Painting my wood floor white, and a change of mind.

 

 

Hello my friends,

 

When we bought our home 8 1/2 years ago there were a couple things that I didn't love about it, but knew that I could change them down the road a ways.

 

One was the tan trim and the other was the fact that the wood in the living room was different than the other wood in the house.

 

We recently replaced and added wood to more rooms.  I chose a chiseled walnut.  I debated about doing the same wood in the living room, but decided that I really wanted to try painting it.  I love the Scandinavian homes I see with white wooden floors.

 

This is what it looked like BEFORE.

 

 

It's hard to tell in the photo, but the wood was an orange/red color.  Reminded me of the fruitwood stain we used a lot back in my tole painting days.  :)

 

 

And here is the AFTER.

 

 

Looking in from our entry.

I would love to hear what you think!  I originally planned on sanding it, to give it a distressed look.  At the last minute I changed my mind.  Women are allowed to do that you know.  (wink) I thought I would live with it as is for a few months.  I can always go back and sand it later if I want.

 

This room was not dark before, but now it's definitely white and bright!

 

I took a lot of pictures so you could see if from different angles.

 

I learned a few tips about painting wood floors.  If it has a shiny surface, (which mine did) or is a laminate; Kilz will not cut it as a primer.  My friend, Kaylyn learned this the hard way.  The paint will peel off.  She told me about B.I.N. Hubby picked it up for me at Lowes.  After some research I saw that others who had painted wood floors suggested it as well.

 

First I painted the edges with a brush and then I rolled the middle.  This extender pole worked great for not having to bend over!

 

Notice those dark spots at the back of the wall?  At first I thought I hadn't covered it good and it needed another coat.  Then I realized it was the shadows from my pom pom garland.  lol!

 

 

The primer said it dried in 45 minutes, but I let it dry overnight.  The next morning I gave it a second coat.

 



 

Later that day I gave it two coats of a latex enamel porch and flooring paint.  Mine was Royal brand from Ace Hardware.

 

 

 

Looking out into the entry.

 

Now here's a question for you my friends.  I saw this sweet pink rug at Home Goods before I painted the floor.  It's not as big I wanted.  It's 4 x 6.  I would have liked a 5x7 or 8 x 10, but bought it anyway, knowing that I could return it if it didn't work.

 

 

I put it on an angle coming out from the coffee table.  I was going to see what it looked like under the table, but honestly didn't want to remove the Valentine décor again.

 

I do love the color with my pink cabinet and bird chair.

 

 

 

 So what do you think?  Too white, and I need to distress it, or do you like it as is?  Either way, I'm leaving it for a while.  But, I'd love to hear your opinion.  (hee-hee)

 

Oh, and I thought you might want to know that I opted to not varnish it.  After reading up I ran across one gal that had done three floors.  She said they all yellowed in the corners a little.  She didn't seal the last one and likes it better.  I figure that way I can distress it if I decide to later and also would make touch up easier. 

NOTE:  This room rarely gets used.  Not sure if you would want to leave a high traffic area unsealed.

 

And yea, or neigh on the rug?

It was only $60, so I'm thinking leave it and keep my eyes out for something a little bigger.

 

Leave me a little note, I'd love to hear!!

 

hugs,

 

 

I will be sharing with these fun parties:

Before and After Wednesday at the Dediccated House