Pick PAINT

What kind of paint should you use for floors?

• DURABILITY.

Since flooring is a high-traffic area, the paint you use should be durable. Opt for an epoxy-based paint, rather than a latex or water base.

• FLOORING MATERIAL.

Are you painting over tile, concrete, vinyl or even wood? There are many companies that offer paint specifically for floors—just make sure the paint you get works for your flooring. It should say on the label.

• BASE COAT AND TOP COAT.

You’ll want not only a base coat (with two colors for your pattern), but a clear top coat as well. This will help protect your paint job from chipping. Some companies offer kits that come with both, so you know you have all the paint you need.

• PRIMER.

Depending on the paint you get, you may need a primer underneath the base coat as well. Check the manufacturer directions—if it doesn’t need a primer, it will say so on the label.

Even if you have an area that has large blocks instead of small tiles, you can add patterns like homeowner Jessica Jelly did on her front porch. Just make sure you work in straight rows, so the pattern doesn’t end up slanting in one direction.