How do I best paint a parquet floor in rough shape?

Question

The floor has already been refinished and I was told at that time, that it likely could not be resanded.
The floor is in rough shape so painting? white washing? is being considered
any suggestions?
family/kitchen
living/diningroom combo

Answer 1

Jay: A parquet floor -- or any wood floor -- is difficult to paint. And I don't recommend white, because it's so hard to keep clean and live with. If you are going to tackle this project, you'll first need to sand the wood floor very well, and take special care when it comes to applying the coats of paint.

Scott: If you're going to paint your floor white, apply the paint using a 4-inch-wide bristle-brush (figure A). To avoid nicks or chips in the floor-paint, protect it by applying a polyurethane coating over the paint after it has dried fully. To break up the solid look on a parquet floor, you may want to alternate between tiles, using white paint and another color or shade.

Answer 2

If you decide to paint make it look old, using a very dark color like burnt red, or dark blue then another color on top, lighter and let it wear off and it will look antique. Use porch paint which lasts longer and covers pretty good. You can use a long handled roller too. First wash the floor well, let it dry and then vacuum well. Do the trim with a brush then paint the middle with a roller, with long nap. Let the first coat cure for at least 24 hrs. Then do another coat, either the same color if you like or a lighter color for the antique look. Let it cure for at least 24 hrs. If if's humid it may take longer than 24 hrs. So, don't get in a big hurry. The coats can't be too thick, it'll take forever to dry. Just cover it and that is all. If the finish on it now is still heavy you may have to lightly sand it or trust that the porch paint will do the job. I mean how much work are you willing to do. Renting a sander is expensive and doing it by hand is really really hard work. Porch paint is pretty good at covering, Maybe just lightly sand any spots that are still finished.

Answer 3

What kind of finish does it have on it now? Because if there was any sort of varnish or stain on it before you wont get good results in recovering it without sanding it first. At home depot you can buy wood floor refinishing kits but i think they require you to sand it. I'd say go to your local hardware store and ask. They will have better knowledge of the products out in the market.