If you have linoleum in your home you may be thinking of making a switch. Is epoxy a good choice?
You can apply epoxy directly over linoleum with fantastic results. As long as the floor is structurally sound and without any major defects, you can apply the epoxy to bring back the old finish and to make it a beautiful, new floor that will last for many years.
As is the case with any type of home remodeling project, it is important to consider everything involved before you jump in with both feet. This is true of epoxy because it can either be a long-lasting project or it can be one that is ruined quickly.
We will go through some of the more important factors when you are dealing with putting down a layer of epoxy over linoleum. It will help you from the start to the finish to know how to handle the project and how to maintain the floor.
One thing is certain, if you put epoxy over linoleum and do it properly, you will have a floor that you can be proud of. It will not be necessary for you to remove the old floor or do a lot of repairs in most cases. Simply put down the epoxy and love the new finish.
Can You Put Epoxy Over Linoleum Flooring?
Although we have many choices of flooring in the home, linoleum is probably one of the most popular. After all, it has been around for well over a century.
In 1860, the first linoleum floor was invented by a man named Frederick Walton. It is a type of flooring that uses oxidized linseed oil with a wide variety of other products.
This wasn’t a type of floor that only lasted for a short amount of time. It was extremely popular in the 1870s, shortly after it was first manufactured. It continued to be popular until the 1960s and even beyond.
Since you will find linoleum in so many different areas, it is also one of the more common types of floors that need to be updated. Linoleum can still be beautiful, but it sometimes does look a little dated in most homes.
Of course, that retro look may be something that you really appreciate, so putting epoxy over linoleum is an excellent choice. You don’t have to get rid of the old floor in order to enjoy a new finish.
As you will learn, one of the most important factors for having a successful DIY job is ensuring that the floor is properly prepared. If the preparation isn’t there, the finished product is not going to be what you want it to be.
In addition, you must care for the floor for the long term in order for it to last as long as possible. Epoxy is going to do fine without any care but with the proper care, it will outlast most homeowners.
Should You Put Epoxy Over Linoleum Flooring? Reasons Why Not And Why Yes
Before you do any type of DIY project, it is always a good idea to consider both the good and the bad of doing so. The same is also true if you are thinking about putting epoxy over linoleum.
The biggest benefit of putting epoxy over linoleum is being able to dress up the floor and get it like new without having to do a lot of work in the process. Epoxy is relatively easy to put down and once it is set up properly, the finish is both durable and beautiful. It will bring out the beauty of the linoleum and even add something to it.
Putting epoxy over linoleum is a great choice for a number of different reasons. Here are a few to consider:
Longevity – When you use epoxy, it provides a long, durable finish. In fact, it will often outlive the linoleum that may have been down for many years.
Options – You might be surprised with how many different options are available when you put down epoxy over linoleum. You can really dress things up or leave the original design with a brighter finish.
Durability – Epoxy provides one of the most durable floors imaginable. It will stand up to a lot of abuse so everyday wear and tear is not going to be a problem.
Price – You really can’t overlook the benefit of a low price when you are thinking about putting an epoxy floor down. Compared with many other types of flooring, including stone and tile, you will be paying a lot less per square foot.
Protection – One of the primary reasons why people put epoxy over linoleum is to protect the existing linoleum for future generations. If you like the look and don’t want to tear it up, you can put down a layer of epoxy and bring back that like-new look again.
Maintenance – The maintenance of an epoxy floor is unlike any other. It will be beautiful and easy to clean, typically only needing to be swept and wet mopped every once in a while.
Safety – If you choose an epoxy floor with an anti-slip addition to the mix, it will prevent many of the accidents that could otherwise occur. It makes epoxy an excellent choice over linoleum both in the home and in a work environment.
These are just some of the many benefits of putting epoxy over a linoleum floor. We will also discuss some of the negative aspects at this time.
Slip and Fall – Although we already discussed the safety of epoxy and when you have an anti-slip additive, there are going to be problems if that additive doesn’t exist. Epoxy can be very slick, especially when it is wet so make sure that the anti-slip is included.
Fumes – There are some very strong fumes to many epoxy coatings. You will have to wear respiratory protection and if you are asthmatic, it can be a serious problem. Fortunately, the fumes go away when the finish is fully set.
How To Put Epoxy Over Linoleum Flooring
Are you ready to start this DIY project? Here are some things to consider to make the project as successful as possible.
The most important aspect of putting epoxy over linoleum is the preparation. If the floor is not properly prepared, it is unlikely that the epoxy is going to last a long time. In addition, any problems with the linoleum that are not fixed in advance will easily show through the epoxy.
In order to prepare the floor, you should first sweep it thoroughly and then mop it with soap and water, along with a degreaser. This will remove most of the built-up dirt and grease that has found its way onto the floor over the years.
You should then ensure that the linoleum is properly bonded to the subfloor. If the linoleum is not bonded, it is going to cause problems with the epoxy finish.
Any cracks or other issues with the linoleum should also be fixed before you put down epoxy. Of course, if the floor is damaged over a large section, you may not be able to use epoxy.
The epoxy comes in two parts and should be mixed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You can then begin putting down the first coat by pouring some over the floor and using a squeegee and other tools to smooth it into all areas.
After the first coat is put down, it will need to sit for a specified amount of time. That time will be set by the manufacturer, so make sure you read the instructions carefully.
The second coat can then be put on the floor in this is where the floor is really going to shine. Take your time getting the floor floated properly but don’t take too much time that will allow the epoxy to set.
After putting down the epoxy, make sure that you wait at least 24 hours before walking on it. You may need to wait up to 72 hours before moving heavy furniture onto the epoxy floor.
What Tools And Preparation Are Needed?
Preparation is always the key to success with any DIY project. Having the right tools is going to come in a close second.
The linoleum should be prepared properly prior to the time that you put down epoxy. This would include sweeping and mopping the floor and repairing any cracks or defects in the linoleum. If there are any problems in the linoleum, it will show through in the epoxy and will eventually cause that floor to fail.
The following are some of the tools you should have available to complete this task:
Broom and Dust Pan
Mop and Mop Bucket
All-Purpose Floor Cleaner
Degreaser
5 Gallon Buckets
Rags
Small Buckets
Paint Stir Sticks
Floor Squeegees
Long Handles for Rollers
Roller Cages
Trowels
Duct Tape
Blue Tape
Extension Cords
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on December 21, 2021.
Putty Knives
Safety Glasses
Kneepads
Respiratory Protection
Make sure that you have the highest quality tools available. Many of these can be purchased for a reasonable price but if you need any extra, you could rent many of them at a local hardware store.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on December 21, 2021.
It is possible to put epoxy over linoleum and it makes for a very beautiful floor finish. It allows the beauty of the linoleum to shine through and adds to the finish in a way that will make it look new again. As long as the floor is prepared properly, you will have a finish that will last for many years.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on December 21, 2021.