What Kind of Paint to Paint a Vinyl Floor?

Latex Paint

• Latex-based kitchen and bath paints works well for giving your vinyl floors a durable makeover. These paints typically withstand moisture, dirt and grime better than some other types of paint. Most brands can easily be wiped down with soap and water. This makes it an excellent choice for flooring because it is easier to clean. Latex works well with vinyl because it is easy to apply and soaks well into the surface.

Exterior Paint

• A latex-based exterior paint is another ideal choice for painting vinyl flooring. Porch paint and decking paint is meant to withstand high amounts of traffic. Kitchens and hallway floors often experience the majority of the wear and tear in the home, making a durable paint essential. Like kitchen and bath paint, exterior paint responds well to cleaning, allowing you to mop up spilled milk or wipe up muddy footprints with ease.

Primer

• Choosing the proper primer for your vinyl flooring is essential. Primer helps prepare the surface for painting. When working with latex-based paints, always choose latex-based primers. An oil-based primer topped with a latex-based paint may cause bubbling and peeling in the paint surface. For stained or yellowing vinyl flooring, a stain blocking primer provides a fresh, clean surface helping prevent previous stains from seeping through onto the new painted surface.

Preparing

• It is important to understand the proper way to prepare the floor for paint. Begin by cleaning, using a TSP cleaner or a solution made from three parts water and one part bleach. These strong cleaners remove deep, ground-in dirt, mold and mildew. Apply the cleaner and allow it to sit for 20 minutes. Rinse with clean water and allow the surface to dry. Use a medium-grade sandpaper to rough up the floor’s surface, removing the flooring’s clear coat. Finish by cleaning up the sanding debris and applying a deglossing agent to the floor.

Painting Technique

• When painting vinyl flooring, it is important to keep in mind that the flooring’s edges and interior need painting. Begin by applying paint to the edges with an angled sash brush. Also, use the brush to paint areas not easily reached by a roller. To save strain on your back, attach a paint roller to an extension pole to paint the center of the floor. Always be sure to start at the furthest end of the room, working your way toward the door. The same technique applies to primer and all paint types.