchen-Inspirations.  They are so beautiful, and are such an inspiration in planning a kitchen renovation on a budget, and besides, I totally fell in love with the possibilities!  Plain and Simple? Stripes? Stencil? Chevron or mosiac pattern? Whew! The choices are so fun and only limited by your imagination!


I have painted nearly everything that doesn't move, but I haven't painted floors before.  Shocking, I know!  So, I was doing a little research on the web and thought I would post some DIY info and links just in case you too are thinking of swirling some paint on your own floors! 




DIY Info


Preparation: 

• This is the most important step of all!  The floor must be dry, wax free, gloss-free, and lint-free.  If you are painting over an existing finish, sand it first!  Find DIY tips at realsimple.com and Elle Decor.com

• Use masking tape to protect the bottom of moldings/cabinets from any splatters!  

Painting:

• Cut in with paint and roll out your base coat. using a short nap roller and a broom stick.  Follow the paint manufacturer's instructions for drying time, recoats, etc.
• If you are stenciling a pattern over the painted finish consider your pattern's size -- bigger is better -- and also think about door thresholds and how you will end your pattern.
•  For a great step-by-step guide to painting over hardwood using the low VOC product Breakthrough, check out high-heelfootinthedoor.blogspot.com.

Finishing:  


Depending on the amount of wear expected or desired, plan on using two to five coats of a water-based polyurethene to protect your painted floor.  Unless you want a worn finish, a kitchen floor should have 4 - 5 coats. If you want a lot of shine use a glossy finish -- but it will show scratches - so if you have pets and kids, you really might want to use a matte or satin finish instead.  Tada!  That's it! 


Maintenance:


Ok, no one wants to do it, but you need to sweep regularly and wash your pretty painted floor with either a mild detergent, your handy Swifter,  or  a mix of warm water and white vinegar. Enjoy!


The kids and I are off to the beach for some late summer sun before the school year starts!  


Have a fun day!
xoxo,
Millie