Editors notes: There is a way to rescue wood floors that have seen better days. You can paint them. How? Take a look - PCH
Painting Wood Floors
By Pamela Cole Harris
If you don't like carpet, your wood floors are a mess, and you can't afford new hardwood flooring, why not try plywood? Yes, plywood! You can make even plywood floors look good with paint. Hmmm...now I take that back! I have seen floors in my husband's bachelor pad that were beyond help or human habitation!
If your floors are slightly less foul, here's how to make them into something special!
1. Remember safety first! Put on your dust mask and safety glasses! Then scrape and sand those dents, dings, holes, and other assorted problem spots. Rent a pole sander for a day to cover large areas. And remember to sand with the grain of the wood, even if the wood is scruffy!
2. Clean up all the sand and dust you created by wiping up any residue with a damp towel or two - or three!
3. When the floor is dry, paint on a coat of primer or use self-priming paint. I shouldn't have to tell you this, but someone always does it - don't paint yourself into a corner. Start at the far side of the room and paint with a paintbrush. Let the primer coat dry.
4. Paint the floor using a roller (much faster than the paintbrush!). Again, remember not to paint yourself into a corner! Begin at the corner farthest from the room. Always roll from a dry area to a wet area to minimize marks and leave a smooth coat.
5. Let the paint dry thoroughly before painting your pattern. Use your imagination to come up with geometric shapes, flowers, the look of faux tile, faux stone or even a faux rug!
5. Let the paint dry or cure for at least two days after you paint the last pattern coat. No one should walk on the floor until it dries. (That means YOU, Junior!)
There you have it - a beautiful floor embellished from your own creative mind! And that IS a good thing, isn't it? Hmmm...maybe that final touch of faux termites in the corner was a bit much!