Can You Paint A Linoleum Floor In The Bathroom? [Truth Revealed]

Can You Paint A Linoleum Floor In The Bathroom

Are you thinking of adding some spark to the plain linoleum flooring in the bathroom? I understand this instinct as we love having a bright color in our bathrooms. And the common idea that pops up in mind is to paint the linoleum flooring. The idea is excellent- is it even practical? Can you paint the linoleum floor in the bathroom? A legit query, indeed. 

It is possible to paint linoleum flooring if you prepare it properly. As paint doesn’t adhere easily to the smooth linoleum surface, you need to sand and clean it first. Besides, it needs some other agents to stick paint to linoleum. Otherwise, it is not advisable to paint linoleum in a bathroom. 

If you want to paint the linoleum floor, I will take you through the process. In this article, you will know more about painting linoleum floors and make an informed decision. 

Process To Paint Linoleum Floor In Bathroom: 6 Steps

Painting linoleum flooring is not easy at all. Especially in a moisture-exposed space like a bathroom, you need to do a lot for the paint to settle on the linoleum. Here is a step-by-step guide to show how you can paint the linoleum floor in the bathroom. 

Step 1: Sand The Floor

It is too complex and almost impossible for the paint to settle on a smooth linoleum surface. Also, to remove the imperfections and uneven bumps, it is necessary to sand the flooring first. 

With an orbital sander and 120-grit sandpaper, start sanding from one bathroom corner and move towards the door. Sand carefully and only once so that you don’t damage the linoleum.

Step 2: Clean And Degloss The Floor

After you sand the floor, vacuum the floor to remove the dust. Clear out any oily residue or grease from the floor. Use a mild detergent and warm to gently scrub the floor to clean the bathroom floor thoroughly. If the floor is not clean, it becomes difficult for the paint to stick. Next, rinse the floor with plain water and ensure that no residue is left. Leave it to dry. 

Next, you have to remove the floor’s shine to prepare it for painting. You have to use a commercial deglosser and apply it with a flat-headed mop all over the flooring. Leave it to dry. 

Note that many may skip using deglosser. But I do that to ensure that the floor is perfectly ready. 

Step  3: Apply Paint Transformer And Tape the Wall

The paint transformer puts on a layer on the floor that is compatible with the paint. Choose a suitable paint transformer and put one or two coats of it with a paintbrush. Let it dry on the flooring. 

Around the bottom of the wall, tape the entire area with black or blue tape so that you don’t accidentally paint the wall. 

Step 4: Put Two Coats Of Paint

Now is the turn to paint the linoleum flooring. You will need a paintbrush and a roller. Paint the corner of the floor with a paintbrush. Don’t oversaturate the brush with pigment and just put a thin coat on. Next, use a roller, to cover the entire flooring. Let it dry and see the result.

You are not likely to get a satisfactory outcome with a single coating. So go for a second coat of paint; and if needed, you can paint the floor even thrice. It is done once you don’t see the linoleum floor beneath the paint!

Step 5: Stencils For Design

If you don’t want it flat, you may make some designs on the paint. This becomes easy with stencils. But you should be very careful so that you don’t make a mess. 

Buy a stencil of your choice and the color you want to make the design with. Start from one corner of the bathroom. Hold the stencil tight on the floor. Next, dip a small roller in the paint and strain out the extra paint. Then slowly but firmly roll it on the stencil.

You may roll it twice to get a deep color. Similarly, keep making the designs all over the floor and don’t bump on the formats before they dry out.

 Step 6: Seal The Floor

Once the designs dry out, you are required to seal the flooring. Sealing is mandatory as the linoleum in the bathroom is exposed to water and moisture. For protection and safety, sealing is essential. 

A polyurethane sealant, preferably water-based, should be applied to the floor. Use a roller and apply a single coat of sealant to the floor. As it dries, go for a second and third sealant coating for extra protection. Besides moisture resistance, your linoleum floor would also shine after applying the sealant. 

Keep the area ventilated for a day and let the sealant adhere firmly to the paint. Don’t use the bathroom for a day. And that is it! Your bathroom floor would look beautiful with the new paint and the gloss!

Tips And Tricks For Painting Linoleum Floor In Bathroom

I have some fantastic tips for painting the linoleum floor in the bathroom that I have learned from my experience. Follow these to get  the best result:

Tip 1: Use Deglosser

Using deglosser is something many may miss out on. But with it, the paint doesn’t get off effortlessly from the floor, and the tint looks well-adhered. So I recommend using it.

Tip 2: Use Small Roller on Stencils

If you are not an expert, you will find it challenging to paint on the stencils. Most people spread the paint too much and make a massacre. But with a small roller, the work is neat and proper. A small roller reduces the chances of paint coming out of the stencil.

Tip 3: Go for a Thin Coat

Be it the paint or sealer; you should always put several thin coats rather than pouring a lot of it and putting a few coats. When you oversaturate the floor with the paint or sealant, the floor is likely to become bumpy and uneven. But with thin coats, the finishing is plain and beautiful.

These tips would give you an outstanding finishing on the linoleum flooring. 

3 Benefits Of Painting Linoleum Floor In The Bathroom

Though it is a big hassle to paint linoleum floors, there are some benefits to painting them in the bathroom. Have a look at them:

1. Aesthetic:

A painted linoleum floor looks ways better than a flat linoleum floor. You can make the floor artistic and aesthetic by painting it. Adding designs would just pop up the bathroom decor. So if you feel that the bathroom is too dull, you can consider painting it. 

2. Hide Dirt:

If you paint the floor with bright colors, it will hide dirt and dust. For example, people would not notice much on a pink floor or a designed floor even if the floor is not so clean. Okay, but that doesn’t mean you won’t clean the bathroom, right? Chill, just kidding!

3. Protection:

When you paint and seal the floor, the linoleum beneath, it is less likely to get exposed to water. You keep the linoleum protected from damage and moisture with its paint. 

Related Questions:

What Kind Of Paint Will Stick To Linoleum Flooring?

Enamel paint sticks the best to linoleum flooring. It doesn’t wear or fade away effortlessly and is quite long-lasting. If you apply a primer on the floor, enamel paint would firmly adhere to the linoleum flooring. Chalk paint is another favorable option. 

What Kind Of Paint Do You Use On Linoleum Floors?

For the best result, use enamel paint on linoleum flooring. It is highly durable and long-lasting and doesn’t get affected by moisture or impacts. Besides, it sticks well to the linoleum if you prepare the floor correctly. 

Does Painted Linoleum Last?

Painted linoleum flooring may last around 3-8 years, depending on how you have prepared and cared for the floor. You need to seal the floor twice or thrice a year to keep the paint intact. Otherwise, the paint may start fading away.  

Can You Paint Kilz Over Linoleum?

Kilz is a reliable primer that would help the paint stick to the linoleum flooring. So indeed, you can paint Kilz over linoleum flooring. It makes the tint long-lasting. You need to put three layers of sealant on the pigment to keep the paint intact. 

How Can I Make My Linoleum Floor Look Better?

You can choose to paint the linoleum flooring to look better. But to ensure that it looks good for a long time, you should keep sealing the floor thrice a year. Besides, clean the floor with borax powder to keep the shine. 

How Do You Make Old Linoleum Look New?

If the floor has become cloudy and hazy, it will look old. To revive the linoleum floor, clean and scrub the flooring thoroughly with a scrubber and a vinegar solution. Rinse the floor and seal it properly to restore the shine on it. 

Can You Use Chalk Paint On Linoleum?

You can use chalk paint on linoleum. Especially if you want to make designs with stencils, you should use chalk paint as it adheres well with linoleum flooring. Start applying from the furthest end towards the door for a refined finish. 

Final Verdict:

Now you have learned how to paint the linoleum floor in the bathroom. It is a bit tough but worth it to prepare the linoleum and choose the right paint and design. To make a dull bathroom pop up or revive the bathroom floor, you can think of painting it. It would be a fun project, right?

Follow my steps and tips and get a beautifully painted linoleum bathroom floor all by yourself.

More articles:

How To Use Vinyl Flooring Adhesive?

Vinyl Flooring Estimate: How To Do It Properly?

Vinyl Flooring Colors: How To Choose Them Rightly?

Jahidul Alam

Hello dear! This is Jahidul Alam. I am the admin of this Tidy Floor. I have been in the floor cleaning business for the last 20 years. My business is all about ensuring affordable flooring cleaning services for Americans.

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