Person applying 3M Masking tape to a wood floor

Wood floor protection during painting

Wood floors add warmth, character and value to your home. It’s well worth taking some time to protect this special surface.

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Keep your floor beautiful - Step by step instructions

Keeping paint off a hardwood floor is a lot easier than trying to remove it later. In fact, trying to remove paint after it’s dried onto the floor could damage it. To protect your wood floor, take the following steps before you begin painting.

Step 1: Choose the right tape

Choose the right tape for the right job: whether you are decorating indoors or outdoors - we can help guide you (PDF, 1.3 MB) with the correct masking tape choice.
Step 2: Recommended equipment
Here is a list of our recommended tools to get you started:

Scotch® Rough Surface Masking Tape

Or if your wood flooring is very delicate use a gentle adhesive tape such as Scotch® Delicate Surface Masking Tape

ScotchBlue™ Pre-Taped Masking Film

Alternatively use rosin or masking paper
Step 3: Cover the floor

We recommend using ScotchBlue™ Pre-Taped Masking Films that apply masking tape and masking film together in one easy process. Alternatively Rosin paper or masking paper is available at home improvement stores. Roll out a piece and place it along the trim.

Step 4: Attach tape

If using paper and masking tape, secure the paper to the floor and along the skirting board with Scotch® Rough Surface Masking Tape. Tape overlapping pieces of paper to each other and not to the floor.
Step 5: Clean spills fast

If paint drips or spills on your wood floor, be sure to clean it up as quickly as possible. Once paint dries on a wood floor, you’ll have to remove it by scraping or using a solvent, which could cause damage.