Can I Paint Old Linoleum Tile With Something So I Don't Have to Replace It?

Preparation

• To paint over a linoleum floor, the floor has to be thoroughly cleaned first. Vacuum the surface, then mop the floor using soap and water. Make sure the floor dries completely before trying to paint or sand. Use blue painter's tape to protect baseboards from the paint you will be using.

Preparing the Surface

• If there is a lot of wax buildup on your floor, you can use a cleaning solution of 1/2 cup of ammonia and two gallons of warm water to mop your floor. This solution will remove floor wax, allowing the paint to adhere to the surface of your floor. You can also prepare the surface by lightly sanding with an orbital sander along the entire floor area to be painted.

Priming and Painting

• Before you begin to paint your linoleum floor, it is important to use a primer on the floor first. Use a primer that contains a sealant to avoid cracking in the future. Once the primer is completely dry, you can paint over the linoleum using oil-based, urethane or exterior paints. Apply several coats of paint, allowing the paint to dry completely between coats.

Finishing

• Once you are satisfied that your floor has dried to the right color and does not need any touching up, finish the floor with a polyurethane sealant. To give your floor a good seal, use three coats of polyurethane, allowing it to dry in between coats. A good seal on your floor will make the floor last longer and will reduce wear and tear from walking on the floor.