Painting Wood Floors: 7 Steps to the Perfect Diamond Design

When painting wood floors, one of the most attractive and versatile options is the diamond design. It's also one of the easiest and least expensive. If you're ready to create a wood floor that makes an old-fashioned good impression, painting a simple, homey design might be the perfect option.

How to Paint Wood Floors
Ready to paint the diamond design on those old wood floors? Here's how:

1. Prepare the surface. Sand the floor until smooth and then cover with primer. If you have varnish on the floor, you might want to remove it before you put down the new coat of paint.
2. Apply the first color. Your diamond design requires two paint colors. If you prefer to let some of the wood grain show through, use fewer coats. It is often best to use the lightest color first, and then apply the darker color for the diamonds.
3. Figure diamond size. Measure the floor and determine how many diamonds you can fit, and what size they need to be. Take your time with this part--it makes or breaks your project!
4. Mark the diamonds. With a partner and a chalk line, measure the floor a final time, and use the chalk to create diamonds. Be careful as you walk across the floor to make sure the chalk line stays intact for the next step.
5. Mark the diamonds with tape. Follow the chalk lines and mark off the diamonds using painter's tape. Press the tape down firmly on all sides to ensure that there is no bleeding underneath.
6. Paint the diamonds. Use a high-quality brush with firm, strong bristles. Apply two coats to ensure proper coverage and a good contrast with the lighter paint. Let it dry thoroughly before removing the tape.
7. Finished or weathered? If you want a shiny, finished floor, seal the paint job with a few coats of clear polyurethane. If you prefer an older, weathered look, leave the paint alone for a while and let it collect scuff marks and imperfections.

Tips for Painting Wood Floors
Painting wood floors can create one of the most beautiful focal points in the room. Choose your colors to blend in with the walls and furnishings for a fashionable look. Opt for muted colors if you are hoping to achieve a weathered look, and remember that if the floor is "busy" with design, the walls might look better without much flair.

Most of all, have fun! Painting wood floors should be an enjoyable project that lasts for years to come.

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