If you are using laminate flooring for a couple of years chances are it is already worn out. You are definitely thinking of changing its color. Fortunately, laminate flooring may be customized in terms of colors and textures. There is, however, a very specific technique to go about the entire process. Because laminate is not porous, so none can stain it easily. So, the question arises can you change the color of laminate flooring?
Yes, you can. However, you need to paint a different color. After painting the floor, refinishing it with a floor refinisher will ensure that the color lasts for a long time.
This guide takes a journey through each step of changing the color of laminate flooring.
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What are Laminate Floors?
A laminate floor is kind of a hybrid covering for floors made up of a particle board wood foundation. The foundation has a topping, a layer of the image, and a translucent wear layer. Laminate flooring is a common sort of floor covering for houses’ living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, hallways, bedrooms, and other non-wet areas.
Perstorp, a Swedish business, invented these laminate floors in 1977. The company invented the notion of reusing wasted-wood projects by exposing them to extremely high heat, pressure, and binding chemicals and then turning the results into useful floor coverings. Many more manufacturers, including Dupont, Armstrong, Mannington, and Shaw, have now introduced laminate floors.
How Can You Change the Color of Laminate Flooring?
You can change your laminate floor’s color by any of the below methods:
- Painting
- Staining
- Replacing
You can avoid some actions based on your choice and preferences. But first, make sure that your laminate floor is free of debris. You must first guarantee that pets, kids, and furnishings are not present in the particular room. You must also wear the appropriate protective clothing.
Can You Paint or Stain Laminate Flooring?
You cannot put a strain on your laminate flooring as it lacks pores through which it can seep. The top of it has a clear barrier that prevents stains from penetrating beneath the surface. However, because people make the paint dry and hard on a surface, it is safe to use.
The availability of different shades of colors is an advantage of using paint rather than a stain on your laminate flooring. Moreover, wood stains are typically only available in different colors that correlate to the colors found in nature. Paints are available in almost any hue imaginable.
Look before You Leap
A few things you must think about before painting or staining your laminate floor. Changing the laminate floor paint can be a major undertaking, and none should take it lightly. This will be more true if you intend to do it for yourself.
One thing to consider before starting this work is whether you really need it. If you simply want to alter things up, you may mess with rugs and also with other decorations first. Before totally redoing the floor, try out several different floor coverings.
It could be best to take preparation if you have considered all of your priorities and still want to paint your floor. This job could take anything from a few days to even a few weeks. This is entirely dependent on the amount of time you have set up for the work.
Tools You Will Need
1. Paint Roller
A paint roller is one of the most effective ways to apply paint to a wide surface, such as a floor. This should be extended to reach out-of-the-way locations. It will keep your back from bending over too much.
2. Paint Mask
Many paints and varnishes contain hazardous compounds in their formulations. As a result, you should use a paint mask that specifically blocks harmful vapors. This is a critical safety factor that must not be neglected.
3. Paint Tray
Using a paint tray, people may apply paint comfortably to the roller, especially in even coats. Because there isn’t anywhere for the runoff to go while painting a floor, this is extremely crucial. Excess paint from an uneven application will not cure correctly and will adhere to the surface.
Steps for Changing the Color of Laminate Grey
Step 1: Pick a Color
It is critical to note that while painting your floor, you must use a darker color. A laminate floor should not take sand to get its color removed. This is due to the translucent seal that covers the tops of the boards. You can also gel stain on the laminate floor.
You may paint a laminate floor with a wide range of paints. Polyurethane paint, on the other hand, is always recommended for its durability and finish. It is also available in different natural wood tones as well as other tints.
Consider your personal taste when selecting a color for your laminate floor. Examine the colors of the ceilings, walls, and other decorations. Make certain that the color you choose for the floor complements this design.
There is a common question. Can you stain laminate flooring darker? You must know that the darker colors have to make a room appear smaller. This can be disconcerting if you can deal with the open appearance of light flooring. Make sure you’re ready for the transformation that a darker hue might bring.
Step 2: Clean Your Floor
The most critical step in applying paint is probably cleaning the floor. Polyurethane paint requires a perfectly clean surface to stick to it. This is particularly true of the floor.
This step is critical since the floor frequently has a lot of concealed dirt that can become stuck under the paint. If the floor is not properly cleaned, it might cause the paint to become sticky or elastic. If this occurs, you must use sands and repaint.
It is critical to know that wax should never be used on laminate floors. Waxing is useful, especially on hardwood floors. Because wax is not permeable, they merely contribute to the accumulation of dust and dirt on laminate floors.
Step 3: Painting Laminate Flooring Before and After
After properly cleaning, you can apply the paint on the floor. You can do it sparingly and with a few strokes as feasible. Don’t worry about not putting on enough coats; you’ll add more.
Wait an hour after applying the first layer to allow it to dry. You can also apply the second layer after an hour. Wait an hour more before deciding whether you like the hue. Apply another coat if you want the color to be more vibrant.
After applying all of the coats, allow the floor to dry for a minimum of a week. Obviously, if you can have a family who uses the room frequently, this can be challenging. However, by taking this time, you are allowing the floor to totally cure.
Step 4: Apply a Laminate Floor Refinisher
After the color has completely dried, apply a refinisher. It will bring out the natural hues to the laminate flooring. It will also apply a distinct coat to protect the paintwork.
These laminate floor restoration kits are available at any major hardware store. This is a critical phase in a process that you should not overlook. It ensures that you won’t have to refinish the floor nearly.
How to Stain Laminate Floor Grey?
It should be noted that restoring grey laminate floors is difficult. You should work with a specialist, preferably one who has experience with grey floors. First and foremost, the sanding must be flawless. To avoid cross-grain color-variant lines, you should apply the stain consistently and in strips. Carefully examine the stains. Dark-colored stains should dry for at least 24 hours.
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Final Thoughts
You can change the color of the laminate flooring without changing the entire floor. Both painting and staining allow you to accomplish just that. However, you must put in the effort, especially if you want to save money on labor. However, the effort will be worthwhile in the end because you will have a new favorite hue.
Always remember to remove your personal belongings before beginning such a process. You should also make sure you have all of the necessary protective equipment, such as coveralls, gloves, and masks. It pays to protect your health when changing your home so that you can enjoy new floor colors for a long time.