How to Paint the Bottom of New Solid Oak Flooring Before Installation

If you plan to install new solid oak flooring in a relatively moist environment, you must coat the bottom of the wood with the appropriate type of paint, or it may end up warping or rotting. This vapor-barrier coating helps to preserve the floorboards by sealing out moisture. It is especially helpful in subterranean environments like basements. Painting the bottom of oak flooring also provides good insurance against unforeseen water leaks and can help you avoid the high repair costs associated with water damage.

Professional painter's tape
Vapor-barrier paint
Wooden stir stick
5-gallon bucket with roller screen
Roller frame
Nap roller cover
4-inch paintbrush

Instructions

- 1
  Lay the solid oak floorboards right side up on your work surface. Protect the edges of the boards with strips of professional painter's tape.
- 2
  Turn the boards upside down.
- 3
  Pour 2 gallons of vapor-barrier paint into a 5-gallon bucket. Stir the paint for five full minutes, using a wooden stir stick.
- 4
  Attach the roller screen to the 5-gallon bucket. Dip your paint roller into the vapor-barrier paint, then roll it up the screen to remove the excess. Roll the paint onto the bottom of the oak boards. Smooth any excess paint on the board with a 4-inch paintbrush.
- 5
  Wait four hours for the vapor-barrier paint to cure before installing the floorboards.

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