There is a recent trend of whitewashing laminate flooring in indoor spaces. This is quite surprising because before now, most homeowners prefer to whitewash outdoor areas like stone patios and brick hardscapes.
A whitewashed patio will end up giving your home a beachfront, laid-back vibe. Just like staining or painting your laminate flooring, whitewashing can add an instant appeal to your home.
Ever wondered on how to whitewash laminate flooring? If such is the case, then you’re in the right place. You can easily whitewash your pine or laminate floor using few quirts of dishwasher, fine sandpaper, Flat-finish latex paint, and Water-based latex varnish.
This post will give you a step-to-step guideline on how to whitewash laminate flooring. These step also covers how to whitewash pine floors as well as other type of wood floors.
Read: Can you paint or stain laminate floors?
Can you Whitewash Laminate Flooring?
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When you hear about whitewashing laminate flooring, you often wonder if you can achieve this feat by yourself. The simple answer to the question is Yes! You can easily whitewash laminate flooring with the steps provided here.
Due to the rustic feel whitewashing laminate board gives to a home, most manufacturers of laminate flooring have seized the opportunity to produce already whitewashed laminate flooring.
You don’t need to replace your old laminate flooring with new whitewashed ones. All you need to do is get down and get the work done yourself. More so, whitewashing laminate flooring is a fun, rewarding home décor project you can easily embark on!
Read: How to clean old damaged wood floor
Items Needed to Whitewash Laminate Flooring
Before moving on to whitewash your laminate floor, you need to get all the items ready and on standby. The following items are required:
- A mild dishwasher
- Flat-finish latex paint.
- Water-based latex varnish
- A 120-grit sandpaper
- Lint-free shop cloth
- Oil-based primer.
How To Whitewash Laminate Flooring
To properly whitewash a laminate surface, follow the procedure detailed below:
1. Clean the Floor with Dishwasher and Warm Water
To get the best result, the floor needs to be thoroughly clean and spotless. You don’t want debris compromising all your hard work.
It is advisable to use warm water and about three or four healthy dollops of mild dishwashing soap to clean the floor.
Ensure to wipe the entire laminate flooring entirely and thoroughly with a clean cloth dampened in the warm water and dishwater solution. After cleaning, allow the floor to dry completely before moving to the next stage.
2. Sand the Floor Using A 120-Grit Sandpaper
The procedure of whitewashing involves the use of a primer. It is common knowledge that primer sticks better to rough surfaces which necessitates the sanding procedure.
Use 120-grit sandpaper and work along the grain of the laminate floor gently. You don’t need to sand aggressively. Remember, the whole essence of sanding is to give the floor a little extra texture to which the primer will cling to.
Read: How to sand floor with an orbital sander
3. Clean Off the Sanding Dust
Little specks of dust can easily compromise your whitewashing procedure. You will need to completely clean the sanded floor of all sand dust. Wipe it clean using a lint-free shop cloth.
4. Apply primer
Remember that the whole essence of sanding the floor is to give the primer a rough surface to cling to. Once you’re done cleaning sand dust, the next step is to apply the primer.
It is recommended that a primer that adheres well to laminate flooring should be used, such as an oil-based primer. The primer should also be compatible with latex paint.
Use a paint roller to apply a coat of primer on the laminate floor and give it about 24 hours to dry completely before moving onto the next stage.
5. Prepare Whitewash
Off-white latex paint is recommended for laminate flooring. Preparing the whitewash involves mixing it with water until the desired result is obtained.
You should aim for either heavy cream or skim milk textured solution as that is the required consistency for a thinner and sheerer appearance.
Alternatively, you can try out different consistency on any spare plank until you get your desired result.
Read: pros and cons of laminate flooring
6. It’s Time to Apply Whitewash
Once you’ve gotten your desired consistency, the next step is to apply your whitewash on your laminate floor. A paint roller or a sponge brush can be used to apply the flat-finish latex paint.
You can apply more than one coat, depending on how thick you want your floor to look. Once you’re done painting, let it dry completely for up to 24 hours to avoid smudged paint.
7. Seal the Floor with Water-Based Latex Varnish
The latex varnish can be applied with a regular paintbrush. Make sure the paintbrush is completely clean and spotless.
Apply two coats of varnish; make sure that the first coat completely dries out before applying the next coat. Make sure the varnish dries completely before using the floor.
Related: How long does polyurethane take to dry
Conclusion
If your laminate floor is looking a bit dull and unattractive, the good news is that you can change the whole look of your home by whitewashing it.
Of course, whitewashing is not meant for just outdoor spaces. You can give your home that beachy and rustic vibes with the simple steps outlined on how to whitewash laminate flooring.
You can also change the look of your home by painting the laminate floor, which has a similar procedure to whitewashing.
Thus, if you’re looking for a fun and engaging home project to engage in, then whitewashing is definitely the right one for you!
