How to Paint a Summery Floor Cloth for Your Newly Finished Floor

A painted canvas floorcloth is easy to paint, easy to clean and will draw attention to that beautiful new floor of yours!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• blank canvas floorcloth
• latex house paints
• plastic drop cloth
• paint brushes
• water-based polyurethane

1. Unroll your purchased primed, hemmed canvas floorcloth and press it flat with a warm iron.Place the plastic drop cloth on the floor and tape the edges down. Put the floorcloth on top and layout your design. For summer theme try a flowery border and a simple, stamped center.

2. Paint the center first, applying your base coat of color, then whatever stamp, stencil or pattern design on top. Paint the border last, leaving the most complicated details as the final painting step. Allow your floorcloth to dry for at least a day.

3. Apply at least three coats of water-based polyurethane. use a wide brush and long, smooth strokes to sweep the poly on and prevent bubbles from forming. Allow at least 8 hours of drying time between coats and 2 days to dry before you walk on the floorcloth.

4. Clean your floorcloth with a damp mop. Tough spots can be removed with a little spray cleaner. If you need to store or move your floorcloth, cover it with plastic, roll it with the painted side out, on a cardboard tube, and store it in a dry place.

Tips & Warnings

• primed, hemmed canvas floorcloth blanks are available online (see below)
• check rug and carpet designs to get ideas
• for summer, keep your colors bright and cheerful
• be playful; add a frog or a ladybug!
• Always paint in a well-ventilated area and keep a window open.
• Use double-sided carpet tape to secure your floorcloth to the floor.

Resources

• eHow Home and Garden Topic Guide
• Canvas Floorcloth Blanks
• Watch a video showing how to paint the border.

[vikki9]

on 7/2/2009 I've never heard of a floor cloth - thank you for sharing this information.