I’m currently remodling a three apartment building in Boston. Locally they are called triple-deckers.

The original floors are t& g fir.  I don’t know how many times the floors have been sanded since being built in 1908 (?). For this reason we have decided to paint the floors as is rather than sand again and refinish with a clear varnish.

The clear finish on the floors does not react to alcohol or mineral spirits, so I assume this latest finish must be some water based concotion.

My questions are:  Can I safely paint the floors as they are with an oil based deck/floor paint?  If so, should I prime this unknown finish already on the floor with an oil based primer before I put on the final coats?

I’ve had exceptionally good results with Benjamin Moore’s “Fresh Start” an 100% acrylic primer for the walls and trim. Has anyone had any experience with their deck and floor oil based paint?

Any advice and/or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Jim