what's the best way to paint the smooth floor? I'll be converting the garage into
an office/playroom.

carpet, wood laminate would be too costly.
wood laminate would be nice, however I need to put subflooring plywood? vinyl another option?

I figured a couple of buckets of paint and that should do.

What kind of paint? primer? how about for stenciling? stain protection? hoping to last for a couple of years, no peeling, and heavy usage.

thanks in advance!