How to Paint a Long Hallway with Hardwood Floors

Preparing the Walls and Ceiling

• 1

  Choose latex paint samples in colors you like. If you will not paint the hardwood flooring, then choose samples that bring out the wood's colors. If you plan to paint the hardwood flooring, then choose colors for it that complement your wall and ceiling paint color selections. The flooring requires porch and floor paint.

• 2

  Paint one 2-by-2-foot primed drywall panel with one paint color you consider. Use a different drywall panel for each color you consider. Place the painted panels along the hallway to get a sense of the true colors that would result on the walls and ceiling because lighting will vary. Leave the panels in the hallway for a few days, occasionally checking the colors as light conditions change. Decide which color or colors appeal to you most.

• 3

  Remove furniture and artwork from the hallway. Pull nails, unscrew and remove plate covers from the hallway walls. Place painter's tape over light switches, sockets and fixtures, molding, architectural details and other elements you want to protect from paint.

• 4

  Repair the walls and ceiling as needed. Use joint compound applied with a drywall knife to fill in cracks and holes. Let the joint compound dry according its package directions. Sand rough areas. Use a vacuum cleaner with attachments to vacuum dust. Wipe the walls and ceiling with a damp cloth.

• 5

  Cover the hardwood flooring with drop cloths. Place painter's tape along edges and corners to protect the floor and to keep the drop cloths in place.

Painting the Walls and Ceiling

• 6

  Place latex primer on the walls' and ceiling's edges, corners and tight areas with a paintbrush. Use a paint roller to apply the primer to the rest of the wall and ceiling areas. Allow the first coat of primer to dry. Apply a second coat of primer if necessary, and let the second coat dry.

• 7

  Paint the hallway walls' and ceiling's corners, edges and tight spots with a paintbrush. Apply a thin, even coat of paint to other areas of the walls and ceiling with a paint roller. Let the first coat of paint dry about four hours, or the amount of time recommended in the paint manufacturer's label directions.

• 8

  Apply a second coat of paint only if necessary, using the same techniques you used to apply the first paint coat. Allow the second coat of paint to dry overnight. Remove the painter’s tape and drop cloths.

Preparing the Hardwood Flooring for Paint

• 9

  Sand the hardwood flooring with fine-grain sandpaper. Clean the floor using the vacuum cleaner, and then mop floor thoroughly. Scrub away stubborn dirt or grime on the hardwood by using wood soap. Let the floor dry for 24 to 48 hours.

• 10

  Cover the bottom edge of the hallway walls with painter’s tape to protect the walls. Use painter’s tape and newspapers to cover spaces under hallway doors so dust won’t blow into the hall from adjoining rooms.

• 11

  Sweep the floor with a broom, and wipe it with a tack cloth.

Painting the Hardwood Flooring

• 12

  Apply latex primer along the floor's edges of the wall with a paintbrush. Use a paint roller to apply the primer to the rest of the flooring. Allow the primer to dry.

• 13

  Apply a second and third coat of primer to the floor as necessary until the floor surface has an even coverage of primer. Wood can be very porous, absorbing primer. Let the primer dry between each coat.

• 14

  Paint the floor's edges with porch and floor paint by using a paintbrush. Use a paint roller to apply the paint to the remainder of the flooring. Allow the first paint coat to dry at least 24 hours before walking on the painted floor. Paint on a second coat of paint if necessary.

• 15

  Apply a coat of water-based polyurethane on the floor to protect the paint. Use a paintbrush and paint roller to place the polyurethane on the floor.