DIY Home Improvement: How to Paint Over Vinyl Flooring

If you're tired of your old or outdated vinyl flooring, but don't have the money necessary to replace it, consider painting it to give it a brand new look. This DIY home improvement project will brighten the room and give the entire space a more updated look. Here we'll discuss the materials needed to properly paint over vinyl flooring, and give shopping links to the products for a better understanding. We've also included easy- to-follow instructions necessary to do the job right.

Please note that to successfully paint over vinyl flooringthe flooring itself has to be in good condition. There can be no dings, holes, or tears anywhere on the surface. Painting over vinyl flooring is purely decorative and is not meant to repair or replaced damaged vinyl. In addition, painting over a vinyl floor in a high-traffic area is not recommended. High traffic areas, such as entryways, will wear out quickly and the paint over vinyl will begin to look worn in a very short amount of time. In other words, this is a DIY home improvement project that is best left for decorative purposes.

With that said, let's continue. Below you'll find a list of the supplies needed to paint over vinyl flooring. We've also included links to the products for a better understanding of what is needed. Any of these items can be purchased at your local hardware or home improvement store.

Materials needed to paint over vinyl flooring:

TSP cleaner - A heavy-duty cleaner that is used to thoroughly remove all dirt, grease, grime, and other build-up on the floor before painting.

Liquid deglosser - A deglosser is a must when painting over vinyl flooring. It removes grease and oil build-up, gives you a 'clean slate' to cover with a new coat of paint. It also assists in the bonding process.

Fine grit sandpaper - Look for 220-grit sandpaper (fine), which will be used to dull the shine and assist in paint adhesion.

Stain blocking primer/sealer - This product will be used to prep the floor before painting to improve durability. It will also improve the look of the topcoat.

Latex epoxy floor paint- Do NOT use regular wall paint when painting a vinyl floor!! It's essential that you use a durable latex epoxy floor paint that will hold up under general traffic, food and beverage spills, scuff marks, and so on.

Clear polyurethane - Protects the finished paint job and prevents against chipping. It will also give the floor a new shiny appearance.

Paint roller (with extension handle)

How to paint over vinyl flooring:

STEP 1 - Clean the floor thoroughly with TSP cleaner.

STEP 2 - Sand down the flooring surface lightly with fine-grit sandpaper.

STEP 3 - Mop the surface with clean water to remove any debris.

STEP 4 - Apply a coat of liquid deglosser. Allow it to dry completely.

STEP 5 - Use a paint roller to apply the primer/sealer. It's essential that every inch of the flooring is covered with this product. Allow it to dry completely.

STEP 6 - The next step is to paint a vinyl floor with an epoxy latex paint. Coat the surface well. In most cases, one coat of this type of paint will be sufficient, but if you're painting over a dark colored tile, two coats may be necessary. Allow the paint to dry completely.

STEP 7 - Cover the entire floor surface with clear polyurethane. THIS is the step that will protect the floor and keep it looking it's best, so do not skip over it! Allow the first coat to dry completely and then cover the floor with a second coat. Yearly maintenance is required to keep the paint over vinyl looking its best, so reapply a coat of polyurethane at least once a year.

More from Jennifer Wagner:

How to Wallpaper Over Paneling

Beginner's Guide - How to Paint a Room

12 Weekend Home Improvement Projects

SOURCE:

Personal knowledge and experience

Jennifer Wagner - Yahoo! Contributor Network

Benjamin Moore　

Big Paint Store

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