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Do you want to update the appearance of your laminate flooring without completely replacing it? The problem may have been solved by whitewashing all along! To give flooring a lovely, breezy look, a white or light-colored wash is applied to the surface using the whitewashing process. It’s a common option for folks who want their houses to have a rustic or farmhouse feel.
There are a variety of benefits to whitewashing your laminate flooring. It’s a low-cost method to give your house a new appearance and feel, and it can do wonders for the atmosphere. Also, it may cover up unsightly flaws in your flooring that are tough to get rid of.
Here, we’ll show you exactly how to whitewash laminate flooring, from start to finish. Everything you need to know, from sanding and sealing your floors to selecting the correct whitewash, will be discussed in depth. Okay, so let’s begin!
I. Materials needed
- Whitewash or white paint
- Water-based polyurethane sealant
- Painter’s tape
- Paint Brush
- Paint roller
- Paint Tray
- Sandpaper (if sanding is necessary)
II. Maintaining the Laminate Surface
- Pick up any loose dirt or dust with a broom or vacuum.
- Clean the floor thoroughly using a laminate flooring cleaner.
- Give the floor a last rinsing with water and let it air dry.
III. Sanding the laminate flooring (if necessary)
- Have the laminate flooring inspected. If it’s in decent shape, sanding may not be required.
- Use fine-grit sandpaper to softly sand the floor to remove any flaws.
- Sanding the floor creates dust and debris, which must be removed
Your laminate floor will be ready for whitewashing after you’ve finished the preceding stages.
IV. Whitewash Varieties
A. Whitewash made with water:
This whitewash may be easily rinsed away with water and has a little scent. In addition, it dries more quickly than whitewash made with oil.
B. Whitewash with oil:
The whitewash takes longer to dry, has a higher VOC content, but is more long lasting.
C. Limewash
Limewash, since it is made of natural ingredients, has a distinct aesthetic that may give your laminate flooring a vintage, weathered feel.
V. Color Choices:
A. The standard white:
Traditional white, a go-to for whitewashing, may breathe new life into your laminate flooring.
B. Tinted White
Laminate flooring may be given a subtle splash of color with a tinted white whitewash. Whites in various shades of gray and beige are available as well.
C. Custom hues:
Adding a little bit of pigment to white paint may create a unique hue if you can’t locate the correct shade of whitewash.
How to Check for Whitewashing
- Make sure you try the whitewash in a hidden area before using it over your whole laminate floor.
- Use the whitewash as directed on the packaging.
- Give the whitewash enough time to dry before judging its color and overall look. If the results meet your expectations, you may continue whitewashing the remaining laminate floors.
VI. Applying the Whitewash
In the same way that paint is used to cover and preserve surfaces like brick, concrete, or wood, whitewash is a paint-like material formed by combining water and lime. To whitewash a surface, you must first prepare the whitewash, then apply the first coat, then apply the second coat, and last let the surface dry.
A. Mixing the whitewash:
A container, water, and hydrated lime are all you need to make whitewash. How much water and lime you’ll need is determined by how much space you’ll be covering and how runny or thick you want the whitewash to be. To begin, fill the container about halfway with water, then add the lime juice and stir. Add additional water, a little at a time, until the mixture achieves a paintlike consistency.
B. Priming and painting:
The area to be whitewashed should be clear of dust, debris, and other particles before the whitewash is applied. Whitewashing may begin after the surface has been thoroughly cleaned and allowed to dry. Work in tiny parts to prevent leaving brush or roller marks when you apply the whitewash with a brush or roller. The first coat should be applied thinly and evenly, and then given enough time to dry before the second coat is put on.
C. Applying the second coat:
You may apply a second layer once the first one has dried for a more uniform and opaque look. Apply the whitewash in tiny portions and move swiftly to prevent leaving markings or streaks, just like you did with the first layer. To prevent drips and runs, the second coat should be thicker than the first. Do not use or paint over the second layer until it has dried fully.
D. Drying time:
Whitewash takes different amounts of time to dry depending on environmental conditions including humidity, temperature, and airflow. Depending on the temperature and humidity, whitewash may take longer to dry than the standard 24 hours. If you want the whitewash to dry properly and without smudging or smearing, you should not touch it or disturb it while it is curing.
Take Note: Even though there are just a few basic procedures involved in applying whitewash, getting a flawless and uniform result needs time and careful attention to detail. If you follow these instructions, you may use whitewash to preserve and enhance the look of a wide range of surfaces for years to come.
VI. Sealing the Whitewash
Sealing the surface after applying whitewash will prevent moisture absorption, staining, and color loss. Selecting an appropriate sealer, applying it, and waiting for it to cure are the steps required to seal the whitewash.
A. Selecting an Appropriate Sealant
Which sealant you use after whitewashing will be determined by the surface in question and the desired degree of protection. If you’ve whitewashed an outside surface like a wall or fence, for instance, you’ll want to seal it with something that won’t be damaged by rain, sunlight, or mold. An odorless and non-toxic sealer is preferable after whitewashing an interior surface like a fireplace or ceiling. It’s vital to do your homework before purchasing a sealer, since there are several varieties to pick from (including polyurethane, acrylic, and wax-based sealants).
B. Sealant Application
Depending on the sealer you choose, you’ll need a brush, roller, or sprayer to apply it. Make sure the whitewash is totally dry before applying the sealer. You may smooth out the surface by sanding any rough patches or lumps using fine-grit sandpaper. Working in tiny parts and per the manufacturer’s directions, spread the sealant evenly throughout the surface. There may be a need to apply several coats of sealant; if so, be sure to wait for each one to cure before proceeding.
C. Period of drying
How long it takes for the sealant to cure is dependent on both the sealant you choose and the ambient temperature and humidity. Most sealants need 24 hours to cure fully, however this time frame isn’t set in stone. To prevent the sealant from smudging or smearing throughout the drying process, it is best not to touch or disturb the surface.
Frequently Asked Questions: FAQs
Is it necessary to whitewash the laminate flooring more than once?
The required level of coverage and transparency dictates the optimal amount of applications of whitewash. Whitewashing a surface two or three times is usually sufficient to obtain the desired effect.
How can you keep whitewashed laminate flooring looking like new?
Whitewashed laminate flooring requires frequent moist mopping and the avoidance of strong or abrasive cleaners in order to preserve its appearance.
Can you remove whitewash from laminate flooring?
You can sand the floor or use a chemical stripper to get rid of the whitewash, thus the answer is yes. This should be done with caution, since it might harm the laminate surface.
Do you need to get a pro if you want to bleach your laminate flooring?
In fact, if you have the right equipment and supplies, you can whitewash your laminate flooring on your own. If you are uncertain about or uneasy with the procedure, however, a professional can guarantee a smooth and even result.
Can you use any type of paint or stain for whitewashing laminate flooring?
No, you should look for a paint or stain that is designed for use on laminate flooring.
Final Words
If you want to give your house a modern, rustic, or antique vibe, whitewashing the laminate flooring is a terrific option. The floors need to be cleaned, a thin layer of whitewash applied, allowed to dry, and then repeated until the appropriate opacity is reached. The longevity of the whitewash finish may be improved by using a protective sealer.
Whitewashing laminate flooring may give your home a one-of-a-kind aesthetic without breaking the bank, and it can refresh the flooring’s appearance without needing to be replaced totally. Doing it yourself requires just a few basic supplies and a few hours of time.
Here are some relevant articles and resources to help you along:
Written By: Trisha Mae Raymundo
