How to Make a Brown Paper Bag Floor

If you need an inexpensive floor covering, look no further than your grocery store. You can make a brown paper bag floor that is both durable and looks good. The finished look is reminiscent of leather or stone work. It can be laid directly over linoleum or wood sub-floors, and it is easy to maintain and repair.

Things You'll Need

• Paper bags Polyurethane Paint brush Scissors Straight pins

Instructions

1. Sweep and mop the floor to remove any dust or dirt. Let it air dry completely.

2. Tear the bags into 6- to 8-inch squares. Tear enough bags to cover your floor completely. Crumple them up tightly, then smooth them flat.

3. Brush a layer of water-based polyurethane on the floor in a square slightly larger than a torn piece of bag. Smooth the bag onto the polyurethane, using a pin to pop any bubbles under the bag you can't smooth out.

4. Brush a second coat of polyurethane on top of the bag piece. Spread more polyurethane on the floor and add a second bag piece, overlapping the first by an inch or two. Continue applying pieces until the floor is covered.

5. Cut the bags to fit in the corners and along the edge of the room. Apply them the same way as the torn pieces.

6. Apply a second coat on top of the floor after an hour. Add additional coats of polyurethane every hour until you have laid down six coats. Let dry for 24 to 48 hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Wet mop the floor when it gets dirty. If the floor begins to dull after a few years, you can seal with a single coat of polyurethane to restore shine. If the floor is damaged, patch it with an a new piece of torn bag. You can also purchase rolls of brown craft paper from postal supply stores to use instead of bags. Stamp or stencil designs on the bags before sealing with the final coat of polyurethane.

• Work in a well-ventilated area. Wear old clothes. Polyurethane will not wash out.

References

• The Budget Decorator