You can paint over laminate floors, but you must sand and prime the floor first. Sanding removes the floor’s protective top layer, while the primer enhances paint adhesion.
To paint over laminate floors, clean the floor, repair floor imperfections, sand the floor, apply primer, and apply paint.
Paint lasts between 5-10 years over laminate floors if you apply and seal it properly.
Which Paint Type Can You Use Over Laminate Floors?
You can use any paint type over laminate floors if you seal the paint after it dries. A sealer coating creates a moisture-resistant layer (barrier) over the paint and protects it from foot traffic, moisture, water, scratches, and other elements.
No paint type can last long enough over laminated floors if you don’t seal it. Paints aren’t formulated with protective additives and will get washed off if exposed to constant water or moisture.
Do You Need To Sand Laminate Planks Before Painting?
You need to sand laminate planks before painting to remove the plank’s protective layer. Laminate planks are sealed with a floor sealer (fabric-made) that prevents water and paint penetration.
If you apply paint directly over a laminate plank, the paint won’t penetrate the surface, remains wet longer, turns sticky or tacky, and will gradually peel off.
To remove the laminate protective top layer, use medium-grit sandpaper (100-grit). The sandpaper gradually removes the protective top layer and exposes the bare laminate plank that accepts paint.
How To Paint Over Laminate Floors?
To paint over laminate floors, do the following things.
- Clean the Floor.
- Repair Floor Imperfections.
- Sand the Floor.
- Apply Primer.
- Apply Paint.
The tools you need for this project are listed below.
- A vacuum
- A mop
- A bucket of water
- Detergent
- Laminate Repair Paste
- Primer
- A random orbital sander
- A floor brush or push broom
- Brush, rollers, or a sprayer
- A gallon of paint
1. Clean the Floor
Clean the laminate floor to remove dirt, dust, or debris that can prevent proper paint adhesion. Paint doesn’t adhere over a filthy or dirt surface as the dirt prevents it from penetrating the surface pores.
To clean a laminate floor, do the following things.
- Sweep the dust from the planks with a brush or vacuum.
- Mix water and detergent and pour the mixture over the floor.
- Use a floor mop to clean it.
- Allow the floor to completely dry.
2. Repair Floor Imperfections
If the laminate floor is riddled with cracks, dents, or holes, use a laminate repair paste to fill and fix these imperfections. Simply pour the repair paste over the holes, wait around 1 hour, remove the excess, and sand the affected spots.
The paint can be sucked into the holes and create a patchy finish if you don’t fix them.
3. Sand the Floor
Sand the laminate floor with medium-grit sandpaper (100 grit) to remove the floor’s protective top layer. The sandpaper gradually removes the floor’s protective top layer and exposes the bare laminate planks underneath.
The protective top layer is a moisture-resistant barrier that protects the underlying laminate planks from moisture, water, and scratches. Paint can’t adhere over laminate planks if you don’t remove the protective top layer.
Note: Use a floor sander for large surfaces.
4. Apply Primer
Apply one (1) stain-blocking primer coat over the laminate floor to enhance paint penetration.
Applying a primer is optional as it covers the natural laminate appearance.
5. Apply The Paint
Apply 2-3 paint coats over the laminate floor using a roller, brush, or sprayer. Wait until one coat dries before applying the next one.
Seal the paint finish with a moisture-resistant sealer to protect it and the underlying floor from moisture, water, scratches, and other damage. The paint finish will get removed when exposed to constant water if you don’t seal it.
Can You Change the Laminate Planks Color?
You can change the laminate planks color if the planks are in good condition. To change the floor color shade, paint over it, apply a wood stain, or replace the floor.
Before painting or staining the floor planks, remove their protective top layer with medium-grit sandpaper (100 grit). Once the protective layer is removed, apply the paint or stain, and seal the finish.
If you remove the protective layer and apply a new paint finish, you can’t get the old laminate plank color shade back.
How Long Does Paint Last Over Laminate Flooring?
Paint lasts between 5-10 years over laminate floors if you seal it properly. The exact time the paint will last depends on the sealer type, floor condition, and where the floor is placed.
The paint finish lasts longer if you seal it with a floor sealer, the floor is in good condition and over indoor surfaces. The paint finish lasts less if you don’t seal it properly (or at all), the floor is in bad condition, and the floor is placed outdoors.
