Has anyone painted their floorboards?

[mamaonion]

We have inherited some pretty scruffy and in parts damaged pine floor boards in our new house. I love the simplicity of painted floor boards, I think I'd go for an off-white/grey shade. My Dad keeps warning me its a one way road, you could never get back to the natural wood once painted - but I think you'd be hard pushed to make the boards beautiful just refinishing the wood.

But we have 3 boisterous young boys - can a painted floor stand up to the kind of wear and tear a young family will subject it to? I've been talking to an Annie Sloane supplier who has recommended her paint with the floor lacquer over it, can anyone testify whether Annie Sloane paint is any good on floors? Or recommend another paint? And is it best to paint it yourself or get someone in? The professional floor repairer I just spoke to says he doesn't do painting - but he'll have a look to quote for repairs/sanding. TIA

[Miscella]

I once painted my floorboards white. Being a poor student at the time I used white emulsion and then used water based floor varnish on top. Very cheap, very effective and very hard wearing.

[Jellybean85]

When I first bought my house we were too poor for stair carpet and had painted floor boards, ended up loving t and kept it for two years!! So easy to do and maintain