Whitewashing is a popular home decor trend that involves applying a thin layer of white paint or whitewash to wood or other surfaces.
The result is a beautiful, rustic finish that can add warmth and charm to any room.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, whitewashing can help protect and preserve the underlying surface.
While many people believe that only natural wood can be whitewashed, laminate flooring can also benefit from this technique.
In fact, it’s an excellent way to update outdated laminate flooring without having to replace it entirely.
Plus, it’s an affordable DIY project that anyone can tackle with a little bit of preparation and patience.
Benefits of Whitewashing
There are many benefits to whitewashing your laminate flooring.
For one thing, it’s an easy way to give your floors a fresh look without having to replace them entirely.
You can choose how opaque or transparent you want the finish to be, allowing you to create exactly the look you want.
In addition, whitewash offers some protection against wear and tear over time.
Since it seeps into the wood grain or laminate surface rather than sitting on top like paint does, it won’t peel or chip as easily as traditional paint might.
And if your floors do get scratched or scuffed after they’re whitewashed, those marks will blend in well with the overall finish rather than standing out like they would on plain laminate flooring.
Overall, whitewashing your laminate floors is an easy way to update you home decor while adding some much-needed protection against wear and tear over time.
Preparing the Floor
Clear the Room of Furniture and Other Items
Before you start whitewashing your laminate flooring, it’s important to clear the room of all furniture and other items.
This will give you ample space to work with and prevent any accidental spills or damage to your belongings.
Start by removing any large pieces of furniture such as sofas, chairs, tables or cabinets.
If you’re not able to move some items out of the room, try pushing them towards one side of the room to create enough space for painting.
Clean the Floor Thoroughly to Remove Any Dirt or Debris
Once you’ve cleared the room, it’s time to clean your laminate floor thoroughly.
Use a broom or vacuum cleaner to remove any dirt, dust or debris that may have accumulated on the surface.
Make sure that there are no loose particles or objects left behind as they can get in the way during painting and interfere with adhesion.
After sweeping or vacuuming, use a damp cloth or mop to wipe down each section of your laminate flooring.
Be sure not to soak it too much in water as excess moisture can damage your floorboards! Once done cleaning, let it dry completely before moving on.
Sand The Surface Lightly To Create A Rough Texture For Better Adhesion
The final step in preparing your laminate flooring for whitewashing is sanding the surface lightly with sandpaper.
This will create a rough texture that will help improve adhesion between the whitewash product and floorboard surface.
Use an orbital sander if possible since it makes work easier but if unavailable use sandpaper sheets with at least 220-grit grain size over a sanding block covering every area thoroughly.
Don’t apply excessive force during sanding since that can damage the planks; just make enough passes until every part of the floor is roughened.
Once you’re done sanding, vacuum up any dust and wipe down the surface to remove remaining dust particles.
Now that your laminate flooring is prepped and ready for whitewashing, you can start applying the product right away!
Applying the Whitewash
Now that your floor has been prepped, it’s time to start whitewashing!
The first step is choosing a high-quality whitewash product that is suitable for laminate flooring. You can find these products at most home improvement stores or online.
Look for a product that specifically states it can be used on laminate flooring to ensure the best results.
Once you have your whitewash, it’s important to mix it according to the instructions on the package.
Some products may require you to add water, while others come ready-to-use.
Once your whitewash is mixed and ready to go, pour it into a paint tray and grab your paint roller or brush.
How to ensure Proper Application of the Whitewash
When applying the whitewash, it’s important to work in small sections at a time. This will ensure that you are able to apply an even coat and prevent any streaks or uneven areas.
Use your paint roller or brush to apply an even coat of whitewash onto the floor, starting in one corner of the room and working your way across.
Be sure not to overload your roller or brush with too much product as this can cause drips and uneven spots.
Instead, use a thin coat of whitewash and gradually build up as needed.
Once you have applied one section of whitewash, move on to the next section and repeat until all areas of the floor are covered.
Allow each section of coated flooring ample time (at least 24 hours) before moving on too quickly with other sections – otherwise you risk damaging previous work needlessly.
Overall when applying whitewash consider using light coats as opposed heavier ones; this will create a more natural look with minimal clumps where texture may be enhanced.
Adding Additional Coats (Optional)
To Coat or Not to Coat?
Adding additional coats of whitewash is completely optional, but it can give you a more opaque finish.
If you’re happy with the coverage after one coat, you can skip this step altogether.
However, if you want a brighter and more substantial look, additional coats will do the trick.
Sanding Between Coats
Between each coat of whitewash, it’s essential to sand the floor lightly.
Sanding helps to remove any bumps and rough areas left by the previous coat and creates a better adhesive surface for the next layer of whitewash.
Use fine-grit sandpaper and gently go over the entire surface of the floor before applying each new coat.
When sanding between coats, you don’t need to remove all of the previous layers – just make sure they are smooth enough for optimal adhesion.
After sanding, clean up any dust or debris before continuing with your next layer of whitewash.
How Many Coats Should You Apply?
The number of coats to apply depends on your desired look and preference for opacity.
While some may be satisfied with just one coat, others may apply as many as four or five coats to achieve a bright white finish.
Keep in mind that additional layers will also add more durability and longevity to your laminate flooring project.
However many layers you choose to apply, follow proper drying times between each coat before proceeding with another application – this guarantees that you’ll have an even finish throughout your entire floor space.
Finishing Touches
Sealing the Floor with a Clear Polyurethane Topcoat
After all of the layers of whitewash have been applied and allowed to dry completely, it’s time to add the finishing touches.
By sealing your newly whitewashed laminate flooring with a clear polyurethane topcoat, you can help protect it from wear and tear, scratches, stains and other damage.
To apply the topcoat, use a clean paint roller or brush and work in small sections at a time in order to avoid any bubbles or ridges.
Use slow and even strokes to spread the sealant across the floor.
Be sure to wait for each section of sealant to dry completely before moving on to the next area in order to ensure an even coat.
Wait for the Topcoat to Dry Completely Before Moving Furniture Back In
Before you move your furniture back into your newly whitewashed laminate flooring space, be sure that everything is completely dry.
This includes both the whitewash and clear sealant that you applied earlier.
For best results, wait at least 24 hours after applying each coat before walking on or placing furniture back onto your floors.
This will give them ample time to dry completely without any risk of damage.
Conclusion
Whitewashing laminate flooring can be an affordable way to update an entire room without breaking the bank.
From preparing your floors properly by clearing out all furniture and sanding lightly before applying layers of whitewash product, this technique provides an attractive look that can help brighten up any living space.
By following these easy steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to create beautiful results that last for years — making it worth every effort.
