My house was built in 1902. Sometime around the 20's or 30's asbestos linoleum was put in the dining room and kitchen. It is terribly worn, the finish is gone and the color is just awful. We plan to redo both rooms within the next 10 years, but I need a fix before that.
When I scrub the floors, the linoleum comes up with it, the water turns the color of the floor and it seems to seep into it, the floors stay wet forever! Bad news!! Is there a kind of paint I can use to seal the floor and to cover the awful color of it? Thanks, Adrienne
Tough one! We don't have any experience with linoleum this old, but if it is that porous we would try polyurethane or a poly-based paint to cover it completely. the other idea would be to oil it, but oil doesn't react well with man made material (see condoms). That is the best we can do. Oh, you could also check with Armstrong (who make the stuff) and follow their directions for repolishing. Anyone else... MGR
Polyurethane varnish would be the first suggestion, but for the color change.
Might try an alkyd enamel porch paint, which comes in at least a few colors (not sure if it can be tinted to taste), is polyurethane-based, and made to be walked on.
TEST IT first, of course, in an out-of-the-way corner. And make sure the floor is dry first.
Additional ideas would be to add an alkyd primer like Kilz first, and/or you might also want to run over the floor with a palm sander and 80 grit sandpaper to rough the surface.
Good luck.
I am coming to this thread a year later, but in case anyone is searching on this, NEVER EVER sand lineoleum! Pre-80s lineoleum has abestos, and you are freeing it into the air by sanding it. Please never do this!
www.envtox.ucdavis.edu/cehs/TOXINS/asbestos.htm
can i glue 1/2 plywood to the top of an old linoleun floor to start a new sub floor or do i have to remove the old linoleum be before i lay new floor