Tips on Painting Vinyl Floor Types

Stripping and Sanding Vinyl

• Proper preparation is one of the most important steps to long-lasting painted floors. The floor needs to be stripped with a product like tri-sodium phosphate. Some people use denatured alcohol for this purpose. The next step is sanding the surface with coarse sandpaper. The sandpaper roughs the surface up so the paint will adhere properly. Pay particular attention to grout line areas as they are easily missed in a quick sanding job. A de-glosser may be required for heavily textured floors.

Cleaning the Floor

• Use a degreaser to scrub your floors. Oily floors will cause paint to peel off. A scrub brush and an ample amount of detergent may be required to remove stubborn soil. Rinse the floor several times, drying with clean towels between rinses.

Priming the Floor

• Use a quality primer on the floor before you begin decorative painting. Apply one coat of primer and allow it to dry thoroughly. Sand that layer lightly, clean the dust away and then apply another layer of primer. Allow this to cure fully before proceeding.

Painting the Floor

• Use painter's tape and rulers to make straight lines. Freehand painting is not as precise but works well for informal designs. Stencils work well for repeated or intricate designs. After you're finished, the paint should cure completely before sealing the floor.

Use a Quality Sealer

• When sealing the floor, a quality oil- or water-based sealer will keep the paint in tip-top shape. Apply this in thin layers and allow each layer to cure before sanding lightly, cleaning and then applying additional layers. Applying a thin coating of floor wax further protects the floor.