Plywood flooring painted to look like weathered planks (image via Coastal Living)
Plywood flooring with faux finish by Suzanne Stryker (image via Google)
If you are searching for a way to create a beautiful floor while on a budget I suggest painting your plywood sub flooring. Not only is it cost effective it will allow you to create something completely unique and personal to your space.
- Sand: Sand any imperfections in the flooring (dents, holes, etc.) going with the grain & fill with wood putty. For large areas it is recommended to use a pole sander. Please take care to use a dust mask and safety glasses for safety!
- Clean: Wipe the floor down using a damp cloth. You must ensure that the floor is completely clean prior to beginning priming.
- Primer: Once your floor has dried, paint on a coat of primer using a paintbrush (or use self-priming paint). Let the primer coat dry.
- Paint: Paint a base coat on the floor using a roller. Again, remember not to paint yourself into a corner and start at the farthest corner of the room! A good tip is to roll away from a dry area to a wet area to minimize marks and leave a smooth coat.
- Pattern: Let the base coat dry thoroughly before painting your pattern. Now is the time to be creative (faux finishes, patterns, faux rugs, etc.) I would strongly recommend using a stencil or painter's tape for any pattern with repeats or straight lines.
- Cure: The finished floor needs to set for at least two days, after your last coat of paint, prior to stepping onto the flooring.
