Vinyl Flooring: Painting Vinyl Floors

Vinyl flooring is made from polyvinyl chloride. They are available either as tiles or in big sheets. In comparison with other flooring materials, vinyl flooring is more affordable. The cheaper option to change the vinyl flooring is to paint the floor. There are just a few steps, that one should adhere to, to avoid a hole in the pocket.

The steps which should be undertaken are:

Step 1: The vinyl flooring have sheen over them. To remove the sheen, buy a chemical wash from the paint dealer. There are two types of chemical wash available, namely Trisodium Phosphate or any solution whose base is ammonia. Use the chemical wash on the floor to clean it and then the floor can be painted.

Step 2: The floor should be dried completely, before starting off with the next step. Rub the floor using a sand paper. The sand paper will remove all the shine from the floor.

Step 3: There is a possibility, that a deglosser may be required. The sand paper might not be able to get rid of all the gloss from the corner areas of the room. Before jumping to the next step, take a break for at least 15 minutes.

Step 4: Just as in the case of painting of walls, a primer is used, similarly, apply a primer to the floor before painting it. For the vinyl flooring use any water-based primer, because vinyl is a paint resistant surface. The primer should be applied as a thick layer using a rolling brush, which normally accompanies the primer. When you apply the primer, be careful that all the edges and corners should also be primed. Let the primer dry thoroughly, it will take approximately 48 hours. The primer acts as an adhesive for the paint to stick to the vinyl flooring. It is advisable to apply a second coat of primer for increasing the longevity of the paint.

Step 5: While you let the primer dry, why not undertake a survey and decide on the paint, that you want to use. Normally oil paint, garbage paint or porch paint should be used. The porch paint will give the best results. This paint is durable and would last at least a little more than other types of paint. It is suggested that a thick coat of paint should be applied; since the floor is utilized the maximum. Therefore there are chances of more wear and tear. Painting of the vinyl flooring should be started at the farthest corner from the door. The paint should be applied using a roller brush. The roller gives an even coating. Two to three coats of paint can be applied to the floor. Check if there are any imperfections. If you do come across an imperfection, just remove it. Between each coat let the paint dry thoroughly.

Step 6: If you want to spruce up the look of the newly made flooring; stencil patterns and designs can be added to the floor. The stencil patterns and designs are available at the craft stores. To stick the pattern to the floor, you need a spray adhesive. Place the patterns the way you want them on the floor. Using the spray adhesive, stick them to the floor temporarily and apply the stencil paint. The spray adhesive will hold the stencil in place and will not let it move, when the stencil paint is applied. You can also create your own stencil designs and patterns. In case there are certain designs, that you like and want to use them on the floor, you can place them on the floor too. The procedure is the same as that for stencil designs and patterns. These 'home made' designs will last due to the process, that will be undertaken in the next step.

Step 7: After the stencil work is done, the floor needs to be sealed. Since the floor is the most used part of the house, extra protection needs to be taken, so that the paint does indeed last. The sealer will also give a clear finishing to the floor. It is also necessary to choose a sealer compatible to the paint. Normally polyurethane is the sealer that is suggested for the same. Use two to three coats of sealer on the floor. Applying multiple coats will save time, energy and money.

Let's rush and get the material and start right away. We will be able to create our unique floors and flaunt them, as though they were designed by a well-known designer.