Paint is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to instantly update a room no matter what surface you paint.
Scuffs and scratches on laminate floors can be covered up to a degree, but if you are looking for a completely new look without replacing floors, then painting a laminate floor is an option.
And paint is not just for walls. With proper preparation and the right paint you can paint just about any surface in and around the home.
Getting started
There are a few tips you should know beforehand, and these will ensure a professional paint job on a wide range of surfaces.
- Always follow the instructions. Shortcuts normally end up as a mess, so take the time to read and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for each product.
- Prep the surfaces as required. All surfaces will need a thorough clean or sanding before painting. If you're not sure what is required, check the package instructions or browse through our articles on Home-Dzine. Polycell Sugar Soap is an all-round product for cleaning prior to painting.
- Work in a well-ventilated area and wear safety glasses and a dust mask when required.
- Clean any areas of mould or mildew before painting.
- While primer may not be essential for all painting projects, where recommended use one. A primer improves the bonding of paint to surface and extends the life and durability of any painted finish.
Paint ceramic tile
Ceramic wall tile can be painted over. Unfortunately you cannot paint over floor tiles. Floor tiles are subjected to everyday traffic, and because ceramic tiles are non-porous and unable to absorb the primer or paint, the painted layer will wear away.
What you will need is Plascon Tile & Melamine Primer, Plascon Velvaglo, foam rollers (or rollers with extremely low pile), a small paintbrush for corners and around fittings, masking tape to mask off areas not to be painted and Polycell brush cleaner.
- After cleaning, give the tiles a light sanding with 120/150-grit sandpaper and then wipe clean. Let the surface dry.
- Apply Plascon Tile Primer to the tile surface and allow to it dry before lightly sanding with 220-grit sandpaper.
- Apply a second coat of Plascon Tiler Primer and again, let it dry and lightly sand before applying Plascon Velvaglo as the top coat.
- If you don't want to paint over the grout, apply self-adhesive tape over the grouted areas. Automotive tape is thin enough to easily cut into strips and place over grout lines while you paint. Remove the tape when the paint is dry to touch but not completely cured (after about an hour).
Paint laminate floors
Always follow the instructions when taking on a painting project. Shortcuts normally end up as a mess, so take the time to read and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for each product.
Scuffs and scratches on laminate floors can be covered up to a degree, but if you are looking for a completely new look without replacing floors, then painting a laminate floor is an option.
Preparation is the key to a lasting paint finish on laminate floors and you will need to spend a fair amount of time on prep before you start painting. It's a good idea to choose a small inconspicuous spot to try out before you paint the entire floor, as not all laminate floors are the same.
You will need Plascon Wall & All, foam rollers, an extension pole, a small paintbrush, masking tape and an Orbital sander plus 180-grit sanding pads.
- Sand the entire floor (or tester spot) with 180-grit sanding pads to remove the gloss from the finish. Most laminate floors have a layer of plastic coating over the top that protects the wood grain image below - you don't want to completely remove the plastic, just remove the glossy finish so that paint has something to bond to.
- Wipe clean to remove all traces of dust and apply the paint directly onto the sanded floor using a foam roller. Pushing an extension pole into the handle of the foam roller makes painting easier and puts less strain on your back.
- Let the paint dry overnight before applying a second coat.
Tip: As with laminate floors, once painted, the finish is not waterproof and this technique is not recommended for areas where there is high traffic. This technique doesn't offer a permanent solution, but rather one that can be used until you can afford to replace flooring.
Paint melamine
Where vinyl flooring is still in good condition, rather than rip out and replace, you can paint it. Once painted, you can add a stencil or pattern to your vinyl floor.
Melamine and laminate finishes are predominant in many homes and used for built-in cupboards and cabinets. Over time, the finish becomes yellow with age and can easily be painted over for a fresh look.
You will need Plascon Tile & MelaminePrimer, Plascon Velvaglo (gloss) or Kitchens & Bathrooms paint (matt), foam rollers or rollers with extremely low pile, a small paintbrush, masking and Polycell brush cleaner.
- After cleaning the area, give the melamine a light sanding with 180-grit sandpaper and then wipe it clean.
- Apply Plascon Melamine Primer to the surface and allow to it dry for the specified time.
- Apply Plascon Velvaglo or Plascon Kitchen & Bathroom paint as the top coat.
Tip: Plascon Velvalgo offers a glossy finish that is easy to keep clean while Plascon Kitchens & Bathrooms paint has a matt finish that is not as washable.
Paint a hardwood floor
Once sanded, hardwood floors can be painted, whitewashed or limed as desired. As with all surfaces to be painted, the key to a lasting finish is in the preparation.
- You will need Plascon Wall & All or Plascon Velvaglo - click here for liming and whitewashing, foam rollers, a small paintbrush and masking tape.
- A previously varnished, sealed, waxed or painted floor should be sanded with 80-, 120-and 240-grit sanding pads to remove the existing finish. Click here for tips on sanding a hardwood floor.
- Make sure the entire floor is completely dust free before painting.
- Apply Plascon Wood Primer before painting with Velvaglo to ensure proper adhesion.
- Apply Plascon Wall & All or Plascon Velvaglo as the top coat. Follow the instructions on the can for application and drying times.
Tip: If using Plascon Velvaglo the surface can easily be cleaned with slightly damp mop. This technique is not recommended for areas where there is high traffic.
Paint vinyl floors
Once sanded, hardwood floors can be painted, whitewashed or limed as desired. As with all surfaces to be painted, the key to a lasting finish is in the preparation.
Where vinyl flooring is still in good condition, rather than rip out and replace, you can paint it. Once painted, you can add a stencil or pattern to your vinyl floor.
You will need Plascon Tile & MelaminePrimer, Plascon Velvaglo, foam rollers, a small paintbrush, masking tape and Polycell brush cleaner.
- A thorough cleaning is required to remove all traces of grease and wax polish. Plascon RemovAll Degreaser is recommended for floors that have been regularly polished.
- Lightly sand the surface of vinyl floors with 240-grit sandpaper and wipe clean.
- Apply Plascon Tile & Melamine Primer to the surface and allow it to dry for the specified time.
- Apply Plascon Velvaglo as the top coat; re-coat and allow it to dry as per the instructions.
Tip: Experts advise against painting cushioned-sheet flooring, as furniture and heels will dent the surface and crack the paint. Add Plascon Grip Additive where a non-slip finish is required.
Paint a concrete floor
Many homeowners are making the decision to leave out conventional floor coverings and opt for the convenience of a painted concrete floor. You can paint a concrete floor as long as the existing surface is in good condition, or a screed has been applied. This technique is not recommended for wood-screeded or rough, raw concrete floors.
You will need Plascon RemovALL High Strength Degreaser, Plascon RemovALL Rust Remover and Concrete Etcher, Plascon Floor Paint, Polycell brush cleaner and Polycell Masonry Patching Plaster or Polycell Rockset.
- The concrete finish must be in good condition for painting, and you will need to give it a good clean. Any cracks can be repaired with Polycell Masonry Patching Plaster or Polycell Rockset - both of which need time to dry before being painted over.
- Scrub the floor with Plascon RemovALL High Strength Degreaser and then rinse with clean water and allow it to dry.
- Apply Plascon RemovALL Rust Remover and Concrete Etcher to ensure a longer lasting finish. Follow the instructions and allow it to dry.
- Apply paint with a foam roller for a brush-stroke-free finish.
Tip: Add Plascon Grip Additive where a non-slip finish is required. Although not recommended by Plascon, you can also use Plascon Polvin tinted in your choice of colour to paint as a top coat for interior floors; follow this with two coats of polyurethane sealer.
Article courtesy of www.home-dzine.co.za
