Personally, we don't recommend painting over laminate flooring – painted laminate can look messy once it gets scratched, and the just-painted look doesn't last very long. Plus, it's hard to do properly. But if you're going for a distressed, shabby chic look, painted laminate might work for you.
Laminate flooring solutions are exceptionally “slippery”, so to speak, and if you don't remove the top gloss layer, no paint would actually hold. Even if it does, it's going to become transparent, and you wouldn't be able to get the job done. You should also consider using a deglosser for the same purpose.
Tip: Latex paint is recommended for laminate surface painting projects because of its durability and smooth finish. Try ProClassic® Waterborne Interior Acrylic Enamel for lighter colors, and All Surface Latex Enamel Base for deeper hues.
The best way to ensure paint on laminate lasts is to sand the surface and use a good bonding primer, followed by two layers of high-quality latex paint and a durable top coat – allowing each layer to dry thoroughly before adding the next.
Laminate floors are durable, but they can scratch or scuff, so avoid things like steel wool as well. Although laminate is a hard floor, you want to avoid steam cleaning to tackle tough stains as it can loosen that top protective layer and damage the surface.
If your old floors are in bad shape, any new flooring will help. While solid hardwood flooring would add more value, laminate will give your home the look of hardwood at a much lower cost, will look good for years, and your return on investment should be solid.
Cleaning the floor using a Swiffer Sweeper and a dry, untreated pad daily can remove dust without damaging the laminate. Dry mop pads that are treated with detergent, on the other hand, can leave a thin film behind.
You don't absolutely have to, but they'll look much better if you do. Laminate is a synthetic product with a glossy surface, which makes it difficult for the paint and primer to adhere to it.
Go for a self-priming paint that's formulated for use on glossy, laminate surfaces. This cuts out the need for special primers, reducing both expense and time.
Gray, oak, whitewashed, walnut, and black are some of the most sought-after colours in laminate flooring. Whether you prefer a classic, natural, bright, rich, or bold look, there is a laminate flooring colour that will suit your style and elevate your space.
Some ways to do this are correct cleaning processes like sweeping and vacuuming your floors, preparing a laminate-formulated floor cleaner and spraying it on the floor, mopping the floor, air-drying the room, and buffing any additional dull spots.
Painting Laminate Floors
Most homeowners spend between $250 and $450 to paint laminate flooring in a standard 200-square-foot room. It depends on the size of the floor and the paint you use, but it's a great way to save money if your floor is stained or scuffed and you don't want to spring for a replacement.
Sand the floor with 220-grit sandpaper and wipe away dust with a damp cloth. Apply a laminate floor finish in thin, even strokes using a washcloth. Work in 2 feet (0.61 m) sections, waiting 30-60 minutes before moving to a new section. Add a second or third coat, letting the finish dry for 2 hours between each one.
| Hunker. You can remove laminate from cabinets and paint the pressed wood as long as it's MDF. If it's particleboard, you probably won't be happy with the results.
Allow the furniture to dry for at least two hours between each coat. Let the newly-painted furniture cure for a week. You can re-attach any handles or knobs to the furniture once the final coat is dry, but avoid setting anything on the furniture until it's cured for a week to prevent peeling.
Grey Laminate Flooring is great when:
If you can contrast with colourful accessories. To create a luxury feel. You want to play safe. To match with almost anything.
If you have a large room with abundant lighting and ventilation, you might consider dark-colored laminate. Meanwhile, if you need flooring for an apartment with minimal lighting, a lighter-colored laminate would likely be your best bet.
For stubborn spots or areas of buildup, some people turn to glass cleaners like Windex. This method is helpful in a pinch, but use it sparingly and only in small areas. Spray the glass cleaner on a microfiber cloth and rub the floor clean, going with the grain whenever possible.
Floor Cleaning Tips
They work great on hardwood floors! You can also use Clorox® Scentiva® Disinfecting Wet Mopping Cloths, which make it easy and convenient to clean floors, and can be used with a sweeper tool. They can be used on laminate floors, and other types of flooring like hardwood.