Unique Hardwood Floor Staining Idea

by Nick
(Burbank, California)

I have spent several years doing faux finish for show homes. One project was especially interesting. This home was built in the 20s and the floors badly needed refinishing.


The designer called me in to try a new technique, one which neither of us had previously attempted. We had the floors sanded and prepared, and then using stencils and tape, we created a marquetry design on the floor.


The pattern was drawn to scale on graph paper. Then using the measurements, we taped off the areas to be stained. I mixed oil paint down to a very thin consistency and applied the color to the floor in the areas which were to be covered.


We used low tack tape to block out the areas which would be stained in other colors. This was a complicated design, meant to emulate the marquetry of fine inlaid wooden pieces. Each successive layer was done and allowed to dry overnight.


In some instances I went back with a stencil to create the flowers and leaves of the design. I worked in positive applications and negative applications. Layer upon layer was applied to the floor, until we had just the right look - a wonderful 18 foot square in the room with borders running right out to the walls.


The same stain was used on the wide door moldings and a similar pattern was applied to the panels on the wooden door. Everything was sealed with low gloss polyurethane to protect and preserve it. It is a stunning room.