People are often hesitant about painting cork flooring. In this case, it is necessary to consider whether the painting is suitable or harmful for this flooring type. So before deciding on this, one should know whether the painting is permissible for a cork floor or not.
The cork floor can be painted to freshen up the faded or older appearance. It requires only a few steps. Besides, painting cork flooring does not involve any complicated method. One just needs to follow a particular rule. However, beginners should start experimentally with a small space in the house.
Hopefully, from this article, one will know all the necessary factors related to cork floor painting with some better ideas.
Table of Contents
- Reasons Why You Should Paint Cork Flooring:
- 5 Mind-Blowing Cork Floor Painting Ideas For Everyone:
- 1. Wall And Floor Combination
- 2. Transparent Sealer Application
- 3. Satin Finish
- 4. Faint Coating For Natural Look
- 5. More Radiant Finish
- How To Paint Cork Flooring Without Having No Experience: 7 Steps To Go
- Step 1: Gather The Needy Tools
- Step 2: Prepare The Working Area
- Step 3: Spray A Sealer Coat
- Step 4: Sand The Surface
- Step 5: Apply The Next Sealer
- Step 6: Spray Latex Paint
- Step 7: Let It Dry And Apply The Next
- Related Questions About Painting Cork Flooring:
- What Should You Do Before Painting Cork Flooring?
- Why Do You Need To Paint Cork Flooring?
- Which Paint Matches The Best With White Cork Flooring?
- Is Painting The Only Way To Change The Cork Floor’s Color?
- Can Paint Or Epoxy Damage Cork Flooring?
- Conclusion:
Reasons Why You Should Paint Cork Flooring:
An analysis from The Guardian proves that(1) cork flooring lasts about 9 years in the same way except for its look. Coloring is the best solution for which it fades over time. Therefore, know the reasons why you should color on this ground.
| Reason For Painting Cork Flooring | Benefits |
| Floor Protection | This floor is sensitive enough. A color coat protects the ground from direct light injury. |
| To Avoid Scratches | Being soft, any tiny sharp object on such a ground can cause a scratch. This possibility is greatly reduced after dyeing. |
| To Clean Easily | It is very easy to clean any painted surface. Cork is not often cleaner-friendly. But when there is a color coating, it can be cleaned without any damage. |
| Makes The Floor Water Resistant | Researchers have directly stated that cork flooring is not water-resistant(2). A color coating adds waterproofing properties to it. So, water cannot swallow the surface. |
| Can Prevent UV | The surface fades very quickly in sunlight. The sun entering through windows or doors is not suitable for it. As a result of coloring, it is not exposed to direct sunlight. |
5 Mind-Blowing Cork Floor Painting Ideas For Everyone:
Cork flooring is now becoming a fantastic choice for its durability and appearance. But maintaining them genuinely is crucial. Painting is the most sophisticated option to bring the look back. Here are some of the best cork floor coloring ideas that will undoubtedly win the heart of any homeowner.
1. Wall And Floor Combination
It is a good idea to color the cork floor by mixing it with the color of the walls. Specialists recommend(3)using latex paint on this flooring as it is better for the indoor environment. It comes in different colors.
2. Transparent Sealer Application
A transparent sealer is best for a faded floor. A cork ground of wooden appearance gets a dirty look when exposed to constant sunlight. You can do fine dyeing while maintaining the look of the ground.
3. Satin Finish
It is one of the most popular finishes. The satin brings up to 40% luster for any hardwood or cork surface. Moreover, it is easier to keep clean than other finishes. It hides the dirt and spreads a bright light all over the ground.
4. Faint Coating For Natural Look
Soft finishes are also quite popular. Matt’s color works well in planks that are light in color. Although the brightness is low, it brings novelty to the ground.
5. More Radiant Finish
It is recommended to use gloss color to make an older ground the shiniest. Compared to other coloring options, it provides about 70% more brilliance. But, it gets stained easily, and the stains become visible quickly.
How To Paint Cork Flooring Without Having No Experience: 7 Steps To Go
Painting is not possible and permissible without sufficient knowledge. But following the right procedure helps to finish the job without vast experience. Here is the step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Gather The Needy Tools
Some tools are a must for cork surface dyeing. Although professionals know these, newcomers will still benefit from knowing them. Here are the things that need to be gathered:
- Paint
- Sealer
- Sandpaper
- Brush
Step 2: Prepare The Working Area
The work area needs to be ready at the beginning, and the surrounding areas must be kept safe. Remove all things from the surface. Since it will be colored, it can be sprinkled anywhere. Cover the currently unused areas with some drop cloth.
Step 3: Spray A Sealer Coat
Now apply one coat of sealer. Wait for it to dry once you are sure it has been used to all ground. In this case, comply with the time range set by the manufacturer.
Step 4: Sand The Surface
Sanding will smooth the surface. It will get smooth after rubbing for some time using sandpaper. Manufacturers generally recommend the use of 220-grit sandpaper. When the sanding is done, wipe the entire surface with a damp cloth.
Step 5: Apply The Next Sealer
Now apply the second sealer coat. Spread it evenly all over the ground so that it covers evenly. Must wait until dry. The final coat can never be applied on a wet coating. If you are not satisfied with the second coat, it is allowed to go to the third coat.
Step 6: Spray Latex Paint
Now apply a coat of latex paint to the ground surface. Apply evenly all over with a brush. Spray latex evenly over the whole area. Since it is the first coat, it will not be smooth. But do not brush a few times in one place; it will cause unevenness.
Step 7: Let It Dry And Apply The Next
When the coating is finished, let it dry. After complete drying, apply a second coat of latex color. Use more coats if it is not satisfactory. The coating is no longer needed after the desired look has come. Leave the cork for 24 hours to dry completely.
Related Questions About Painting Cork Flooring:
What Should You Do Before Painting Cork Flooring?
First, clear the floor entirely and provide security to the surrounding areas. Because the paint falls off quickly, it can stick to the wall unintentionally. Then apply a sealer coat and sand after it dries. Wipe the floor and again apply 1/2 sealer coat.
You can paint the final coat of the sealer after it dries. These are the most important things that must be done before dyeing.
Why Do You Need To Paint Cork Flooring?
The primary purpose of painting cork flooring is to hide its discoloration. It is also necessary to paint the surface to give it some water-resistant properties. Also, do not let the ground get scratched easily.
Being more sensitive, it is damaged for many reasons. Also, it fades when the sun’s heat and light fall on the floor. The solution to these problems is coloring.
Which Paint Matches The Best With White Cork Flooring?
The best match with cork flooring is white or gray paint. White paint blends in quickly, and you have to work less. If you want something different, gray is a better option. It also blends well with white grounds.
You can also apply other colors on the white surface, but it needs to use more coats. Because covering a light color is not an easy task.
Is Painting The Only Way To Change The Cork Floor’s Color?
Painting is not the only way to change the color of the cork floor. Polyurethane sealer can also change its color to make it brighter. The original color of the cork is a bit faded. So if it gets more faded over time, sand it and apply a few coat sealers. However, the paint changes color directly, and the sealer is slightly less.
Can Paint Or Epoxy Damage Cork Flooring?
The cork floor is not damaged by paint, so you can paint on it. The use of epoxy directly on cork, on the other hand, is prohibited as it can cause cracks in the surface over time.
Cork is sensitive and cannot be set on epoxy. But, when the color is placed on the ground, there is no obstacle to applying epoxy to it.
Conclusion:
So, you got the answer to whether you can paint cork flooring. Painting is a viable option to maintain its good appearance. But, the main point is to choose the right color and follow the procedure.
The benefits of coloring will also help someone make a decision. Hopefully, the method mentioned in this article will be most helpful for a beginner.
References
(3)Comparison of the substrate effect on VOC emissions from water-based varnish and latex paint. (2003, July). https://link.springer.com/article/10.1065/espr2002.12.144
(2)Jhonson, W. C. (1895). Twentieth-Century Building Materials: History and Conservation. Amazon. https://books.google.com.bd/books?id=kn9DBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA200&dq=cork+flooring+water+resistant&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjw6puFuc_4AhXSaGwGHY9qBmMQ6AF6BAg9EAI#v=onepage&q=cork%20flooring%20water%20resistant&f=false
(1)Our favorite cool alternatives to carpet | DIY. (2008, February 29). The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2008/mar/01/diy.homes54
