Best Paint for Wood Floors

Painting floors is an easy way to upgrade them without having to install a new one. The thought of painting a wood floor can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.

As a professional in the field, I have learned that certain types of paints and finishes work best on surfaces like wood floors.

In this post, I have covered all the aspects of choosing the best paint for wood floors and the perfect paint for wood at the best value.

Read on to discover my go-to paint of choice.

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

Your painting goals determine the choice of wood treatment. For example, use wood oil or varnish to enhance your floor without changing color. For a complete change of color, make wood paint your choice.

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.

What type of paint to use on wood floors

Painting wooden floors is a great way to transform your home and bring life and light into your rooms. If you have a wooden floor, you’re considering buying wood paint.

The best type of paint for wooden floors should be:

• Incredibly smooth
• High quality
• Quick-drying
• Easy to work with
• Less odor

Depending on your wooden floor painting needs, you can choose from the three types available on the market.

Oil-based paints

The conventional oil-based enamel wood paint is highly durable and designed to withstand foot traffic without getting worn out. It’s also scratch and stain-resistant—just like it’s expected of wood floor paint.

Note: Oil-based wood paints were eliminated from the US market in 2005 as they were not environmentally friendly. Generally, oil-based paints release lots of fumes into the air and hence require heavy solvents like paint thinners or turpentine to get rid of.

Today, oil-based paints are only sold by paint companies as “specialty paint” or in quart-sizes. If in need of oil-based paint, be sure to first check with your state regulations.

Latex-based enamel wood paint

Latex-based enamel wood paint is the safest and most popular paint option. This paint is environmentally friendly, produces fewer fumes, and easily cleans up using soap and water.

Also, they dry faster than oil-based paints. Latex-based enamel paint was considered less durable, generating matte color in the past.

However, thanks to advanced technology, the paint is now designed to be highly durable, doesn’t turn yellow with time, and is resistant to flaking, peeling, and blistering. Moreover, it’s as good as oil-based paints but has no negative environmental impact.

Acrylic-based enamel wood paint

Acrylic-based enamel wood paint is certainly a great option for your wooden floors. But unfortunately, acrylic paint is formulated with chemicals that make it generally expensive compared to latex paints.

Best Wood Floor Paint

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

Best Paint for Floors Reviews

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. Best 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. Best for Quick Painting – 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.

(Here’s a guide on how much paint does a 5-gallon bucket cover, which you can use as a reference when planning your painting project).

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. Best Exterior Wooden Floor Porch Paint – KILZ Exterior Siding Paint

I choose KILZ Exterior Siding paint for its superior coverage and resistance to elements like rain, snow, moss, and mold. The matte finish is smooth and looks great.

It attaches to the wood tightly and goes deep into it. This helps the product last longer and look better. The water-based formula boasts superior adhesion, making it the best exterior wooden floor paint and easy to clean with water and soap.

It dries quickly—just two hours—and you can recoat after 6-8 hours. It’s highly durable, resisting peeling, blistering, and cracking even when exposed to moisture.

KILZ exterior paint will adorn your outdoor siding with a beautiful matte finish and lasting protection. Unfortunately, you’ll need to do some prep work before painting your wood siding.

Priming or sanding is required to prepare the vertical wood surfaces for painting. But once you’re done, you can enjoy the beautiful results of this all-purpose exterior paint for years to come.

(You may be interested to know can exterior paint be used indoors).

What I Liked Most

• Versatile and available in various colors.
• Highly durable and guarantees lasting color-locking.
• Effortless cleanup since it is water-based.

What Could Be Improved

• Only applied on properly prepared surfaces.
• More than one coat is needed for the best results.

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4. Best interior floor paint for wood – KILZ interior Wood Floor Paint

I recently used KILZ Interior Wood Floor Paint 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 Wood Floor Paint 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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5. Best for Painting 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 one of the best paint choices 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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6. 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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7. Best 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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8. The Best Varnish for Wood Floor – 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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9. The Best Wood Floor Oil-Osmo – 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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10. Best Paint for Small Pleasure Crafts – 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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11. Best for Interior and Exterior Wooden Floors – Valspar Porch and Floor Latex Satin Enamel

If you want attractive coverage for your interior or exterior surfaces, I recommend the Valspar Porch and Floor Latex Satin Enamel paint. This premium quality, 100% acrylic latex formula has a low odor and a fast-drying period.

This special formula can be used both indoors and outdoors. It is strong and can cover wood, concrete, porches, railings, steps and metal that have a special coating called primer.

The paint is ideal for regular foot traffic and surfaces are ready to be used within 1 hour of application. The satin finish will protect your floors for a long time, keeping them looking great no matter what the weather is like.

Valspar Porch and Floor Latex Satin Is what you need if you’re looking for a multi-purpose paint that will give your space years of lasting charm and protection.

What I Liked Most

• Versatile as it is used for interior and exterior purposes and different surfaces.
• Very durable and offers protection for years.
• Easy to apply and clean up.
• Dries quickly.

What Could Be Improved

• The actual color may not be as indicated on the can.

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Three Key Considerations Before You Start Painting Wood Floors

Keep in mind these three main things before you start painting your floors:

1. How Long The Painting Will Take

Painting is a time-consuming activity. If you are only doing one coat of paint, this won’t take too long. If you want your hardwood floor to look perfect, use 3-5 coats of paint.

Make sure the paint dries for 12-24 hours before adding a new coat. You need to work hard and spend a lot of time if you want your flooring to look great.

2. How Much Traffic The Floor Gets

If the floor has too much traffic, like in hallways or living rooms, painting it may not be the most suitable option. Walking on newly painted wood floors can cause the paint to peel away, change color, and get stains. Wait until the paint is completely dry before walking on it.

3. How Long You Plan To Stay In Your Home

Painting is one way to customize wood floors, but if you plan on selling the property in the near future, painted floors may reduce its asking price.

If you want to maximize the value of your home or investment property, it’s best not to paint the wood flooring. Doing so can potentially lower its market value and cost you more money in the long run.

How to Prepare Your Wooden Floor for Paint

Are you feeling stuck getting your wooden floors painted? We’re here to help. Use our simple step-by-step guide to give your floors an impeccable painted feel and look.

Step 1: Sanding

• If your floor has old paint, stain, or polyurethane, use lower or high-grit sandpaper to remove the finish and make the wood surface porous again.
• Sanding stairs or rooms of about 120 square feet may require a portable belt sander or orbital palm sander. A dust mask and kneepads are must-have tools at this point.
• I recommend using 60-grit sanding paper for a smoother finish. After cleaning the dirt, wipe down the sanded surfaces with warm water mixed with sugar and soap. The mixture helps to remove traces of dust, dirt, or grease completely.
• Consider using an orbital floor sander to rub the wooden surfaces for larger spaces, lightly so your paint holds firmly. After sanding, sweep the floor to remove dirt and debris. You can use a damp towel to remove fine dust completely.

Here’s a more detailed guide on how to clean paint off hardwood floor?

Step 2: Priming the surface

• Priming is an important part of the painting process on wooden floors. The right primer will ensure the paint holds up and the color turns out as expected.
• Once the surface is dry, check for bare spots (areas without any visible varnish due to wear), then roll or brush the specific areas with a quality primer. This spot is called priming.
• Leave the areas whose old coating is intact; the coat will serve as the primer. You can lightly sand it before painting.
• Remember to sand the area before painting if you have to apply a coat of primer to the entire floor because it hasn’t been varnished. Use 220-grit paper for sanding the primed surface after it has dried.

Step 3: Masking

• Use painter’s tape to prevent molding and mask the edges that shouldn’t be painted.

How to paint wood floor

Cut the edges

Using a quality paintbrush will do the trick of cutting around edges by about 5-8cm (2-3 inches) to avoid getting paint onto your walls or molding.

Apply hard wearing floor paint

When choosing top-coat paint, choose the latex enamel paint specially formulated for floors, decks, and porches. We’ve had good luck with KILZ Low-Lustre Enamel Porch & Patio Latex Floor Paint. It’s affordable, highly durable, and slip-resistant.

When you need to apply oil-based floor paint, Valspar Interior and Exterior Oil Porch & Floor Enamel is the best oil-based floor paint on Amazon. The multi-purpose paint delivers a tough, high-gloss, and wear-resistant finish that is easy to clean and maintain.

Use a quality paintbrush to apply the first coat and let it dry for the recommended curing time. Then add the second coat. Always start painting away from the exit but move towards it to avoid getting stuck in the room.

Use polyurethane to seal the painted area

Polyurethane protects the wooden floor, particularly in areas that experience high traffic and, consequently, the most wear and tear.

I recommend Minwax Super Fast Drying Polyurethane Protective Wood Finish as the best hard-wearing floor paint because it is specially formulated to offer hardwood floors superior protection and durability.

Let the paint cure

Finally, give the paint time to fully cure to minimize scuffing, fading, and peeling risks.

FAQs

Can hardwood floors be painted?

Yes, you can paint hardwood if you use high-quality wood floor paint. In addition, you can choose acrylic or latex-based paint to add life to your old or enhance your new hardwood surfaces.

How many coats of paint will I need?

You’ll need a minimum of two coats of paint. This is a general rule of thumb for any painting. It’s hard to get a flawless finish with just a single coat of paint; if you achieve this, the coverage may be better than expected.

What is the best floor paint for wood?

The best floor paint for wooden floors is standard oil-based porch paint or oil-based enamel. These paints are particularly durable and resist staining. They are also available in a range of sheens, so you can choose the one that will blend best with your flooring and decor.

What is the best floor paint for high-traffic areas?

High-traffic paint for floor is gloss. This paint provides a harder finish that stands up to wear and tear better than other types of paint. Gloss paints are also the best option for high-traffic areas, as they are more durable and easy to clean.

What is the best paint to use on floorboards?

The best floorboard paint is chalk paint. It is very absorbent, which is why it is used as the best paint for floorboards. This means that it won’t leave any streaks or marks on the floorboards, and it will also seal them and protect them from moisture. However, to be on the safest side, we recommend you use the best brush for chalk paint smooth finish. To match the paint quality, store the brush well for re-use.

(We have a guide for you on how do you clean chalk paint brush for longevity and durability.

Do painters recommend clear paint options?

The answer is both yes and no. Clear paint options can be great for showing off the natural beauty of wood, but they should not be used as a protective coating. Clear paint options can not withstand harsh weather conditions or UV rays from the sun. They may not last as long as traditional paint. Clear paints can be used for certain projects. However, It is important to understand that they should not be an option for long-lasting protection.

What to Avoid

When picking the best paint for wood floors, there are a few things to avoid to ensure that you get the best possible 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 is key to ensuring 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.

What is the best floor paint?

Painting can add a pop of color to your space, giving your room an appealing flair. When armed with the best paint for wooden floors, you are sure to turn your walls or floors, exteriors, or interiors into painted accents that are aesthetically pleasing.

Remember that painting can be the easiest part of woodworking if you have the best floor paint for wood. So always choose high-quality wood paint for all your woodwork. You’ll thank me later.