Companies often have a “directed use” – what they’ve tested and designed product for – and then what actually works. I was also told I could not paint a vinyl floor and it’s held up perfectly for many, many years. So the primer I’ve shown you will work just fine – but it’s important to use porch & floor paint on top. If you’re not so keen on painting, have you considered vinyl flooring? Not the planks, but the large sheets? Adhered with the right glue, it’s really durable and won’t add much weight at all. If I had so many dogs, I would be tempted to do something like that because it’s so durable and easy to clean. And these days a lot of sheet vinyl flooring looks really sharp! Alternatively, you could try staining the floors and then sealing? Something that soaks into the OSB, like a wood stain, might hold up even better to dogs. Although I have had no issues with my painted floors – but I only have one 120 pound dog. I cannot say how well painted floors hold up to so many…

I can’t tile the floor due to a structural weight concern. 900 sf. 300 sf is concrete and the other 600 sf is OSB. The floor previously had cheap peel and stick tile on it. I want the floor to look all the same. It is a pole barn turned “shouse” that hangs out over a hill on pillars with under parking. Sealing and painting the floors is my only option. I run a dog rescue and have 13 dogs each in excess of 120 pounds so need something that will hold up. Carpet is not an option.

I’m so happy to hear it! Make sure you use a clear coat intended for floor traffic and it will hold up really nicely.

You can definitely paint it and because it’s on the ceiling don’t worry about getting a floor enamel – any good paint & primer combo will work just fine. You’ll still see the texture but the paint will freshen it up nicely.

That’s so exciting!! I made a plywood floor in another room and also painted my vinyl kitchen floors so I am a huge fan of DIY floors and am sure yours will be amazing!

I’m about to replace water damaged floors in my mobile home. I plan to use good grade plywood and paint it. I’m following your lead. Love your color and results. I’ll be rid of plastic floors and my dog is going to love it.

I did not sand – I worry the pieces would come off. You could sand down some of the surface roughness though. And if you deep clean, I’d recommend waiting awhile before prime/paint – most manufacturer’s will give a dry time. You don’t want any of the water to bubble up and ruin the finish.