Best paint for durability for wood floors indoors?

I have worn, 120 year old hardwood floors that I have decided to paint. My issue is finding the best paint for this. I am looking at floor and porch paint but I don't know which brand would be best or if I need oil or latex. I also don't know if I need a poly on top of the paint or how to choose the best if needed.

I have been to lowe's and have looked at the Valspar latex. I found a color I like, it is a near black color. I tested the latex on a piece of hardwood I have to patch the floor and the finish is satin and we would like more of a gloss. They do have this in oil also but I have not tested it as I have to buy a full gallon because they don't carry the quarts in oil.

I also went to a Diamond Vogel dealer and he said that I could use the oil floor and porch and wouldn't need a poly and it would be a glossier sheen. He also said I shouldn't need a primer. I am having a hard time finding reviews on this paint.

I'm just not sure what paint to go with for our floor. This is an old house I am fixing for us to live in and I only want to have to do this one time, not make a mistake with the paint and have to do it over.

I appreciate any advice on this.

 

Welcome to the forums!

Oil base enamels dry to a harder film than latex = better/longer wear. Oil base enamels also tend to be shinier than their latex counterpart. Oil satin tends to have more gloss than latex satin, oil gloss is shinier than latex gloss, etc. Enamels do not need a clear coat over them. Most any decent floor enamel will give good results.

Got to ask, are you sure the hardwood isn't worth refinishing? Stain and poly will always show wear less than paint will. Hate to cover up hardwood with paint if there is an alternative.

 

I had planned to redo the hardwood but changed my mind. The floors are wavy and some of the wood needs to be replaced. This is a small, old house for railroad crew so it was not made high end and I do like the looks of the darker painted floors so I think as a DIY project the paint will be a better choice. I'm trying to transform this into a cute little cottage type house that we can be happy with as well as stay within a budget.