How to Paint a Canvas Floorcloth

The floorcloth originated in France and became popular in American in the early 1700s. At that time the floorcloth was made from recycled ships sails and the use was utilitarian. In early American colonies they were used to cover bare wooden floors or sometimes dirt floors. After being used for so long as a necessity, they eventually lost their popularity with the arrival of linoleum flooring.

The floorcloth eventually made a comeback but with a revamped attitude. Today's floorcloth is not for necessity, but rather as a piece of artwork for the floor. The design is only limited by the imagination. Floorcloths are usually made from a heavyweight cotton duck canvas. Despite the fact their beauty comes from water-based paints, floorcloths are durable. The paint is sealed with several layers of water-based varnish so the floorcloth can just be wiped clean.

The design for the floorcloth can be simple or elaborate and you don't need to be an artist to create one. The designs can be stenciled or stamped to create the pattern. Just create a fun abstract design, and you get to customize the colors to match your home. Paint a colorwash for the background to add depth to the canvas. This technique also eliminates the need for the color to be perfectly uniform.

The first step is to purchase the canvas. It's available in regular or preprimed. Most large craft stores have selections of canvas available. There are also multiple on-line stores with good selections of canvas and art supplies. Any water-based paints can be used. This includes all latex house paints and acrylic artists' paints. Acrylic paints are the most durable.

The canvas can be purchased in small precut rug sizes, usually already primed. It's also available to purchase by the yard just like fabric. The canvas has a number corresponding to the weight of the cotton. A good heavyweight canvas in 12-ounce cotton is a good choice for a floorcloth. There are also extra heavy weight canvases as well.

Cut the canvas to the size of choice, allowing for a 2-inch hem all around. If you don't purchase preprimed, then the canvas will need to be prepared for painting. Just apply one or two layers of gesso and then a least one coat of latex paint. If the canvas is preprimed, skip the gesso step. A layer of latex paint is still necessary. Always start painting in the center of the floorcloth and work your way out to the edges.

Fold the hem back and crease it in place then miter the corners for a better fit. Double-faced carpet tape can be used to hold the hem in place. The hem can also be stitched in place or glued in place with a fabric adhesive. If using a background color, then apply that now. Adding a glazing medium to the paint will extend the drying time and allow more time to blend the paints. This is especially helpful with a colorwash style.

It's time to plan the design for the floorcloth if necessary. The pattern can be drawn on free hand with a pencil or chalk. If a stencil or foam stamps will be used, then decide on the placement. Another choice is to use a copy machine to enlarge a favorite design, then use graphite paper to trace the image to the floorcloth.

Paint the floorcloth with the style of brush you're the most comfortable using. It doesn't matter if they are house paint brushes, artist brushes, foam brushes or a combination. When you're satisfied with the design, let the paint dry thoroughly.

It's time to seal the painted floorcloth with several coats of acrylic (non-yellowing) matte varnish. Allow the varnish to dry between coats. This is an important step in the process and will keep the floorcloth's paint durable for a long time. The more coats of varnish applied, the more smooth the floorcloth's surface will be and will make it easier to wipe clean.

The last step in the process is applying paste wax after the varnish dries. Rub the floorcloth with two coats of floor paste wax and buff it to a soft sheen. The paste wax will help the painted floorcloth feel more flexible and eliminate any sticky feel from the paints and varnish in a humid climate.

The back of the floorcloth can be made slip-resistant by applying liquid rubber backing from craft stores. The same thing can be achieved by running beads of silicone caulk around the edges and then smoothing them with a painter's spatula. Allow at least a day or two for the caulking to dry. There is also rug-gripping tape available that would work just as well.

Floorcloths aren't intended to use over plush carpets. They really should be used only on smooth hard flooring material. The floorcloth can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild detergent. Harsh chemicals shouldn't be used. It's beneficial to use felt pads on the legs of furniture that will be placed on the floorcloth.