Yes. You can paint laminate floors that feel dull and outdated to refresh the look of your home; all you need is a primer, roller, paint, and your hands.
Replacing the affected areas is costly but is the best restoration method for your floor. If you’re on a low budget but still want to upgrade, you can paint before you replace the planks.
How to Paint Laminate Flooring
Materials needed for these works are:
- a primer,
- floor or porch paint,
- paintbrush
- sandpaper or preferably a 180-grit sander,
- a painter’s tape to trim off the edges
- a sealer for any floor damages, and
- a liquid deglosser.
Prepare the Floor for Painting
Before you start painting, the room should be clear of all obstacles, like furniture and the floor, from dirt and any underlying debris.
Vacuum clean the floor and finish off by wiping with a soft, damp microfibre cloth to remove any dirt the vacuum cleaner might not have picked up.
Sanding
Avoid going in too deep when sanding because only the topmost layer needs to be removed for the paint to adhere to the laminate. A 180-grit sander will do a perfect job deglossing without removing the plastic cover.
After successfully sanding off the gloss, wipe all the dust particles off the floor.
The purpose of sanding is to remove the gloss usually found on top of the laminate flooring but not to remove the plastic layer completely on the laminate. The plastic layer keeps the wood intact and protected; therefore should not be removed.
Apply a Deglosser
When the floor is neatly wiped, apply deglosser to remove any gloss that sanding might have missed and let it dry.
Apply the Primer
A primer is applied to seal any scratches and flat any uneven areas and is done at least two coats. Apply the first coat and let it dry for at least a day before applying the second coat.
Tape on the Edges
Mask off the areas you don’t want the paint to get on, especially on the edges of the floor, where they meet with the wall.
Paint
Pour out the paint into a bucket and mix the right proportions. After proper mixing, apply the first coat and make it as uniform as possible.
Different types of paint will have a mixing procedure in their packaging.
Give it a day to dry naturally rather than using a fan to speed up the process. The next day, check how the paint job looks and give it a second coat if need be.
When it is dry, remove the tape on the edges and check if some paint got in some areas you did not want it to. If there’s paint, this is how to remove paint on laminate floors.
Choosing the Best Paint for Laminate Flooring
The paint you choose should aesthetically match the interiors of your room. For a soft touch and feel, you should consider matte, while for a bright shine, you should consider high gloss paints.
At this point, the key is not choosing the cheapest paint because it might not give the best results. However, you should balance quality and get it at the best price because the most important thing is to have paint that will hold up for some time.
Common mistakes that should be avoided when painting laminate floors
The steps above should be properly followed through to get the best results. Think of this as a checklist that will walk you through the process.
- The floor should be spotless and wipe off any dirt or dust. Paint cannot stick to dirt.
- Sanding is a must. Skipping this process is critical because paint cannot adhere to the wear layer of laminate flooring.
- Do not use wall paints. It will form bubbles and peel in no time.
- Priming is a must. The right primer should be used to make the paint last longer.
How to Maintain Painted Laminate floors
Painted laminate floors require special maintenance to keep them looking good. Here are some tips to help you maintain your painted laminate floors:
1. Sweep or vacuum regularly. Make sure to use a soft-bristled broom or vacuum attachment to avoid scratching the floor.
2. Mop the floors with a mild detergent. Make sure to use a damp mop, not a wet one, to avoid warping the laminate.
3. Avoid using abrasive or acidic cleaning products, as they will damage the finish.
4. Place door mats at all entrances to help prevent dirt and debris from entering the room.
5. Wax the floors at least once a month. This will help to protect the finish and make them shine.
6. Protect the floors from furniture and other objects by using furniture protectors, such as felt pads or floor mats.
7. Clean up spills immediately to avoid staining or discoloration.
8. Use caution when moving furniture, as it can cause scratches or dents in the laminate.
9. Avoid dragging furniture or heavy objects across the floor. 10. Refinish the floor every few years to maintain its appearance.