Brad Staggs sands a sample section of vinyl flooring, preparing it to be painted and stenciled. Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D Figure E Figure F Figure G Figure H Figure I Figure J

Q: Is there a way to paint vinyl flooring so that the paint will hold up?

A: Vinyl can be painted, but there are a few steps that you have to take to ensure that the paint goes on properly.

Materials:

Sanding block and/or sanding pole
180-grit sandpaper
Deglosser (available from paint centers)
Paint primer
Paint
Paint rollers and brushes
Stencil pattern (optional)

• If you have a vinyl floor that's in relatively good shape -- without major gouges, tears or cracks -- painting may be a good option for dressing up a room A drab, ordinary vinyl floor-covering (figure A) can be transformed into one that is distinctive and eye-catching. Choose a color of your own preference. Consider adding a stenciled pattern (figure B) if you like.
  
  
  
• Since vinyl flooring is naturally glossy, you'll need to remove the gloss and leave a roughed finish to which the new paint can adhere. There are several techniques that may be employed for this important step. A sanding block or sanding screen ( figure C), such as the ones used in installing drywall, can be used to rough up the vinyl surface. In our demonstration, we used 180-grit sandpaper.
  
  
  
• Sand the entire surface (figure D) to remove the gloss. To make the job less strenuous, consider using a sanding pole (figure E) such as those used by drywall installers. This tool will allow you to sand the floor from a standing position, without having to get down on your knees. Sand the entire floor thoroughly.
  • Tip: You may want to wash the floor before sanding using TSP (tri-sodium phosphate) solution to remove dirt and impurities from the cracks and textured surfaces.
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• Sanding may not reach the gloss in the valleys or dimples in the vinyl surface. So after sanding, use a deglosser (available from paint stores). Rubbed on with a clean rag, the deglosser liquid (figure F) will remove the gloss finish where sandpaper can't reach.
  
  
  
• Sanding and deglossing gives the floor "tooth" to ensure that the paint adheres effectively. After applying the deglosser, wait at least 10 minutes for the surface to dry before moving on to the painting process.
  
  
  
• To prepare the surface for painting, it's best to apply a coat of primer -- a preparatory layer that adheres to almost any surface. Brush on a thick coat of primer (figure G) using a brush or roller. The objective is to cover the floor completely with a coat thick enough to mask any pattern or texture left in the vinyl, leaving a perfectly flat surface that's ready for painting.
  
  
  
• Allow the primer to dry. Depending on how much texture is present in the original surface, you may want to sand the surface again, then apply a second coat of primer.
  
  
  
• Once the primer has completely dried, the floor is ready to accept the paint. Apply the paint of your choice using a roller for easiest and most even application (figure H). Apply a thick coat to fill any remaining valleys or texture in the surface.
  • Important: Use a "porch and floor" paint, or similar product, to leave a durable finish that will withstand the traffic that the floor will surely receive. This is a tougher type of paint than a standard wall paint. Check with the paint specialist at your home center if you have questions about which paint to use.
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• Once your painted surface has dried completely, you may want to add a stenciled design using a stencil pattern and paint brush. Stencil patterns and special stencil brushes are available from crafts centers.
  
  
  
• Once you've laid out your pattern design, use a light coating of spray adhesive to secure the pattern temporarily to the floor. This will hold the stencil stationery as the stencil paint is applied -- using a stippling or "pouncing" action with the end of the brush (figure I) -- and will prevent the paint from bleeding underneath the pattern sheet.
  • Stenciling Tip: When applying stencil paint, first dip the brush in the paint, then offload excess paint onto a rag or paper towel before applying paint to the floor using your stencil pattern. This will ensure that the right amount of paint is being applied during the stencil process.
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• With some imagination and planning, you can convert a worn-out floor into one with a bold look and eye-catching design. (figure J).
  
  
  
• To protect the painted vinyl floor, apply two or three coats of polyurethane for a tough, durable finish.

RESOURCES :

The Wood Finisher: How to Finish Everything, From Decks to Floors to Doors
Author: Bruce Johnson
ISBN: 0345372972
Ballantine Books