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Gather the Goods
• industrial floor sander (rent one or hire it out)
• paint roller
• medium-size paintbrush
• white oil-based primer
• white oil-based exterior or porch paint
• black (or your choice) oil-based exterior or porch paint
• 3- or 4-foot metal ruler
• watercolor pencil the shade of the contrasting-color paint
• 12-inch (or size desired) square sample tile
• painter’s tape
• clear polyurethane (optional) You Can Do It
1. If you're working with an old floor, prepare it by sanding thoroughly. Vacuum to remove all dust; then apply the primer. Next, use the roller to paint one or, if necessary, two coats of white paint. Allow to dry between coats.
photography: Robbie Caponetto
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photography: Robbie Caponetto
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2. Measure your floor, and make a drawing to work from. First, divide the room's width in inches by the diagonal width in inches of the tile; then divide the depth of the room in inches by the diagonal width of the tile. This will let you know how many whole diamonds will run horizontally and vertically across the floor. Good news: Your measurements don’t have to be precise.3. Starting at the center of the room, use the watercolor pencil to trace around the tile; work your way out toward the walls. After you’ve traced two rows, you can use the ruler to make longer diagonal lines as guides for placing the tile. 
photography: Robbie Caponetto
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4. Once all diamonds are traced, make a light mark in every other one to guide your taping and painting. Tape off the diamonds, and make sure no dust has settled on the floor.5. Use a paintbrush to apply the black paint to every other diamond. Allow 48 hours to dry. If desired, add one coat of polyurethane for a high-gloss, more durable finish. But if you prefer for your floors to achieve a scuffed look over time, you’re finished!
Troubleshooting Tips
• Buy good brushes so bristles don’t fall into the paint.
• Wear latex gloves, and keep clean rags close by.
• Wear trash bags on your feet while rolling paint on the floor. Remove them before leaving the room to avoid tracking paint through the house. | 
