How and with what to paint laminate flooring and whether it can be done at all: we talk about the intricacies of the process

Laminate is one of the most popular floor coverings. It is visually attractive, relatively durable, and has a rich assortment of colors and textures. The cost of such finishing products is no less pleasing. It is available to most consumers, who increasingly prefer laminate.

Despite its stability, which, by the way, largely depends on the class of the product and the manufacturer, laminate is still far from eternal. Moreover, it is afraid of moisture and excessive mechanical stress, which can cause scratches and chips.

When the latter appear, some decide to replace the coating, while others think about how to paint the laminate to update its appearance. Also, the reason for such a decision may be a change in the interior, re-pasting wallpaper and a number of other cases. Since the issue of changing the color of the coating is quite relevant, we decided to pay special attention to it and figure out whether the laminate can be repainted in a different color, as well as how profitable, labor-intensive and justified it is in principle.

Features of laminate as a floor covering

First of all, we will consider the key features of laminate as a floor covering, which largely determine the possibility of its successful painting.

So, laminate is a multi-layer product consisting of a stabilizing layer, HDF board, decorative and protective coating. Each layer performs its own function:

The lowest one, stabilizing, protects products from moisture coming from below. It is, in fact, an analogue of a substrate that has a certain ability for heat and sound insulation.

The board is the base of the laminate. It is most often made from fiberboard or other similar material. It is the slab layer that is the thickest. It gives the laminate the required rigidity and strength. Its main drawback is its extremely poor resistance to moisture, so the products will inevitably swell when exposed to moisture.

On a note! On the slab layer of lamellas there are grooves and protruding parts that act as locks when laying the coating.

The decorative layer is the one that gives the laminate a certain color and texture. Most often, its role is played by special paper, which is fixed to the plate and covered with a protective coating on top.

The final layer provides the laminate with wear resistance. As a rule, it is thin, but quite durable. It contains melamine resins that can perform water-repellent and protective functions. This layer is applied to products at the final stage of production.

Note! The more corundum the top laminated layer contains, the higher its strength properties.

Types of laminate

The main classification of laminate is based on its division into classes. The higher this indicator, the more durable and wear-resistant the coating is. Below in the table we will look at the most popular options that are in demand when finishing floors in different types of rooms.

Note! Laminate flooring classes are divided into domestic and commercial. The former are suitable for installation in rooms with minimal traffic. The latter can be installed even in industrial premises. But here a lot depends on the manufacturer. In fact, almost no one does this.

Table 1. Is it possible to paint laminate flooring in a different color: coating classes, their suitability for restoration and color change.

Note! Despite the very good characteristics of class 31 and even class 32 laminate, experienced finishing experts still recommend giving preference to class 33. It will certainly last a long time, easily withstand loads and does not swell with moderate exposure to moisture.

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Oleg Grishin

Flooring specialist with 10 years of experience. Oleg has something to share with our readers

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Discussion: there is 1 comment

1. leblinski:
   12/19/2020 at 22:21

   The next stage is priming the floor. To do this, use a primer for exterior use. Apply it to the surface with an ordinary paint roller twice. It should be remembered that each subsequent layer is applied after the previous one has completely dried.

   Answer

Is there any point in painting? Pros and cons of this update method

Is it possible to paint laminate flooring in a different color? Can! But just keep in mind that the procedure is not easy. It will require not only material, but also time and physical costs, which will largely come from preparing the foundation.

The main difficulty is to ensure the proper level of adhesion of the new coating. Otherwise, the paint will quickly peel off, and the coating will look even worse than it did before.

The thing is that the laminate is covered with a special protective layer, which was already mentioned above. It is this that will prevent proper adhesion of the new material to the slab. Therefore, in order to paint laminate flooring, it is necessary to remove the protection that prevents adhesion. This will usually take a lot of time and effort.

This fact is a significant drawback, which often forces owners to abandon the idea of ​​repainting. Besides this, there are other disadvantages. They boil down to the following:

• If you paint laminate flooring poorly, it will be unsuitable for subsequent use (from an aesthetic point of view). At the same time, a previously used coating can be hopelessly damaged, even if the painting technology is followed. It is impossible to predict with certainty how the coating will react and what the result will be. If only because laminate is not officially suitable for painting. That is, not a single manufacturer recommends doing this;
• If the protective coating is not completely removed, the paint will lie unevenly. Moreover, it will peel off just as unevenly;
• the appearance of the laminate after painting may not live up to expectations. This can happen both due to improper preparation and incorrect choice of paint, and for reasons beyond the control of the contractor.

As for the validity of painting the type of coating under consideration, the following facts speak in favor of this decision:

• the color can actually be changed. And if you are lucky, the result will be very pleasing;
• Laminate flooring can be previously restored. Moreover, this must be done. As a result, the coating can not only change color. Chips, scratches and other imperfections will disappear on its surface;
• This update method is inexpensive. at least it will be cheaper than buying new cover.

So should you paint your laminate flooring a different color or not? It's up to you to decide. But remember that you will do everything at your own peril and risk. And no one can guarantee the result.

Is it possible to repaint laminate flooring in a different color?

To understand whether a color change is really necessary, you need to understand which layers the paint is affecting. Any board, regardless of cost and class, consists of four layers:

• external - made of paper, and to enhance the protective properties and service life, impregnated with resin and corundum;
• the decorative layer is made of paper onto which a design is applied - imitation of wood;
• the main supporting layer is usually made of thick, durable artificial material or solid wood;
• bottom substrate.

The topmost layer is reinforced with waterproof film. When laminate is recently purchased and laid on the floor, it is not afraid of moisture. Over time, this protection disappears; even a small amount of liquid leads to damage to the floor covering.

Attention! The top layer is smooth, with a low level of adhesion. The paint will not cling to it and will quickly rub off.

Therefore, there is no clear answer to the question of whether it is permissible to paint laminate flooring. Manufacturers indicate on flooring packaging that the material cannot be coated with paint or varnish. Repair and finishing specialists also do not recommend covering laminate flooring with paint, citing a change in its performance properties.

Despite all the prohibitions, many home craftsmen still change the color of the floor. This means that there are situations when you can paint over laminate flooring. Here are the conditions that need to be followed so that updating the interior does not add new hassle:

• the base and screed are in a perfectly flat condition, so that after varnish there are no cracks, creaks, or unevenness;
• There is a compensation gap next to the wall, hidden under the plinth; it is necessary in case, after painting, the size of the wood boards increases and they spread a little;
• when painting, stain is not used, it is an impregnation for wood to make it darker, however, the top layer of the laminate does not have pores, the stain will not be able to penetrate into the laminate, it will either remain on the surface or flow into the joints and the floor will swell.

Laminate board installation

How can you paint laminate flooring?

If you have decided to take such actions, you should figure out what you can use to paint the laminate a different color. The choice is relatively small due to the characteristics of the coating. But still, it exists.

Composition selection criteria

When choosing a dye, remember that any laminate, regardless of its quality and class, is afraid of moisture. Therefore, preference should be given to those formulations that contain the least amount of water. Otherwise, the laminate may simply swell after painting, and then it will be impossible to fix the damaged lamellas.

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Water-based paints are completely unsuitable for painting laminate flooring. Although, of course, I wanted it to be the other way around. They are inexpensive, easy to use, but in the case of the coating in question, they are completely irrelevant.

Some people believe that laminate flooring can be painted with regular oil paint. However, it is better not to use such material. It won't last long. Painted laminate will quickly lose its attractiveness, which, it must be said, will be very doubtful even after the work has been carried out.

As for varnish, its use is acceptable. But just remember that the stench in the apartment after applying it will be unbearable. Moreover, the smell will not ventilate soon. In general, it is better to think 100 times before trying to paint a laminated coating with a pigmented varnish.

Which paint should you choose then? It is better to give preference to alkyd or polyurethane compounds. They are much more suitable for application to laminate, although they are not directly intended for this.

Valid options

If we consider alkyd paint, then this is a good choice. It has a lot of advantages over other dyes, which is especially important in the case of laminate flooring:

• Alkyd paint is characterized by increased durability of the finished coating, it is resistant to abrasion and has a long service life;
• It adheres well to most materials and dries relatively quickly;
• It contains a minimum of water (there is almost no water at all), which is a significant advantage in the case of painting laminate flooring;
• Alkyd compounds do not have the property of cracking and peeling. They “cling” well to the base and are evenly distributed;
• These paints are resistant to UV radiation. They also do not have a strong odor.

The disadvantage of alkyd compositions is their high cost. As a rule, they are not cheap, which can scare off potential buyers.

An alternative to the paint described above is polyurethane dyes. They are used much less frequently, which is justified by their less popularity. The latter is explained by the long drying of the composition, as well as the need to apply it only when certain conditions are created. Thus, air humidity when painting with polyurethane dye should not exceed 70%, and the permissible minimum temperature is 4-5 degrees. That is, such paint cannot be used in the cold.

As for technical characteristics, polyurethane compounds are well suited for painting laminate flooring. They, like alkyd materials, contain almost no water and are distinguished by the strength of the finished coating and wear resistance.

General recommendations for painting laminate flooring

To ensure that the painted surface lasts a long time, you need to take into account the following tips:

• for painting it is better to choose acrylic or polyurethane paint, it has excellent performance characteristics;
• for finishing, use only those polymers that will interact well with melamine resins used in the manufacture of laminate in factory conditions;
• After painting, it is advisable to varnish the surface to make the floor more resistant to abrasion.

It is possible to paint laminate flooring if you approach this process correctly. The result is a beautiful, updated floor that will delight you with its appearance for many years.

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What you will need to carry out the work: review of materials and tools

To paint laminate flooring, you need to stock up on a certain set of tools and materials. First of all, you should think about what you will use to remove the top protective layer. It is better not to use a sander, as it can remove too much. Sandpaper of varying degrees of abrasiveness and a block are suitable for cleaning. The latter is necessary only for convenience, because sanding the floor with paper will take a long time.

What else is needed:

• brushes and roller (the latter is needed for applying primer);
• masking tape;
• respirator or protective mask;
• gloves;
• paint and primer;
• composition for filling defects (ideal option - wood putty);
• vacuum cleaner or other dust removal tool.

Preparing a laminate floor for painting

On the one hand, it is cheaper and much more effective to update the old floor by partial dismantling (replacing damaged, worn slats) or using decorative rugs that perfectly mask defects. On the other hand, painting, when for one reason or another the color of the laminated surface is not satisfactory or there is a desire to try a new color.

If there are no defects that can only be corrected by dismantling, then the floor is prepared in the following sequence:

1. The floor is washed.
2. Use wood putty (if necessary) to level the surface.
3. The surface is matted, the gloss is removed - it is cleaned with fine-grained sandpaper (each lamella - separately, large ones are not allowed, as deep, difficult-to-remove scratches will appear, and the risk of damage to the decorative embossing will increase significantly).
4. Dust is thoroughly removed.
5. The floor is wiped with a lint-free cloth soaked, for example, in white spirit or another solvent.

For painting you can use PF115 or PF226 enamel. Rollers are not suitable for this job. Only paint brushes are used. The paint is applied in 2 - 3 layers until the desired shade of color is obtained. You will also need respiratory and hand protection (gloves, respirator).

Stages of doing the work yourself

So, when the materials and tools have been purchased, you can begin to carry out the work. And first of all, before painting, the laminate should be prepared, which has already been mentioned more than once above. This is where we will start.

Surface preparation

To fully prepare, you need to do the following:

1. Clean the laminate from dust and dirt, and then perform a wet cleaning. Afterwards, let the surface dry completely.
2. At the next stage, the laminate must be treated with sandpaper with a high degree of abrasiveness. This should be done in order to erase the top protective layer, which will otherwise prevent adhesion.
3. Next, all scratches, gouges and chips need to be filled with putty. The material can be applied either with a regular metal spatula or with a special (rubberized) one. The layer should not be too thick. As a result of restoration using wood putty, you should strive to obtain a relatively flat surface without chips.
4. After this, let the materials dry. Then sand the surface with finer sandpaper until a perfectly smooth base is obtained.
5. At the fifth stage, wash the floor, dry it well and treat it with a degreaser.

Coloring

Once the floor is prepared, you can begin applying the primer. It will help increase the level of adhesion of the paint to the base. After it dries, start applying paint. It is permissible to dilute it with a solvent beforehand if it is too thick.

We have prepared some practical tips on how to properly apply the coloring composition:

• start painting from the corner, moving along the direction of the lamellas;
• rub the paint in, painting the cracks well;
• do not apply too thick a layer. It is better to paint the laminate twice, allowing the previous layer to dry;
• After completing the painting procedure, allow the floor to dry for at least 24 hours. Then apply a second coat.

Note! After painting, you should not walk on the floor. Otherwise, specks or debris may stick to the coating. After the paint has dried, the floor can be varnished. In this case, you will additionally protect the surface and give it a glossy shine.

Final touches

Once painting is complete, you won't have to do anything else. The main thing is to dry the floor well, and then try not to move heavy objects on it. It is also not recommended to walk on surfaces in heels. They can leave unsightly dents.

Painting laminate flooring: step-by-step instructions

When all the preparatory work is completed, and the decision to paint the laminate remains the only way to fight for the beauty of the floor suitable for specific conditions, then all that remains is to arm yourself with a brush and carry out your plans in the following sequence:

1. We start painting the floor from the far wall (door).
2. Apply paint along the lamella using long strokes.
3. Pay attention to how the joints are painted over.
4. When the first layer is applied, close the doors and windows.
5. We wait for the surface to dry.
6. After a day, apply the next layer.

It is worth noting that if the paint is not mixed well enough, spots will appear on the surface, since the solvent will be on top, there will be more of it than the paintwork on the floor, which will not contribute in any way to obtaining the desired uniform color.

Painting laminate flooring is not a difficult task. Although professionals do not recommend doing this, you can sometimes ignore their recommendations and do everything your own way. After all, in the end, the laminated surface will still look perfect for some time. And since everything does not last forever, there is no point in worrying about having to do repairs again.

It is better to initially take care of purchasing high-quality finishing materials and carry out the installation correctly, than to later deal with eliminating unnecessary problems that will definitely cause unplanned financial expenses.

Features of caring for laminate flooring after painting

Painted laminate is no longer the material that is sold in the store. after such work, it will become more vulnerable to mechanical stress and abrasion. Yes, if you apply varnish on top, this will significantly simplify the further maintenance process, because such a coating will provide a certain level of protection. However, wet cleaning will still have to be avoided. It is recommended to do it as rarely and with caution as possible. Also remember that if the apartment is undergoing renovation, the floor should be painted last. First, the wallpaper is glued, the ceilings are finished, the windows are replaced, and only then the laminated floors are restored.

Painting nuances

It is important to stir the paint frequently and thoroughly as you work. If this is not done, it will settle to the bottom of the container, and the staining will be done with a solvent, and the surface will turn out spotty.

After completing the work and completely drying the floor, it is recommended to wash the laminate - this way it will last much longer.

Painting this type of flooring is a fairly simple process compared to replacing it. It is generally accepted that if cracks, scratches or other defects appear on a laminated floor surface, it needs to be replaced. But in fact, laminate flooring can be restored by painting, and the floor will last much longer. And this is a considerable saving on repairs.

The question of how to change the color of laminate flooring is also often asked. It happens that some time after the renovation you want to update the interior, but the color scheme of the floor does not match the new design. It seems impractical to lay new flooring, because the laminate is still attractive and has no noticeable defects. Everything is very simple - it can be painted according to the above scheme.

This work is even simpler and faster, since there is no need to prepare the surface so carefully, covering up cracks and other defects. If you follow the instructions exactly and prepare the coating well for painting, the laminate will last for many more years.

How to paint the flooring - paint, varnish or stain?

If the decision to repair the laminate is made, you should think about what shade the coating will have after it, and also choose the type of paint. The less liquid it contains, the more suitable it will be for this capricious material.

It is advisable to cover the surface of the laminate with a substance that can protect the product from moisture. Alkyd or polyurethane coloring compounds are considered the most suitable options. If there is no too noticeable damage to the surface of the slab, you can use clear varnish to update it.

Epoxy two-component varnish

This material is also used to cover painted floors to protect it and add shine to the surface. Laminate takes well to polyurethane or epoxy varnish: these substances in their composition are most similar to methylamine resins used in the production of laminate boards.

The paint should match the color of the original tone of the laminate: it is recommended to paint a white floor with light colors, and a dark floor with brown, etc. Laminate flooring can be coated with varnish of any tone.

Directions for board placement

Is the direction of laying laminate important or not? Similar to a natural board, this material can influence our perception of a room.

Not only the height of the walls and the square footage of the room, this can be significantly changed.

Diagonal arrangement

This approach allows you to lay laminate flooring in any room. This is a tedious and uneconomical method as it requires precise calculations and cutting the material at an angle.

Only a master with sufficient experience can lay laminate flooring beautifully. This method is rarely used in decoration.

Horizontal and vertical installation

Horizontal method. The joints form a single line, which should be covered with a plinth and secured to the wall with a dowel. Skirting boards should be located at a distance of no more than 1.5 m from each other. To make the floor durable and distribute the load evenly, cut the laminate into strips before starting work.

When laying slabs horizontally in the interior (as in the photo), the room will appear wider, and when installed vertically, it will appear taller.

Vertical method. Laminate flooring on the wall is laid vertically on a flat surface using glue; there are many layout options; you can combine leftovers from different batches and colors to create a unique interior design.