How to Paint & Stencil a Hardwood Floor

Remove the furniture from the room. Tape around the walls to protect your baseboards. Place a strip of tape on the doorjamb.

Sand the floor with a sanding block. Sand enough to remove the sheen from sealed flooring. This helps paint adhere to the surface. Sweep the floor. Wipe the floor with a tack cloth.

Paint the strip of floor right next to the baseboards, using a foam brush. Roll on the rest of the floor paint with a paint roller on a pole. Begin applying the paint in the corner opposite the door, so you won't accidentally paint yourself into the room. Let the first coat of paint dry overnight.

Apply the second coat of paint with the brush and the roller. Finish rolling in the same direction that the floorboards run for a smoother surface.

Choose colors available in porch and floor paints for your stencil designs. Pour a small amount of paint onto a plastic plate.

Arrange the stencil where you want it on the floor. Dip the very tip of the stencil brush into the paint. Wipe off any excess paint from the bristles on a rag. You want just a hint of paint on your brush for a smooth stenciling application.

Gently tap the tip of the stencil brush against the design on the stencil. Hit the edges of the image repeatedly to get a crisp outline. Fill in the paint in the middle of the image with a quick, tapping motion.

Remove the stencil. Wipe the back with a damp rag. Place the stencil in position for painting the next image. Continue stenciling until your floor design is complete. Wash the brush with water if it gets stiff. Dry the bristles off as much as possible on a rag.

Protect the painted floor with two coats of water-based polyurethane varnish. Apply the varnish with a paint roller, using a brush to paint into the corners and along the edges of the floor. Follow the directions on the label to see how long to wait between coats of varnish.

Remove the tape. Let the varnish cure before you move any furniture back into the room.