Our recent sunroom floor staining experiment steered us away from semi-transparent finishes (great for raw concrete but not ideal over previously stained surfaces) and toward a solid, glossy, opaque treatment. Below is how we achieved that look.
We discovered that oil-based porch and floor paint was the best choice for this project because latex floor paints won’t reliably bond to previously stained concrete. At Lowe’s we found Valspar’s High Performance Oil-Based Porch & Floor Paint in a rich chocolate brown called Brownstone, which matched our adjacent hardwood floors perfectly. This oil-based formula is extremely durable, resists scuffing, and keeps a high-gloss finish—ideal for a high-traffic sunroom. It’s also suitable for wood floors and primed metal, which makes it a versatile option for other areas that need a refresh.
Here’s a straightforward five-step tutorial for painting a floor:
Step 1: Clean the floor thoroughly. Vacuum first, then wipe the surface with a mildly soapy damp rag and allow it to dry completely before you begin painting. For wood floors, sand or patch any splintered or rough spots before painting.
Step 2: Edge the perimeter of the floor—about four inches—from the walls using a quality brush that won’t shed bristles. Oil-based paint is glossy, so stray bristles or debris will be much more visible than on a matte surface.
Step 3: Use a roller with an extension pole to apply the first coat across the entire floor. Work in long, even strokes and use a “W” pattern to avoid roller lines and paint globs. Plan your route so you don’t paint yourself into the room—oil paint takes a long time to dry before it can be walked on.
Step 4: One coat may be sufficient, but a second coat often gives a more even, uniform finish. Wait at least 24 hours before applying a second coat. Even if the first coat still shows subtle impressions, the second coat will smooth and gloss the surface for a consistent look.
Step 5: Allow the freshly painted floor to cure before walking on it—plan for at least six full days. It may be inconvenient, but letting the paint cure fully protects the finish and prevents marks. Oil-based paints can be strong-smelling and contain solvents, so keep windows open and use a ceiling fan while the paint cures, starting before the second coat since you won’t be able to access the room afterwards.
After the full cure time, you’ll be able to move furniture back in and enjoy the glossy, rich finish. The Brownstone color produced a uniform, luxe sheen that made the sunroom feel more finished and tied the space visually to the dark brown window sashes and adjacent hardwood floors. The result is a cohesive transition between rooms rather than an obvious add-on.
We hope this quick floor-painting guide helps you tackle a similar project. If you decide to paint your floor, take the time to prep carefully, choose the right oil-based product for previously stained concrete, and allow ample drying and curing time for the best, longest-lasting results. Happy rolling!
PS: If you prefer to stain concrete rather than paint it, there are semi-transparent staining methods available for raw concrete surfaces.
PPS: We later added a decorative stencil to this floor to introduce even more visual interest after the paint cured.