WantsToFly: I love it that you are back to your cute penguins and your whole name!

OLEFIN BERBER: My brand new, wonderful landlords gave me a new carpet, with no pad. It's so tough that it doesn't even need a pad. It will take any kind of wear. You simply will never have to replace it. Just rip out the old carpet & pad --- and staple the new carpet down with a staple gun. You can use the leftover carpet pieces elsewhere in the house, simply stapling them down. It doesn't really show where they meet.

The carpet is extremely inexpensive, and a tough weave that will take any kind of wear. Try to price it at building supply places. You might be surprised how affordable it is. It works beautifully, a sort of tweed that won't show stains.

Caution! You have to be careful about how you treat it. Don't wet it ever. No wet rug shampooing. The slightest bit of water on it, and it will travel everywhere on the rug. Vacuuming is the trick. And for stains, immediately use paper towels with a heavy container over them --- to soak up the moisture of the stain. Continue this until absolutely dry. Then use a light spray of vinegar, blotting. Rub only if blotting does not succeed. This technique is to be followed for pet stains, as well as other types of stains.

You do not get the fluffy, soft feel of nylon carpeting. However, I consider the wearability and economy a wonderful tradeoff.

PAINTING THE FLOOR: I have painted floors before without etching them. I just first apply flat the same color as the final coat will be. Then I apply the final coat or two coats, depending on how compulsive one is. And then the varnish, of course. No sweat. This is no doubt the most economical solution. But then you will need area rugs also. So factor the paint & the rugs in. And the waiting while the various coats dry. LOL

Adieu