DIY Projects For Home Decorating: DIY Painted Linoleum

For years I've stared at the ugly linoleum in a bonus room at my house, waiting for the moment it would be ripped from my life. When it was post-poned again until spring, I decided I just couldn't live another winter with it in my home. Time for paint.

I cleared out the room and cleaned the floor with TSP.

diy painted linoleum, diy, flooring, painting

Next wipe down the floor in circular motions with liquid sander/deglosser so that you're paint will adhere to the linoleum.

I would recommend replacing with a clean rag if you notice the first getting dirty...See all the dirty swirls in my last section? The paint held fine...but I'm ripping this room out next year. If I'd done this ten years ago like I should have I would definately have sacrificed another rag!!

If you haven't already, get ready to paint the same as for a wall. Tape it off if you don't want paint on it. Get your paint roller (I used a large one) and brush (I have a favorite edger). Take a breath. Gate your doorways if you have little ones (we had an incident). Now prime your floor. I used just a latex primer from Glidden because I had it, and started this on a whim. About three quarter gallon did one coat on my 13 ft. x 14 ft. room. Wait 24 hours after second coat before moving on to the color paint.

Now for the big dogs...I used Grab-N-Go paint from Wal-Mart, because...it's a long story. This is my paint.

diy painted linoleum, diy, flooring, painting, First coat of primer Looks better already

The first coat will not be impressive. Keep breathing. Don't cry. Wait until it is completely dry. Not tacky. Dry. Apply your second coat. Wait a full 24 hours before moving on!!! If it's still tacky wait longer. I used fans from this doorway, one around the corner in another doorway to the left, and an outside door open to the right.

Now apply Polyurethane. I used this two-coater that stunk really bad. But it was two coats instead of six to eight. It took about nine hours between coats. This is oil-based (See the yellow tinge on the paper plate?) A water based will be crystal clear but finding one that isn't fixed with oil is pricey..again, for long term you can splerge more than I did. I used this whole gallon in two coats. Apply with a foam roller and/or foam brush. Don't worry about smoothing out bubbles.

diy painted linoleum, diy, flooring, painting, Color after one coat

Wait a full 24 hours, if not closer to 48 before you move back in. Take it easy for a day or two...don't drag the deep freeze across it or anything. All Done!! Hope this finds the right person who has spent hours staring at the ugly old yellow linoleum!