Painting your floor white may seem like a bold decorating choice, but it can transform a room and make it appear brighter and more spacious. Here’s what to consider if you’re thinking about taking the plunge and painting your floors crisp white.
The Pros of White Floors
- Brightness: White reflects light, making any room instantly appear larger and more airy. White floors bounce light around and can make a dark room feel bright and cheery.
- Clean look: White has a crisp, clean aesthetic that can make a space feel more modern and sophisticated. Compared to wood or tile, white floors have a streamlined look.
- Versatility: White floors go with just about any color scheme and style. Whether your decor is traditional or contemporary, white floors add a light and neutral background that lets other elements stand out.
- Affordable option: Painting floors white is relatively inexpensive compared to installing white wood or tile. White paint opens up options if you’re on a budget.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Painting Floors White
- Maintenance: White floors show every scuff, footprint, and spill. Be prepared to clean frequently to keep floors looking freshly painted. Consider a protective sealer.
- Glare: White floors can cast glare and feel stark in rooms with abundant natural light. Curtains and rugs can help soften glare.
- Paint type: Choose an acrylic floor paint formulated for high-traffic areas. Porches, basements, and bathrooms may require specialized paints.
- Existing floor: Make sure to thoroughly prep and prime the existing floor prior to painting for best adhesion. Darker colors may require extra coats of white paint for opacity.
- Resale value: White floors can be polarizing when selling a home. They read as a bold style choice that not all buyers may appreciate.
Prepping Floors for Painting
Proper prep is crucial for white floors to look their best and be durable:
- Clean floors thoroughly prior to painting to remove grease, dirt, and wax buildup. Degloss and sand glossy floors.
- Repair any cracks, holes, and imperfections for a smooth painting surface. Use spackle and caulk as needed.
- Select an appropriate primer and apply 1-2 coats as directed, allowing to fully dry between coats.
- Apply painter’s tape around baseboards and trim to minimize mess and touch-ups.
- Remove outlet covers, switch plates, and appliance handles/knobs prior to painting floors.
Applying White Floor Paint
When selecting white floor paint, opt for a top-quality acrylic formula designed specifically for high-traffic floors. Porch and patio paint and epoxy paints are also great options for durability.
- Apply 2-3 thin coats of paint, allowing ample drying time between coats as directed by the manufacturer.
- Use a high-quality nylon or polyester brush, or a small paint roller, to apply floor paint smoothly and evenly.
- Maintain a wet edge and work in sections for the most seamless application. Finish each coat across all sections before stopping painting.
- Let the final coat cure fully before walking on floors, usually at least 24 hours. Allow extra drying time for humidity or low temperatures.
Caring for White Painted Floors
The right care and cleaning regimen helps keep white floors looking freshly painted:
- Avoid cleaning with abrasive scouring pads or powders that can dull the finish. Use a gentle liquid cleaner meant for flooring.
- Place mats at entryways to trap dirt, sand, and grit before it reaches white floors. Area rugs also help protect high-traffic paths.
- Sweep and mop floors regularly to prevent buildup of grime that can discolor white paint over time. Spot clean spills quickly.
- Consider applying a sealant like polyurethane or floor wax to protect the finish and make cleaning easier. Reapply as needed.
- Touch up scuffs or discolored areas with extra white paint for a quick and easy refresh. Repaint completely as paint wears down over time.
Are White Floors Right for Your Home?
While daring, white floors offer some compelling benefits in terms of opening up space and making rooms feel bright and airy. They do require more frequent cleaning and can show every footprint, making them better suited to some households than others. Consider your lifestyle, existing flooring type, and decor style as you weigh whether white floors are the right choice or not. With proper prep and protection, they can look crisp and stylish for years before needing a fresh coat of paint. Discuss your goals with a painting pro to determine if white floors could be a striking and stylish focal point in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions About White Painted Floors
Is it difficult to paint floors white?
Painting floors white is relatively straightforward with some preparation. The key steps are properly cleaning, sanding and priming the existing floor prior to painting. Using high-quality acrylic floor paint and allowing proper drying time between coats can result in durable, long-lasting white floors.
How long does white floor paint last?
With proper prep and application, white floor paint can last 2-5 years before needing repainting. High-traffic areas may need more frequent touch-ups. Using a protective sealer can extend the life of painted white floors.
Should I use a primer before painting floors white?
Yes, priming is highly recommended before painting any floor white. Primers boost paint adhesion and provide a uniform surface for the white paint to bond to. Priming also limits the number of coats of paint needed for full opacity.
What kind of paint should I use on floors?
Look for high-quality acrylic-based paints formulated especially for interior floors. Porch & patio and floor enamels are also very durable options meant for foot traffic. Avoid regular wall paints which lack the durability needed.
Can you paint over existing flooring?
Painting over existing floors is possible in many cases with proper prep. Floors must be cleaned, lightly sanded and primed before painting. Paint adheres best to raw wood, concrete and laminate floors. Tile, vinyl and sheet floors typically need sanding for paint to properly bond.
How do you maintain white painted floors?
Regular sweeping and mopping is key for keeping white floors looking freshly painted. Promptly wipe up spills and use mats to minimize dirt exposure. Consider applying a protective sealant for easier cleaning and improved durability. Reapply fresh white paint periodically as needed.
Conclusion
Painting your floors white can provide a gorgeous, neutral backdrop to any room and make your space feel lighter and more spacious. However, the upkeep required to keep white floors looking clean and bright may be a dealbreaker for some households. If you have the discipline to stay on top of daily cleaning and maintenance, white floors can be a stunning and relatively affordable flooring option. Take time to thoroughly prepare floors prior to painting, use the right type of durable white floor paint, and protect the finish to ensure your white floors maintain their freshly painted look for years to come. With the proper expectations and preparation, white floors can transform your home.
