Painting floors has become the go-to option for DIY enthusiasts and those renovating their home, because of its many benefits. They often use milk paint, as it is non-toxic and a natural alternative to chemical-filled products. Secondly, it is both affordable and easy to use. Finally, milk paint adds a vintage vibe to even the newest of furniture pieces.
People are now opting to paint their floors, which presents unique challenges and considerations to consider before diving into the project. As such, some choose to oil their floors instead as it is easier and brings out the natural grain of the wood. You can check it out here.
Here’s why you should use oil rather than paint on your hardwood floors, and what you should consider before taking on this significant project.
Pick a High-Quality Product
This isn’t a mason jar vase you’re painting for Mother’s Day– this is your floor! Whether you’re planning on using paint, oil, or a combination of the two for a patterned effect, you want to guarantee that you are using a high-quality product to get the job done. Find an oil that is all natural, absorbs well, and offers protection to the wood.
Evaluate the Task at Hand
If your floors have been oiled or treated in the past, paint may not stick to them directly. This means it will chip and wear down quickly. For this reason, you will need to add a bonding agent or primer coat before applying the paint. You may also be required to sand the flooring to give the paint something to grip. This adds a lot of extra steps to your project that may not become apparent until you get started.
With oil, you will still have to prepare accordingly but the process is more straightforward.
Viscosity Control
The main thing to avoid when painting your floor is applying the paint too thick. This creates a bulky, tacky resistance that takes forever to dry, looks terrible, and will wear quicker. Fortunately, milk paint is quite thin. In fact, it applies like a stain due to its watery texture but presents as a typical paint.
On the other hand, you don’t have to worry about applying oil too thick. While you should avoid slathering it on to an excessive amount, it will absorb into the wood rather than layering and becoming tacky and bothersome.
Choosing the Right Color
You should choose a painted floor color as you would choose a color for your carpet. It should go well with your furniture, walls, and the overall style of your home. Dark colored flooring will show wear and tear more readily than a lighter colored flooring. Furthermore, it will absorb the light from the room.
Most people opt for shades of white and off-white, perhaps with some accent boards or designs thrown in the mix. This is because white goes with any decor style and never clashes with the changing colors on the walls or furniture trends. It also makes rooms appear more spacious.
When you oil your floor, you don’t have to worry about color coordination. You are bringing the natural elements of the floor to light, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere regardless of what shade the wood is.
Prep and Finish
To paint your floors with milk paint you will first need to sand the floors, then wash away the dirt and residue with a wet cloth. When you paint, you will need to start priming and painting with time to dry. This process can take weeks. Even then, you won’t be able to bring heavy furniture in for upwards of a month.
With wood oil, after you sand, degrease, and wash the floor, you simply apply the oil. If it doesn’t absorb within 40 minutes, you will need to thin it out. All in all, the process will only take a couple of days. Using natural wood oil is better for your floors, the value of your home, and your patience levels.
