painting floorboards - do i need to sand them, paint recommendations etc

[kitsmummy]

Hi, I want to paint the floorboards in our bedroom and need to know if I need to sand them first, or if I can just wash and paint onto the floorboards without sanding? Should I also prime them first? Does anyone have any recommendations for paint - am thinking of using a Farrow and Ball floor paint, but not sure what colour, an off white or maybe pale grey? Just so you know our style, the house is an old Victorian and we have lots of Farrow and Ball already. Am loving the look on the farrow and ball home page here Thanks

Bumping unanswered threads

When I've looked at painting woodwork (i.e. skirting boards) it does suggest sanding sand priming the wood first, this helps the paint to 'stick' to the wood, and gives for a smoother finish.
Don't know about the paint, never heard of F&B!

Have you seen the F&B advice sheet for floor paint? That might help. Can't help any more, but count this as a bump. I'd be tempted by one of the darker F&B off-whites - we've just painted our living room walls London stone - it's gorgeous, but quite dark.

It's quite a big job - you need to sand, then prime, then paint. I wouldn't use Farrow and Ball - I'd stick to a serious hardcore floor paint company.

Yes you should sand the boards first of all, just to give a 'key'. Then wipe with a rag with white spirit to clean dust off. Then prime/undercoat. (I have a 2-1 one that I use). Then a couple of coats of your chosen floor paint.

I used a Wickes cheap and cheerful pale creamy grey white on our front room florboads and it went on a treat and has lasted really well so far.

ok thanks everyone. will have a look at the wickes paint.