Painted wood floors...leave 'em or sand 'em?

[Nikki]

Our bungalow has its original fir flooring in most of the downstairs rooms. Of course, it was previously covered by carpet or vinyl tiles, so it will need to be refinished. The foyer, living room, and dining room floors are just covered with some old varnish, but the floors in the bedroom, hall, and laundry room are currently painted a dark green.

We plan on sanding the un-painted floors down and refinishing them, but I'm wondering about the painted floors. I'm worried that it might be hard to get that dark green paint out of all the cracks and crevices, and maybe I should re-paint them instead. I've seen plenty of cool patterns painted on wood floors, so maybe I could do stripes, checkers, etc.

Has anyone tried to sand down painted wood floors? If so, how did it work out? Have any of you painted your wood floors?

[MaryK]

I would just re-paint the floors that were painted already.
As you said there is many beautiful patterns, colors for painting wood floors.

I like a white-white painted floor but that might be difficult with the
dark green already there.

MaryK

[allen820]

We just renovated a 30's cottage. Our diningroom was previously an unheated screened porch. The floors were painted with the standard gray-blue porch paint. But we were able to get back to the beautiful white pine floors by using lots of stripper, heat guns, scrapers, sand paper, and mucho elbow grease. Our drop back position was going to be paint, but thankfully we got back to the natural wood.

So, it can be done if you have the required determination!

[chyna]

Wonder if you stained it dark enough it would disguise the paint that you can't get to. I did that on my floor in the laundry room and it was painted white ages ago.

[ChapterTwo]

Since it seems that you would really rather have natural looking wood floors, then give sanding a try.

Look at it this way - What's the worst that can happen? If you start, and see that the paint is really too difficult to remove (which I doubt), you can always go to Plan B and repaint them. But I would definitely attempt the sanding project before opening a paint can!

[cycle1667]

I have done oak floors in 2 houses and I say paint is a beautiful thing.
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cycle1667

[Seattle Cottage Lover]

I have oak floors in my 80+ year old cottage. I refinished them, and yes, it was grueling, back breaking work. The prior owners' mother (don't ask) painted an welcome mat on the inside entry way. There is some oxidation from the nail heads and paint, so the nail marks have some black around them.

I love my oak floors and they were worth every moment. I hope you enjoy yours as much!