Laminate flooring is perfect for people who want a glossy wood look on their flooring. The wood-looking photographic layer is topped with a glossy layer for protection. Over time, many started thinking of giving it a more personalized look and asking, “can you paint laminate flooring?”
You can paint laminate flooring. If you use the right equipment, such as the right paints, primer, rollers, brushes, etc., and follow all the detailed instructions for prepping and painting, you can paint laminate flooring and also make it look good. However, the process might be hard.
Laminate flooring is made of two layers with a glossy plastic finish on the top layer. Painting is not as easy as painting on rough surfaces like walls. Because of that, it is not recommended if you are new to painting.
However, if you do want to give painting laminate flooring a shot, read this article for all the details you need on painting laminate flooring.
What Steps To Take To Paint Laminate Flooring?
Make sure you give your floor full and proper preparation before you get down to the business of painting. Follow this step by step process:
Step 1: Sanding The Floor
The very first step you should take is to sand the entire laminate flooring. This is a critical step before beginning painting, yet it is frequently the hardest one to do.
In the case of having a floor with an old shine, you have to erase it with sanding pads of 180 grit. Don’t mistake the shine for the plastic covering of the laminate flooring. The outer layer of most laminated flooring has a plastic covering that leaves the impression of intact wood panels or tiles. You should avoid removing the plastic layer if you want the look to remain even after painting.
However, the strong plastic layer in some laminate flooring resists paint from adhering, exposing the wood layer that will quickly receive and retain paint. So, in those cases, it is better to sand it down. Use an orbital sander to get to the wood layer. It will work on most of the flooring. For corners, try using sandpaper.
Step 2: Clean The Floor
After you’ve completed the sanding process correctly, you should wipe down the floor to remove any dust particles. While you are at it, swipe away any additional clutter, such as pet hair. If not, the dirt and debris on the floor will create a messy finish.
Step 3: Layer Up With A Deglosser
After cleaning the floor, the de-glossing part comes. The de-glosser will remove any shine that your sander might not reach. What you need to do is:
- Take a liquid de-glosser
- Use a clean rag to apply a coating of de-glosser to the surface.
- Leave the floor to dry completely.
Step 4: Coating Of Primer
After the de-glosser has dried completely, apply a fine layer of primer. Choose a good quality wood primer as it is very important for the primer to adhere to the paint.
Let the primer cure for not less than a day. The next day, apply another layer of the primer. The primer will help seal the tiny cracks and scratches on the surface.
Step 5: Taping The Edges And Corners
Before painting, this is an initial stage. Like you have seen many DIYers do, tape the edges and trims of your flooring. This is a precautionary step to avoid getting unwanted stains on your walls. By this, you don’t have to repaint the walls if you get any paint outside of the flooring,
This tip can be used if you are intending to paint the flooring in different patterns and different colors. Just tape over where you do not intend the paint to go, and you will have a smooth design with less than perfect paint strokes.
Step 6: Painting The Floor
After the taping is over, you can move on to the steps of painting. To paint:
- It is better to use a roller for the first coat of paint. Use a roller extension for easier application.
- It is important for the first layer of paint to reach every corner of the floor.
- Leave the first coat of paint to dry for a day. One day of rest is important for the paint to cure properly.
- Examine the paint one day after the painting to see if it needs any sealant.
- When you feel that the first layer is good to go, apply your second coat of paint and leave it to dry completely.
Which Paint Is Best For Using On Laminate Flooring?
To match the smooth texture of the laminate panel, latex paint is often recommended for painting laminate floors.
Latex paint is suitable for painting large areas. This paint will not only provide you with a smooth surface but also a durable one, which is necessary to create a nice finish on your flooring.
What Primer Is The Best For Using On Laminate Flooring?
The primer you use on laminate flooring depends on the type of paint you use to paint it. But overall, and especially if you are using latex paint to paint your laminate flooring, it is best to use an oil-based primer.
Also, as laminate flooring is very compact and smooth in nature, the adhesion of paint and primer is usually very hard. Oil-based primers bind nicely with paint, and if you give them enough curing time, the surface will be ideal for painting.
How To Make The Painting On Laminate Flooring Long-lasting?
To get long-lasting flooring, you will need to avoid water stains on the painting and the warping of the boards. To avoid these, the easiest approach is to coat your laminate flooring with either a polyacrylic or polyurethane sealer. These steps will decrease foot traffic stress and strain and help keep the delicate boards from chipping.
Minor flaws can be polished and eliminated over time or simply disguised by giving them another layer of the sealing coat.
Can I Change The Paint Color Of my Laminate Flooring?
Yes, you can. In fact, you can re-paint laminate flooring like you would re-paint any other flooring.
To change the color of your paint on laminate flooring, you can opt for two options. You can go for high-quality full-coverage latex paint to change the color or simply choose a moderate-quality latex paint in a darker shade.
Can I Use Chalk Paint To Paint My Laminate Flooring?
You can use chalk paint to paint your laminate flooring. However, even though some recommend it, it’s not as durable.
However, applying an appropriate seal, for example, a wax coating coupled with a polyacrylic sealer, might get you a relatively strong finish.
What Not To Do While Painting Laminate Flooring?
The following are the reasons behind not getting a smooth and professional finish on your laminate floor painting:
- Not sanding the floor at all.
- Not vacuuming the space. Cleaning and wiping the flooring are necessary. Otherwise, the paint will not adhere because of the dirt and debris.
- Not using a primer before painting or using the wrong primer.
- Applying wall paint on the laminate flooring. The wall paint on the flooring doesn’t adhere but bubbles up. As it doesn’t adhere, it just gets peeled off.
Why Don’t Most People Recommend Painting Laminate Flooring?
There are certainly valid reasons for not recommending paint on your laminate floor. The very first one is that most people do not know how to prepare the flooring for painting. As a result, the inadequate prepping leaves a very messy paint job on your flooring because the paint didn’t get the chance to adhere properly.
Also, sanding the wear layer in a way that is not too much but enough to give you a proper platform for painting is very hard. And even if you do all the steps properly, the laminate floor will not look perfect for very long because of scratches. Even scratches from chairs and pet paws will be left all over the painted floor in a matter of time.
Is the Process of Painting PVC Trim Similar to Painting Laminate Flooring?
Yes, the process of painting PVC trim is similar to painting laminate flooring. The key to success lies in using the best methods for painting PVC trim, including thorough cleaning, proper priming, and using high-quality paint. By following these steps, you can achieve a beautiful and durable finish on both PVC trim and laminate flooring.
Tips For Cleaning Laminate Flooring After Painting
Laminate flooring is made of composite wood. So, when you use too much water, the flooring has a risk of getting warped. Another risk you might face when cleaning your painted laminate flooring is that steam cleaning might remove the layers of sealants or cause warping of your wood planks.
- Use mild soapy water to clean the painted laminate flooring.
- Use a mildly wet mop/brush to clean
- Avoid steam cleaning.
- Avoid harsh quality chemicals
- Don’t use DIY tricks like strong vinegar solutions etc., to clean.
Conclusion
Can you paint laminate flooring? The answer is, it might be very tricky for you, even if you are not a novice. But if you follow the steps carefully and get through the process successfully, it will be worth it. By spending less, you will give your laminate flooring a new and personalized look.
Do not forget to follow the cleaning and maintenance tips mentioned above so that you have durable painted flooring. That way, you will get full of what you have invested in this process.
