Repainting painted wood floors: A How-to Guide

One of the final steps for our latest house renovation was painting the old solid wood floors in the upstairs bedroom loft. Made from nice pine boards, we wanted to preserve the texture and character even their century’s worth of dings. So we opted for a simple repaint.

When repainting painted wood floors, or anything else, it’s vital to choose a brand compatible with your existing paint. To figure out what sort of paint base we were dealing with, we wiped it with acetone. Although the “acetone test” is certainly not foolproof, water-based paints typically end up partly wiping off on the rag.

For us, no paint came off. So we assumed it was oil-based, especially considering the age of the house. We also consulted with our local paint store professionals for what type of paint they recommended.

If your painted wood floors are in need of a refresh, here’s how to do it with the least amount of hassle.

When should I call a pro?

You might need professional help if:

  • You’re sensitive to paint or mineral spirit fumes.
  • The floor already has several layers of paint that need to be removed to make a nice surface.
  • There are damaged planks that need replacement.

About the Experts

Frank Arellano, a manager at Sherwin-Williams in Alamosa, Colorado, and several other experts there added their expertise to this project. These pros offer more than two decades of experience helping people choose the optimal paint for their home and commercial projects.

Note: We used Sherwin-Williams Porch & Floor Enamel, Interior/Exterior Latex, satin finish, color “Courtyard.”

Thoroughly clean the floor

  • Sweep the floor free of loose dirt and debris.


Sweeping the floor

  • Mop at least twice to remove all dust and residue from spills, etc. Use plain water, changing it often to keep it clear, or add trisodium phosphate (TSP)if your floor is particularly dirty.
  • Let the floor air dry completely.


Mopping the floor with water


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