Good Questions: Painting Over Linoleum?

Hello AT,

How do I paint over worn linoleum flooring? Do I have to prepare the floor first?

Thanks, Ronnie

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Dear Ronnie,

we're sure we've answered this question before, but we can't find the post so we'll have to try again. Linoleum does not like to be painted over and most painters or shops will tell you not to do it. However, we have painted over it a few times and been fine with the results (which are not beautiful, but better than what was there before).

The trick is to really really prep the linoleum before you paint it. We recommend a good hard scrubbing, followed by a light sanding (or scratching with a wire brush), followed by an oil based primer and then an oil based paint. It's a bit heavy handed, but you want this stuff to stay down.

We also found This thread helpful, and you might want to heed Fiona's advice and skip the sanding.

Anyone else?

Comments (2)

I have the same issue. I have a neat little basement apartment and cannot stand the linoleum flooring. Although I am not a contractor
I have asked the owner if I can rip it up, but he is resistant and I priced replacement tile and linoleum and it is not exactly cheap. If I can get approval from the owner, I intend to clean, scuff and apply some white paint to this god awful linoleum with moth wing vomit pattern.

I'm so very passionate about this topic. We've been in a rental house for a few years and really couldn't stand the bathroom linoleum floor. I guess technically it's vinyl. In any case I tested several types of paint on a spot and it didn't stick. I did one more internet search before giving up and found this stuff called Linoleum Lacquer. It must be new I've been looking for years for a special product and haven't seen it. It was genius! They have tons of colors. It's help up perfectly and it's been 9 months and that bathroom is our only one (between 3 people) so it gets a lot of use. Our only concern is the landlords reaction when we move out. It's still worth it though.