Best Paint for Wood Floors

The wrong paint can ruin wood floors. It leads to peeling, scuffing, and a lot of upkeep.

So, choosing the best paint for wood floors is key. You want something durable and stylish.

With my experience in flooring finishes, I’ll show you top choices that last. If you’re tired of frequent touch-ups or dull floors, this guide has practical solutions.

Next up, we’ll look at paint types, expert tips, and the best ways to make your wood floors look amazing—without the hassle.

What Exactly is Wood Floor Paint?

Wood floor paint is a decorative floor coating that covers the wood grain. Wood paint can be a solid or opaque color polish and comes in gloss, matte, satin, or mid-sheen finishes.

Mostly, wood floor paint is used when wooden surfaces have blemishes or imperfections that need to be covered or when a different or better color finish is desired.

Types of Wood Treatments

Wood stain – is a translucent colored polish that allows the wood grain to be visible—commonly used externally.

Wood varnish – A form of treatment that creates a hard protective barrier on your wooden floor. Originally, the wood varnish was transparent but had, over time, advanced, and now it’s available in a myriad of colors.

Wood oil – A treatment designed to nourish and improve the natural beauty of the wood while also protecting it. Wood oil treatments are available in both clear and colored varieties.

Best Wood Floor Paint

1. Rust-Oleum– (Paint for Hardwood Floors)
2. KILZ Low-Lustre Enamel Paint– (Recommended for Quick Painting)
3. KILZ interior Wood Floor Paint–(Paint for interior wood floors)
4. FIXALL Skid Grip Acrylic Paint– (Painting Old Wood Floor)
5. INSL-X Tough Shield– (Most Durable Floor Paint)
6. Kilz Over Armor Smooth Wood– (Timber floor paint for weathered wood)
7. Dulux Trade Diamond Glaze
8. Polyx-Oil – 3054 Clear Satin– (The Best Wood Floor Oil-Osmo)
9. Rust-Oleum Marine Topside Paint
10. Valspar Porch and Floor Latex

Paints vary in quality, price, formula, and reliability. I have done the legwork and narrowed it down to the best brand paints for woodwork applications under different scenarios.

1. Paint for Hardwood Floors – Rust-Oleum Home Interior Floor paint

I love using Rust-Oleum Home Interior Floor paint for hardwood floors. Its durable, hardwearing base coat offers superior protection to interior wood floors, and the color-rich paint is easy to apply.

With this premium base coat paint, I can create a washable dual coating that will endure everyday use and wear without flaking or peeling. I use it to refresh my kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, laundry rooms, and basements.

This product works on many different types of floors. I can use it on vinyl, ceramic tiles, laminate, porcelain tile, hardwood and concrete. You don’t need to sand, strip or prime it before using it.

Plus, the paint comes in a single-pack formulation, so I can apply it straight away without mixing.

It helps me to transform my interiors into amazing custom designs at a fraction of the cost of replacing the floor. Rust-Oleum Home Interior Floor paint is definitely the best paint for interior wood floors.

What I Liked Most

The high quality of the paint guarantees durability.
The paint is formulated to be easy to use and clean up.
The water-based formula means it’s non-toxic and has less odor.
Its richly pigmented colors ensure less odor, quick drying, and a smooth finish.
Affordable and available at a fraction of replacing your floor.

What Could Be Improved

Small-sized packaging cans. You may need to order more to complete your project.

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2. Fast drying – KILZ Low-Lustre Enamel Porch & Patio Latex Floor Paint

If I want to add a touch of class to my space with some rich, grayish charm, KILZ Low-Lustre Enamel Porch & Patio Latex Floor Paint is the perfect choice.

It provides even coverage, buttery smoothness and a low-luster enamel finish. In addition, I didn’t have to strip down painted or primed surfaces before application. I can apply one coat for decent coverage but two or three coats will ensure perfection.

The paint resists fading, scuffing, peeling and cracking even in variable weather conditions.

This acrylic paint is perfect for painting outdoor areas like porches, decks and patios. It can also be used to paint the inside of your home like basements, siding, trellises and wooden floors. You can even use it to paint furniture if you do enough surface prep with some of the best primer for acrylic paint on wood.

With Silver Gray and Slate Gray as its only two shades, this high durability and mildew-resistant floor paint certainly won’t disappoint.

What I Liked Most

Thanks to its resistance to mildew, the paint is long-lasting.
The paint dries within 1 hour, which is pretty fast for the drying time of any high-quality paint.
It’s formulated to be a low odor, so you can apply it without the need to wear a respirator.

What Could Be Improved

The paint is restricted to residential applications and is not ideal for areas exposed to automotive tires.
Not good for use in direct sun.
Availability in a variety of colors.

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3. Interior floor paint for wood – KILZ interior

I recently used KILZ Interior from the award-winning brand KILZ. It gave my wooden floors a beautiful satin finish.

This 1-part epoxy paint is an excellent option for painting interior or exterior wood floors. It has a short drying period of only 2 hours, and after that, I was able to recoat the surface after 4 hours.

KILZ interior is durable and perfect for use in places that get a lot of foot traffic, like garages, porches, driveways and basements.

It has no rough odor or additives and is also resistant to staining from oil, gasoline, and chemical damage. The ready-to-use formula gave my garage a new look and provided a smooth and uniform satin finish.

Even though the package includes instructions for cement floors, the paint worked well on wood too. I was even able to remove watermarks from my garage floor with this product. All in all, I was very pleased with the results of this KILZ paint.

What I Liked Most

A highly durable formula that makes it ideal for high-traffic areas, resistant to stains, household chemicals, and damage, so it doesn’t fade, scuff, peel, crack or blister.
Versatile and can be used on coated or uncoated bricks, concrete, masonry, or stone.

What Could Be Improved

Not suitable for vertical wood surfaces.

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4. Suitable for Old Wood Floor – FIXALL Skid Grip Acrylic Paint

I love using the FIXALL Skid Grip paint for my old wooden floors. It’s expertly formulated with skid-resistant qualities to give me peace of mind when it comes to safety.

The 100% acrylic paint is UV resistant. It provides superior coverage with a textured, special coating put on wood to make it last longer in areas with a lot of people walking around.

Additionally, the paint is easy to apply and comes in 7 vibrant colors for me to choose from. It dries within 4 hours and adheres to different surfaces like wood, cement, asphalt, and more.

I appreciate the rough texture of its dried paint as it provides a non-slip surface – perfect for the elderly. I even use it on my patio, driveway, ramp, step, basketball court, pool deck and playground to prevent falls.

This is an excellent paint choice for old wood floors.

What I Liked Most

Specifically formulated with slip resistance to increase safety.
Fantastic traction with just one coat.
The dual base it forms enhances the durability of your wood.
The paint is usable in both home and commercial, indoor and exterior applications.
The paint colors are vibrant.
It dries to touch within 4 hours.

What Could Be Improved

You can’t apply the paint on previously painted or stained wood floors. You can only get non-skid results if the surface is thoroughly cleaned to remove any dirt or debris.

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5. Most Durable Wood Floor Paint – INSL-X CTS39989A-01 Tough Shield

If you’re looking to give your wooden floor a rugged and durable satin finish, INSL-X is a perfect choice. This product is very strong.

It will help protect your wooden floors from bad weather, oil and grease spills, detergents and scratches. I can apply it to doorways as well,it works great to resist ponding water.

The unique formulation of water and acrylic enamel bases ensures my floor is shielded from the elements. This high-quality product can be used on interior and exterior floors, as well as on patios.

It is good for homes and businesses. I use this paint on painted as well as non-painted wood floors for my patio, porch, or interior space. INSL-X is truly my go-to choice for giving my wooden floors a long-lasting and beautiful finish.

What I Liked Most

Suitable for light residential and commercial projects.
Highly durable and guarantees lasting color-locking.
Suitable for both interior and exterior painting.
After the paint has dried, no stains, wearing, or water ponding will be visible.

What Could Be Improved

Not recommended for use on garage floors or driveways.
Only applied when air and surface temperatures are higher than 50 °F (10 °C).
Not recommended if rainfall is forecast within 12 hours.
Not suitable for large painting projects.

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6. Timber floor paint for weathered wood – Kilz Over Armor Smooth Wood/Concrete Coating

KILZ Over Armor Textured Surface Coating is the ideal solution for preserving weathered wood and concrete surfaces. It as well makes them last longer. It gives your floor a nice and safe finish.

It can cover up any cracks, splinters, or stains so your floor looks even and smooth. This resin formula is perfect for protecting and making wood and composite surfaces look better.

Surfaces can be vertical (up and down) or horizontal (side to side). They can include porches, decks, railings, boat docks, patios, sidewalks and pool decks. I just need to apply two coats with a recoat after 4-6 hours for the best results.

Before applying the paint, I always make sure to clean or wipe the surface to remove oil, dirt, and grease. This paint isn’t suitable for drivable surfaces, though, like garage floors and driveways.

KILZ Over Armor provides an incredibly solid color coating that protects my surfaces from wear and tear over time.

What I Liked Most

The slip-resistance formula for textured finish for a firm grip.
Durable even in tough weather conditions.
Lasting solid color coating.

What Could Be Improved

Unsuitable for drivable surfaces like driveways.

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7. Dulux Trade Diamond Glaze

I found a special paint called Dulux Trade Diamond Glaze. This paint makes the wood look new and lasts for a long time. It is ten times tougher than traditional varnish and resistant to water, alcohol, and common chemicals.

This makes it perfect for use on high-wear interior wood surfaces and other materials like hardwood, cork tiles, and chipboards. The single-pack system gives great coverage, with just two to three coats giving exceptional results.

Plus, it dries quickly and can last up to ten years on the surface – what more could I want?

What I Liked Most

Highly durable.
Easy to apply and clean up because it’s water-soluble.
10X tougher than conventional varnish.
Resistant to water, alcohol, and household chemicals.

What Could Be Improved

Sanding and priming are required before applying varnish.

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8. Wood Floor Oil – Polyx-Oil – 3054 Clear Satin

I’m looking for a clear wood oil to spruce up my wooden project with natural beauty and the best satin finish possible.

Osmo Polyx-Oil is an advanced wood oil formula that provides durability and resistance to water, abrasion, and stains from liquids like beer, wine, tea, coffee, milk, cola, and fruit juice.

This stain is very strong and can be used for floors, furniture, and other wood projects inside the house. It is also safe for plants, animals, and toys that kids play with. It will allow the wood to breathe so it won’t contract or expand over time.

Choosing from the two finishes – satin or flat. Osmo Polyx-Oil is the perfect solution for my wood project.

What I Liked Most

Water repellent, stain and abrasion resistant.
Extremely durable and hardwearing.
A little goes a long way.

What Could Be Improved

Cleaning and sanding are required before the application.
Labor intensive as more effort is needed to work it in.
It takes up to 1 week to cure.
Strong odor, so you might have to get a respirator.

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9. Rust-Oleum Marine Topside Paint

I was looking for reliable paint to use on my wooden surfaces, and I found Rust-Oleum Marine Topside Paint. It has excellent gloss retention, offering a stunning look and feels that really enhances the natural beauty of the wood.

This oil-based formula will protect your things from the sun, scratches, and other tough weather conditions. It will keep them safe for a long time. It endures wear and tear like no other material, so you can rest assured that it will keep everything safe for years to come.

The alkyd in the formula makes it a durable coat that won’t chip, crack or peel, even in adverse weather conditions.

Plus, this paint is thick and easy to apply with great leveling. It takes only 1-2 hours to dry and then my surfaces were ready for use! I was very pleased with the results; my surfaces look upscale and stunning.

I definitely recommend Rust-Oleum Marine Topside Paint for anyone looking to give their surfaces a professional look.

What I Liked Most

Easy to apply with excellent coverage.
Resistant to the sun’s UV rays, so it doesn’t turn yellow with time.
Extremely durable thanks to its resistance to abrasion and weather conditions.

What Could Be Improved

The paint emits a strong odor, so your respirator has to come in handy.
You can’t go back over an area you just painted.
A second coat is required to even it out.

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What type of paint to use on wood floors

When painting wood floors, it’s key to choose the right paint. Look for something smooth, high-quality, quick to dry, easy to use, and with less smell. There are three main types:

1. Oil-Based Paints: They’re tough and resist scratches and stains. But, they’re not so eco-friendly and need strong solvents to clean. They’re now limited in the U.S., so check your local rules.
2. Latex-Based Paints: These are safer and popular. They’re eco-friendly, have fewer fumes, and clean up with soap and water. They’ve improved over time, now lasting longer and not yellowing or peeling.
3. Acrylic-Based Paints: Great for floors but a bit pricier.

Each paint has its perks, so your choice depends on what you need and care about the environment.

How to Prepare & Paint Wooden Floor

Painting a wood floor is straightforward. First, clean the floor well and sand it lightly. This helps the paint stick.

Then, wipe off the dust. Apply a primer; it’s key for long-lasting results. Let the primer dry completely.

Next, paint your first coat. Use a brush or roller for an even layer.

Wait for it to dry, then add a second coat for a richer color. Finish with a sealant for protection.

Remember, take your time and let each layer dry fully. This way, your painted floor will look great and last longer.

What to Avoid

When picking high-performance painting for timber floors, there are a few things to avoid to ensure you get the desired result. Here are some things to avoid when picking paint for wood floors:

1. Avoid using cheap paints: Cheap paints often have lower-quality ingredients and are not as durable, which can lead to a finish that looks uneven or wears away quickly.
2. Avoid using a paint that is not specifically designed for floors: Regular wall paint is not durable enough for wood floors and can easily scratch and wear away.
3. Avoid skipping the preparation: Proper preparation ensures the paint adheres well to the wood floor. Skipping steps such as cleaning and sanding can result in a finish that looks uneven or peels away.

FAQs

Should you prime before painting floors?

Yes, priming before painting floors is key for a smooth, durable finish. A primer seals the wood, stops too much paint from soaking in, and helps it stick better. It also keeps paint from peeling or flaking, especially in busy areas. Just pick a primer that works with your floor paint for the best results.

What is the best paint for wooden floors?

The best paint for wooden floors is a strong, high-traffic floor paint that can handle wear. Go for oil-based or water-based epoxy paints. They’re tough against scuffs, scratches, and moisture. They also stick well and give a polished look, keeping your wooden floors vibrant and protected for a long time.

Conclusion

Painting adds color and flair to any room. With the right paint for wooden floors, you can make your walls, floors, inside or outside look great.

Remember, painting is easy with good quality floor paint. So, always pick high-quality paint for your wood projects. You’ll be happy you did