Painting the floor
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by DIYshowOff on 7 January 2010
A temporary bathroom floor makeover (temp likely meaning a few years) until bigger renovation with tile is in the budget can make a HUGE difference. Look at the transformation, using paint. I love it! I may never want to tile this floor!
When we bought our old farmhouse, there was carpet in the bathroom (gross!). So we immediately tore it out before moving in. But that's as far as we got (so many projects, only so much $ and time). We have big plans for this bathroom. It sits between my office/guest room and the family room so even though there is a powder room on the first floor too, this bathroom gets used just as often by guests and family. It needed SOMETHING!
Before
I filled in the cracks/seams with wood filler.
Sanded. (It's not completely smooth and perfect, but we were okay with imperfections. It is an old farmhouse, after all.) You could also lay down a fresh new base but we were cutting corners.
2 coats of Zinsser Primer
2 coats of Valspar Porch and Floor paint. I chose a color called Journey. It's a nice dark chocolate brown.
Then, a lot of measuring to create a painted rug base. I used Frog Tape. It is amazing and really cuts down on touch ups. Actually when I used it on the walls, NO touch ups were needed. I did need to do a bit with the floors though. Anyway, I also used the Frog Tape to create a border by covering up some of the base.
I painted my 'rug' color twice using Benjamin Moore (eggshell finish) in Smoke Embers.
Then immediately pulled off the tape, pulling away from the paint (some of the tape was completely covered though so fingers do get paint-y). I had newspaper laid out near by so I could throw the wet-painted tape on it (pushing into a garbage bag = bigger sticky mess).
Once that was dry, I continued with measuring, taping and using a stencil to complete my design.
My big center area is 3 x6, so using a pencil, I drew a grid with 12" squares in order to keep everything symmetrical. I learned that a Magic Eraser is quick and easy for erasing pencil! But, when all was said and done, most of the penciled area was covered by paint and what wasn't, I painted over when doing my final touch ups. I considered using a chalk line, but intimidation got the better of me. I've never used one and with me being down on the floor...I was worried I'd smear it all.
I even painted over the gray area one time because despite drawing some ideas on paper, I didn't like the first design. It's just paint and it really doesn't take too long. Right under this room is a wood stove, so the floor is warm and helps to speed up drying time.
I did use acrylic craft paint for the stencil (that happens to match the dark brown perfectly) because it is thicker consistency than the brown floor paint I used. Also - my stenciled areas "bled" a little - anyone know how to get a perfect stencil? Anyway - it actually gave it more character and I like the effect of "fuzzy" edges with the stencil rather than "clean edges". It really does give it more of a "rug-look". And honestly - can you really tell? Not unless your nose is 6 inches from it. :)
Next, a couple of coats of water-based polyurethane to seal and protect. I used Minwax Water Based Polyurethane. I'm applying 3 coats by using a brush along the border and against the wall and a foam roller for the rest of it. Now it's waterproof and protected.
NOTE: You do NOT want to use Minwax Water Based Polyurethane on light colored paint. Despite what I read, it yellows. :(
Although not the ideal outcome, we're okay with it since our project is a temporary one and since we have an old farmhouse, we're okay with the old/vintage/worn/tea-stained look that appeared after a day or two.
Overall, disregarding the yellowing and fuzzy stencil - we think it looks amazing compared to the bare plywood we were living with before. What do you think?
Part of the Project
DIY Bathroom Makeover
We're doing a transitional bathroom makeover, something low budget to tide us over until a dream makeover is in the budget. Goal = $500....
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Comments
Mike on 7 January 2010
Holy cow that's awesome! It's like a faux tin ceiling on the floor (doesn't get more 'farmhouse' than that). I'm tempted to try this technique on a ceiling... although that's a lot of arms above the head.
Eh. Maybe not.
Surprised to hear about the Minwax poly yellowing. How long did it take to yellow? I coated some painted shelves (white) with the high gloss a few years ago and it hasn't yellowed yet. Wonder if I have that to look forward to soon...
Jaz*m on 7 January 2010
Better than carpeting? Oh my yes! :)
I like the fuzzy stencil effect ~ very chic. A blessing in disguise perhaps
DIYshowOff on 7 January 2010
Mike - lucky you! I think if it's been a few years, you're safe. My floor started to turn within 48 hours. I wonder if it might have something to do with this bathroom sitting directly above the wood stove in the basement (the heat, maybe?) It was a disappointment but again, the floor is a HUGE improvement regardless and I'll take it yellowing and all vs. the old ugly plywood.
It would be an awesome technique for a ceiling but not one I'm brave enough to attempt without Popeye arms!
DIYshowOff on 7 January 2010
Thanks Jaz*m! I don't think anyone even notices the fuzzy stencil until I mention it. I've never had luck with stenciling. It always turns out messy! :)
Marie Cole on 14 January 2010
Wow you did a beautiful job!!!!