Can you paint engineered wood floors?

Engineered wood floors are a popular choice for their durability, stability, and beautiful natural grain at affordable prices. If you want to refresh your space, you might be considering painting your flooring to update the room, add colour or create a more unique look.

In this blog, we’ll explore whether it’s possible to paint engineered wood, what you should consider before starting and some alternatives to painting your floors. 

Can you paint engineered wood floors?

In short, yes, you can paint engineered wood floors if you choose. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind before you start eying up paint samples: 

• Lifespan – engineered flooring typically has a lifespan of around 15 years, but if you remove or weaken the protective wear layer, you could significantly decrease your floor’s durability. 
• Refinishing – engineered wood floors can only be refinished once or twice in their lifetime before needing to be replaced, so choosing to paint your flooring means you might not be able to repaint or refinish it later if you don’t like the finished product.
• Protection – if you remove or weaken the protective wear layer on your engineered wood flooring while preparing to paint, you can leave it more susceptible to visible damage and wear like scratching, staining, and water absorption.

Alternatives to painting engineered wood flooring

Depending on the goals you have for painting your engineered wood flooring, you can always try a different method to achieve it. Some ideas include:

While buying new flooring might seem extreme, it allows you to update the room while retaining the full lifespan of your product. If you’re not sure which finish is for you, try our guide to oiled vs lacquered engineered wood flooring, or order free samples to test out which flooring you like best.

How to paint your engineered wood floor

1. Prepare the room
   • Remove all furniture, rugs, and other items from the room and tape off anything that you don’t want to get paint on.
   • Make sure to repair any blemishes in your engineered wood flooring, as painting will not cover them.
2. Sand the surface
   • Lightly sand the engineered wood using fine-grit sandpaper (around 120-150 grit) to remove the finish and create a slightly rough surface for the paint to adhere to. Be careful not to sand too deeply, or you could damage the protective wear layer or even the hardwood core within the planks. 
   • Sweep or vacuum the space thoroughly to eliminate dust and debris, which could prevent the paint from sticking properly.
3. Apply primer
   • Choose a high-quality primer suitable for wood floors and apply an even coat, making sure you get the primer into the corners and edges of the room.
   • Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Paint the floor
   • Select a durable, floor-specific paint, like an acrylic or enamel, suitable for high-traffic areas.
   • Apply an even first coat of paint, using a roller for large areas and a brush for edges and corners. 

Tip: Make sure you start at a far corner and work out towards an exit to avoid trapping yourself in a corner and having to step over your hard work!

• Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. For a thinner wash that allows the wood grain to remain visible, aim for two coats – for a thicker, more opaque style, you may need more coats. 

5. Seal the painted floor
   • Once the paint has fully dried, apply a clear floor sealant to protect the painted surface from scratches, scuffs, and moisture.
   • As with the paint, make sure to apply at least two coats, allowing plenty of time to dry between coats.
6. Cure before use
   • Allow the floor to cure for several days (check the sealant’s instructions for specifics) before moving furniture back in or walking on it with shoes. This allows you to ensure that the finish sets properly and lasts longer.
7. Look after your floor
   • Clean gently with a broom or vacuum, avoiding overuse of moisture and harsh chemicals that could damage the paint or sealant.
   • Use furniture pads and rugs in high-traffic areas to prolong the life of your painted floor.

With the right preparation, materials, and techniques, you can paint your engineered wood flooring any colour you like; follow the proper steps, including cleaning, priming, and sealing, to ensure a long-lasting result. Check out flooring advice from Flooring King to learn more about engineered wood flooring, including our engineered wood floor cost guide and how to install engineered wood flooring.