T-molding is used to cover the space where two floors meet in a doorway. Use a high adhesion primer for this step. (Accessed 02/19/2009) http://www.armstrong.com/content2/resam/files/32613.pdf, Armstrong. Let the primer dry for at least 3 hours before you apply your final latex paint top coat. New paint can rejuvenate a room and can even fix minor unsightly damage in the process. Planks are available in lengths from 23 to 54 inches (58 to 137 cm). When hes not typing away at his desk, he enjoys hiking with his dogs, woodworking and collecting rare books. By following this process, you can revitalize your floors quickly and easily. "Laminate Flooring." "How to Install Laminate Flooring" If this can not be resolved by a simple sweeping or mopping, a new paint job is the best option. 10 March 2009. Do this as soon as you notice an area that needs cleaning. Your email address will not be published. Finishing up your laminate flooring can be difficult, as there are numerous small cuts and trims that have to be taken care of. Install the wall base or quarter round molding. The New Book of Knowledge. Flooring paint needs to be first-rate, otherwise it will easily chip or scratch, necessitating another round of painting. If you dont sand your flooring, you could end up with areas where paint pools and collects. Thicknesses are either 5/16 or 6/16 of an inch (.8 to .9 cm). . Curiosity is Bliss Blog. Primer gives the paint something to hold on to and will give you better longevity. Michael J. OConnor is a writer and marketing specialist from the Bay Area of California. It does not have the adhesive properties of latex paint and can easily scratch or wear down. Pergo LLC. Armstrong Company Corporation. These sanders are efficient and easy to use, and will be effective for eliminating any rough spots on the floor. "Laminate Floor Installation 101." http://www.flooringandcarpets.com/how-to-install-laminate-flooring.html, Pergo. This will result in an uneven coat that will not give you the longevity you need on flooring. (Accessed 02/23/2009) http://na.pergo.com/Images/how_to/Install_Essentials_Guide.pdf, Quick-Step. If the installation involved glue and tape, buff with a dry towel to remove any film left from the glue or tape. After you have finished sanding, sweep up any dust and give the sanded floor a thorough cleaning before continuing. A graduate of Sonoma States Creative Writing program, he spent many years as a contractor and carpet layer, learning the ins and outs of flooring and general contracting. (Accessed 03/02/2009) www.loweslink.com/pubdocuments/Armstrong%20Laminate%20Flooring%20Installation.pdf. Can I paint laminate flooring without sanding? You will want to get the highest quality latex paint that you can find. for a convenient and effective clean that only takes a few minutes. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Richard Winter Next, install the trim track on the subfloor where needed. Tape off the walls and baseboards with painters tape to make sure that you only paint the floors. How to Make Laminate Floors Shine [In 3 Easy Steps!]. Its particle board construction makes it a good choice for those who want a hardwood look without the high cost. We have put together a step-by-step guide to staining laminate floors. Quick-Step Product Brochure. You can glue or nail this to the subfloor, and it serves the purpose of holding trim and transition elements in place. Couvreur, Julien. Sanding removes any rough spots and gives you a smooth surface on which you can paint. "Laminate Flooring Construction Information." See full biography here. A new paint job is a great way to breathe some new life into your old floors. This will ensure that it is fully hardened and will not be sticky or tacky. material that works well in all types of homes. Because of this, you may notice that your laminate flooring has started to look dull or flawed. Book of Knowledge. Laminate is an affordable and functional flooring. You can also get the satisfaction of doing it yourself and completing a job well done. Published 2005 by Unilin Flooring. After finishing the whole floor, let it dry for at least 4 hours, then apply a second coat. After a few years of use, though, you may want to revamp your laminate flooring. Updated April 20, 2021 By Michael O'Connor. Required fields are marked *. This type of paint is thick and it hardens on top of surfaces for a durable, long-lasting coat on many materials. http://www.quick-step.com, Special Offer on Antivirus Software From HowStuffWorks and TotalAV Security. Before you start laying down coats of paint, you will want to sand down the flooring. Published 1994, Grolier. However, for the absolute best results, leave it to dry overnight. These stains need to penetrate the grain of wood in order to fully dry. Be sure to be patient and take your time -- you didn't go through all this work just to mess up the installation at the end. You can also use a bit of vinegar and water in a spray bottle to spot clean. Can Hardwood Floors Be a Different Color Than the Stairs? Its particle board construction makes it a good choice for those who want a hardwood look without the high cost. Some planks have beveled edges, while others are designed to look like two or three pieces of wood on each laminate plank. To clean a laminate floor, use a product that is specifically developed for this material. While you can apply paint to laminate flooring without sanding, it is not recommended. After that, your laminate floor will be fully stained and ready for many years of use. After sanding and cleaning the floor, you are ready to apply the primer. Lowes link. Lastly, use a vacuum or damp mop to clean up the area. (Accessed 02/19/2009)http://www.doityourself.com/stry/laminatefloorconstru, Flooring and Carpets. . Paint the floor with the same even strokes you used for the primer. Armstrong. This type of paint is thick and it hardens on top of surfaces for a durable, long-lasting coat on many materials. You should notice that it is rolling on smooth and not soaking into the primer. Laminate is not porous and will not hold onto them efficiently. Regular, oil-based stain is not a good choice for painting floors in general, but especially not laminate. Before you start laying down coats of paint, you will want to sand down the flooring. It will help cover any chips or scratches and give the home a new look at the same time. To stain or paint your laminate floors in a way that is durable and professional-looking, follow these steps carefully: The flooring in your home is perhaps the most high-touch area. This will cover that a quarter-inch (.6 cm) expansion zone around the perimeter. The companys country collection has surface texture, designed to replicate the texture of hand-scraped planks Theres also laminate flooring thats compatible with under floor heating systems. Then, remove all spacers. "How to Install Laminate Flooring." If the installation required putting down an underlayer that extended several inches up along the walls, cut the underlayer even with the top of the floor. The surface should be crisp and have a matte finish when it is dry. Quick-Step has five laminate flooring product lines. Can installing a green roof save you money. "Laminate Flooring Installation Instructions." It's very important that the trim is attached to the walls or the subfloor, not the laminate floor, so that the floor can move as humidity dictates. The best tool for sanding your laminate floor is an orbital sander. Then, install trim pieces that will finish the transitions to other rooms. This will, After sanding and cleaning the floor, you are ready to apply the primer. To learn more, visit the links on the following page. Do it Yourself.com. "New Zealand." Do not use soap or any type of oil-soap detergent. "Pergo Installationg Essentials Guide For Laminate Flooring." Now that you have sanded and primed your laminate flooring, you are ready to apply the top coat. Once the second coat is applied, let it cure overnight before walking on it. (Accessed 02/19/2009) http://blog.monstuff.com/archives/000219.html, Do It Yourself. High adhesion primer works as an anchor point and will create a sticky barrier between the laminate and the paint. This is especially problematic for flooring, since it is a large area that is very close to walls and trim. Staining your laminate floors is a great way to give your home a new look and an added boost. Widths range from 4 to more than 7 inches (10 to 18 cm). This will eliminate any uneven surfaces, which can impede the drying process and cause issues down the line. Laminate can also be vacuumed for a convenient and effective clean that only takes a few minutes. Apply the primer with a brush or roller in slow, even strokes without letting it build up too thick. Spray paint is never a good idea for laminate flooring. "Quick-Step Laminate Floors." Your email address will not be published. End molding finishes the laminate flooring at sliding doors or other areas. This will create a smooth, even surface and prevent deep gouges in the flooring. Also, make sure that you leave a space for yourself to exit the room without walking on the wet floor. Before beginning the task of staining your laminate floors, it is important to pick the right paint. By following all the steps laid out above, you can ensure a high quality, stress-free job. Now you're ready to enjoy your brand-new floor. Flooring and Carpets.com (Accessed 02/19/2009). When sanding, make sure to pick one direction and stick to it. Laminate is an affordable and functional flooring material that works well in all types of homes. It is susceptible to all kinds of damage and scuffing, no matter how careful you are. Instead, choose a latex-based paint. Manufacturers will also offer finishing pieces that are designed to transitions the laminate flooring to another floor, say tiled or carpeted floor. Primer gives the paint something to hold on to and, After finishing the whole floor, let it dry for. Spray paint is also difficult to accurately and evenly apply.