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The front porch.
Over the years, we’ve renovated most of our cottage, inside and out. We have an enclosed front porch where we have a table and chairs for dining and a bed for lazy afternoon naps. The floor has been in terrible condition and the goal has been to replace it. But, the funds have not been available, and after fourteen years, we finally decided to paint it.
Yikes! We need a new floor.
First, Mike sanded the floor – the most important step in preparation. There were several deep gouges and he filled the deepest ones with Bondo. Wood filler would crack in such a deep gouge and take days to dry. The Bondo dried smooth in half an hour. And now the fun began. We decided to paint the floor plaid. We thought we would like the look and also reasoned that it would help to camouflage the imperfections.
Here’s how to do it: Choose three colors. Ideally, two of the colors should form the third color when combined, as it would in a true plaid, but artistic license is allowed. First, prime the floor. After drying for 24 hours, paint the entire floor the “combined” color – “A” in the photo. Again, after drying for at least 24 hours, mark a grid pattern on the floor. We used a long board and a pencil and make our squares 12″. Next, using masking tape, mark off all the “B” squares and paint. The tape may be removed when dry to the touch. The next day, mask off all the “C” squares and paint with the third color. When dry, remove the tape. It’s best to allow the floor to cure for 48 hours before using.
Gabe checking out the "new" floor.
We are happy with our results, we saved a lot of money, and we kept all of the old wood out of a landfill by using some elbow grease, paint and a little ingenuity. Let me know if you try it yourself and how it works out.
It looks great!
Thanks, Michele!!
The floor looks wonderful, I couldn’t believe the difference from the before picture. I love it!
Thanks! I can’t believe we didn’t do this years ago.
I love it!! It’s sweet how Gabe matches the floor so well.
Thanks, Jenny! We consulted him on the colors.
So fun! You will laugh, though…I read the title quickly and thought it said “College Living” (prob because we are getting ready to send Rob back!)…and I thought, “I’m not sure they are allowed to paint their floors…”.
Too funny! Just have him go to the “powers that be” and show them this post. “See, the blog says it’s ok.”
Susan!!! I LOVE it!!! What a great idea. Now I want to see it in person
Thanks, Melissa. I can’t wait for you to see it! “IT” is the reason it’s been so hard to have company this summer.
I really like it. It’s a good look. You’re lucky to have Mike. I’m sure he reminds you.
Glad you like it! Yep, Mike is one of the hardest workers I know.
What KIND of paint did you use, Susan?
Good question. We used porch and deck paint. Semi-gloss.
Susan! It looks amazing! Congratulations to both of you & for completing your goal. I was surprised that I remembered that old floor – but I did!
Unfortunately, I’m not doing as well with a few of my other goals. I’ll keep moving forward.
It is beautiful!!!! What a great look! I am sure it was a LOT of work. So glad you had some time to do it.
Thanks, Gail. It was easier than I thought it would be and we both genuinely enjoyed doing it. Well, maybe not the sanding part so much. That broke Mike’s back.
Well Done!!
Thanks, Roger!
Oh my goodness I LOVE it!!
Thanks, Rosalyn. One of the fun things about a cottage is that you can do things that you wouldn’t necessarily do at home. We’re blessed!