Filling floorboard gaps before painting?

Odea

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I am going to paint the floorboards in my bathroom, white. The floorboards are about 18 years old. Should I fill the gaps between the floorboards or is it safe enough to just paint away without doing this. I will use a primer then a Farrow and Ball white. Is it necessary to varnish over the finish?
 
I'm not sure about the gaps, but there is no need to varnish over the paint if you use floor paint.
 
if you sand floorboards first then use sawdust mixed with wood glue to fill gaps prior to painting, is flexible so moves with boards
 
Thanks. I am not sure about the existing nailheads. I have punched them down and put a wood filler over the nailheads. I think I will leave the gaps between the floorboards though as they are tongue and groove.
 
Thanks. I am not sure about the existing nailheads. I have punched them down and put a wood filler over the nailheads. I think I will leave the gaps between the floorboards though as they are tongue and groove.
Beter to do as leroy said. It's a bit time consuming but better in the long run.
 
then use sawdust mixed with wood glue to fill gaps prior to painting
Is the glue soluable enough to make this feasible or is there a ready mixed one to be bougt over the counter ?
 
wood glue is liquid enough to mix, think I used Bostik wood glue last time I'm done it, was a few years ago
 
Well I filled the nail heads yesterday with wood filler. I gave them a light sanding today and put a coat of white primer on the floorboards. Looks great so far.
 
That's good Odea, I think you may find that the wood filler will crack over time as the boards move/swell/contract. Wood glue and sawdust is flexible
 
Am I allowed to ask for a paint and colour recommendation here for my top coat or do I have to start a new thread under "recommendations"?
 
Am I allowed to ask for a paint and colour recommendation here for my top coat or do I have to start a new thread under "recommendations"?

Hi Odea, you are. The recommendations forum, as the full name suggests, is for seeking/providing recommendations for tradesmen and suppliers.
Leo
 
O.K. so. I am looking for an off white paint rather than a brilliant white paint. Not really looking for a Dulux or Crown but maybe a Farrow and Ball or Colortrend. Something that I can paint on the floor without having to varnish. Maybe a soft sheen type. Any thoughts?