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DIY Painted Floors: A Creative Journey
Do you wanna know the how and why of how I went from this 80's crumbling linoleum to my own DIY art floors? Come with me!
Are you curious about the journey from an old, worn-out floor to a beautiful DIY painted floor?
Let me take you through every step of the process. Starting with my kitchen floor, which is a relic from the 1980s—or perhaps even older—it’s in a state of complete disrepair.
The linoleum is torn and uneven, with a massive bubble forming whenever the heater is on. It's clear that years of wear have taken their toll.
In an attempt to patch things up over time, we've painted flowers over areas where the linoleum has started peeling away. With part of our home undergoing remodeling, it’s time for a change—especially in what used to be our laundry room. Fortunately, pulling up this old flooring is relatively easy since it's barely clinging on anymore.
With construction costs skyrocketing beyond expectations, I found myself in a bind—yet determined to push forward with creativity and resourcefulness.
In my infinite wisdom—or perhaps against better judgment—I’ve decided to embark on this DIY project without professional help. My contractor might not agree with me, but sometimes you have to follow your instincts and take bold steps.
Here's where things get tricky: there's no budget left for new flooring
1. Preparing the Surface with Luan and Bondo
Embarking on the DIY journey of transforming my floors, the first step was tearing up the old layers to reveal what lay beneath. It was quite an adventure, complete with a mess that seemed to grow with every peel. Despite my best efforts to preserve some of the painted flowers on the old linoleum, they were a lost cause.
"So we are now putting down what's called luan, which is a very thin, thin, thin layer of wood."
Luan is typically used as a substrate beneath tiles or linoleum, providing a smooth base.
Being me, I decided to make it the main surface for our DIY painted floors. This decision was part of our larger renovation plan that involved knocking down walls to create an open flow between rooms.
Yet, laying down luan wasn’t all smooth sailing. The seams between sheets presented their own challenges that required filling. Traditional wood filler wasn’t an option as it could crack under pressure. Instead, I turned to Bondo—a strong filler typically used for car repairs.
"My house smelled of Bondo for at least a week, but I got all the cracks and crevices filled in."
While not the most pleasant experience olfactory-wise, using Bondo ensured that every seam was smoothed out and ready for what would come next: priming and painting.
The preparation phase was labor-intensive but essential in setting up for a successful painting adventure on my DIY floors.
With this groundwork laid (literally), I was ready—almost—for priming.
2. Priming and Initial Painting Challenges
Embarking on the journey of DIY painted floors, I found myself standing on the brink of creativity and chaos, armed with an abundance of primer.
"Why are we priming? Well, first of all, because I bought way too much primer," I confess. This surplus from my daughter’s room project conveniently found its purpose in my new endeavor.
Priming wasn't just an exercise in resourcefulness; it was a strategic move to lay a white foundation that would make the colors pop. Imagining a galaxy or sea effect similar to my studio, I dove into this project with optimism, albeit without a fully formed plan.
However, the process was not without its challenges. The luan underlayment proved to be both a blessing and a curse. Its thin wooden layer is smooth but susceptible to moisture—a hard lesson I learned when it crinkled up like paper under too much water-based paint.
Adjustments were necessary. After priming, applying watered-down paint led to unexpected results with the luan scrunching up like tissue paper. To counter this, a layer of semi-gloss white was added as a protective barrier against the moisture-heavy paint layers that would follow.
"So I'm not gonna lie you guys," I admitted as panic set in at the sight of what seemed like the largest white canvas ever—a canvas that was now my own floor. The beauty lay in its potential; if unsatisfied with my creation, changes could always be made.
3. Choosing Colors and Mixing Paints
Choosing the right colors and mixing paints is where the magic truly begins for DIY painted floors. As I dive into this creative process, I find that the charm of these floors lies in using metallic paints. These paints not only bring a shimmering effect but also have a built-in sealant for extra durability. I often use Miss Lillian's no-wax chalk paints, which include a variety of metallics that add depth and interest to any floor.
The magic of these floors that I create is using metallic paints.
4. Sourcing & Diluting the Paints
In addition to these, I love incorporating "oops" paints—those unexpected finds from Home Depot or Lowe's. Any leftover paints can be transformed into something beautiful when combined thoughtfully. The key to achieving the desired effect is blending in those metallic hues.
To start mixing, I use bottles or jars—often sourced from places like the Dollar Tree—to dilute the paints. Each paint has its own unique viscosity, so there’s no strict formula to follow. Ideally, you want a consistency similar to crepe batter; however, adjustments might be necessary depending on how the paint flows.
The beauty of metallics is how they disperse when mixed with water, often separating from their colored base to create stunning effects. This characteristic is one reason why they are so captivating in floor designs.
When it comes to selecting colors, my kitchen transformation aims for an underwater feel with a monochromatic theme of blues and greens—about ten different shades in total. Even if you don't have numerous colors at your disposal, having some white on hand—as well as red or black—can help deepen any shades you do have.
If you wanna do a monochromatic theme, which is what I'm about to do in this kitchen because I want it to feel like you're in the sea.
5. The Creative Painting Process
Embarking on the most exciting phase of DIY painted floors, we dive into the creative painting process. This is where the magic truly happens, with the first layer offering an opportunity to "go freaking crazy" with colors and patterns. The freedom in this initial stage is exhilarating—there's no need for precision, just a joyful embrace of creativity.
The first layer is just the first layer, and you can go freaking crazy on this thing.
I find myself grabbing various colors, splattering them across the floor in random patterns. Working barefoot adds to the sense of connection with my canvas—perhaps it's my way of feeling one with the floor. There’s no need for perfection; it's about letting loose and having fun.
While some might opt to tape off walls to protect them from splatters, I prefer a different approach. I just let the paint fly and clean up afterward.
My Secret Weapon? It's a leaf blower. I figured this trick out so many years ago.
6. Grab Any kind of Blowing Device
This tool is perfect for spreading paint across large surfaces, creating mesmerizing patterns as colors blend and move under its force. It’s an innovation born from years of experimentation—taking paint pouring to an entirely new level.
The process is cathartic; watching colors flow and spread under the leaf blower's influence is truly satisfying. There's an art in ensuring that each color spreads just right, creating delightful threads that weave across the floor.
For some, this first layer might be enough—it’s visually striking on its own. Many who've seen my work online agree that it looks fantastic as it is. But for me, it's just the beginning; there's more layering to come.
If you’re satisfied with your first layer, feel free to stop there and enjoy your masterpiece! But if you're like me and crave more depth and dimension, then continue layering until your vision comes alive.
7. Building Layers and Adding Details
In the art of DIY painted floors, building layers and adding intricate details is where creativity truly shines. After laying the initial coat, I dive into the fun part: layering different colors to create depth and interest.
So what I like to do on the second coat is basically take the opposite color and put it on top of the color underneath.
The first coat sets the stage, allowing colors to blend seamlessly. I use light metallics, dark greens, and a hint of purple to craft a harmonious base.
Once this dries, it’s time to get creative by adding contrasting colors. By using opposite shades on top—light over dark or vice versa—I achieve a beautiful interplay of hues.
The magic happens when you make your layers translucent rather than opaque. Adding water helps thin the paint, allowing underlying colors to peek through. If something turns out too opaque, a splash of water can loosen it up.
This is the part where you're just gonna have fun, and it doesn't matter what you do.
This stage is all about experimentation. For instance, adding a favorite gold color called "buckskin" lends a rustic touch that complements my sea-inspired theme.
I transition from using a leaf blower for broad strokes to employing rags for delicate details.
Dipping rags into diluted paint lets you play with texture—more water creates softer blends while less water forms distinct patterns. This process involves trial and error until you find your desired style.
Blotting techniques using rags or towels introduce wonderful effects too—pressing down then lifting creates unique patterns that add character.
Ultimately, this process isn’t just about painting floors; it’s about expressing creativity without boundaries.
8. Sealing the Floor and Final Thoughts
As I reach the finish line of my DIY painted floors project, excitement fills the air. The first task is vacuuming, as cleaning is essential to ensure a perfect seal.
Using Miss Lillian's lackluster sealant, I embark on applying three coats to ensure durability. "It goes on a little milky," I explain, "but it dries clear." Through trial and error with various brands, this one stands out as the best for my floors.
The process involves careful application with a lamb's wool applicator—avoiding foam rollers—and ensuring not to overwork the sealant. Starting in one corner and working methodically ensures even coverage without trapping air bubbles.
Sealing my DIY floor not only enhances its beauty but also preserves it for future changes. Unlike resin, acrylic allows flexibility for adjustments later on. This project is about more than aesthetics; it's about creating something personal that can evolve over time.
I love this so much. It feels like I'm walking on the ocean floor.
The final result is a floor that sparkles with metallic shimmer—greens, blues, and golds blending seamlessly together. Walking on it feels like stepping onto an ocean floor which makes me so happy, and my kitties too!
This project has been an artistic expression of style within budget constraints—a blend of fun and practicality that I'm thrilled to share with others. If you try your hand at DIY painted floors too, I'd love to see your creations! Feel free to send me your pictures and experiences.
