Painting - Painting Subflooring

I am considering removing the carpet in the family room and painting the subflooring. However, I have no clue as to the issues I need to be concerned with, what kind of paint will work best, will I need to seal it, etc. I need all the advice I can get. Thank you.

A "sub floor" is generally an unfinished OSB/plywood product....if you mean a hardwood floor beneath the carpet, please advise. This will involve a little prep work first before painting. Keep in-mind that some think it to be blastphemy to paint a hradwood floor, because once you do....that's it. You'll never go to the length of stripping it to reveal the wood again should you decide to have natural hardwood floors once again. Thanks.

Hi Keith,

Thanks for the reply.

I could never bring myself to paint a wood floor. I wish that's what we had beneath, but it's not. We are the original owners of the house. The only wood floor is in the foyer. It's a crap shoot with what is actually there. I am assuming it will be low quality whatever it is. I do know, however, that it is not cement since we are on a crawl space.

Karen

The floor must be clean and dry before painting. For durability, the polyurethane-reinforced oils are good. Many have a gloss or high gloss finish so you may need to ask around for a lower sheen if desireable. Reduce the first coat 10 percent with thinner, apply a thin coat. Wait 24 hours and apply the second thin coat (not reduced). You can get most any custom color or use the factory-mixed choices offered. Latex floor paints are another option but I'd prime the bare subfloor first with an oil primer. Buy a good paint Karen, from a quality dealer. Be glad to hear your results later on. Make it fun, not a chore. Play some Barry Manilow(cringe), or Kiss or Soggy Bottom Boys if ya like! :)

I am new to this, so I apologize if I am not doing this right. I am wanting to pull the carpet out of my toddler's bedroom - which sounds similar to Karen's inquiry. The floor is definately a subflooring underneath and I would like to paint over it. I would like to know what is involved in doing this...I understand I need to prime it...thanks for that information. Is there a special paint I should use after I prime it? If so, what is recommended? Should I go with a high gloss or semi-gloss? Also, how should I seal this to ensure it doesn't scratch up after I have painted this. I am hoping this will last at least 1-2 years.

I'd use an oil-based polyurethane-reinforced floor enamel...no need to prime...simply thin your first coat 10 percent with mineral spirits, apply a thin coat, wait 24 hours and finish with a second thinnly applied coat that has NOT been reduced with thinners. No further protection is needed, do not put a clear coat over paint. Be sure the floor is clean before painting and use good ventilation. Best of luck.

Keith

Definitely go with a product that is specifically made for flooring i.e., to be walked on. Such a product probably has special bonding properties to withstand the wear and tear of shoes, etc..,