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Quick Answers
When painting walls, it’s important to cover your floors to protect them from drips, splatters, and spilled paint. Here are some quick answers for what you can use to cover floors when painting:
– Plastic drop cloths – Canvas drop cloths – Paper or rosin paper – Newspapers – Plastic sheets or painter’s film – Tape down plastic with painter’s tape – Use a tarp for outdoor floors
Introduction
Painting the interior walls of your home can completely transform and refresh the look and feel of a room. However, it’s important to take precautions to protect your floors during the painting process. Even if you’re meticulously careful, it’s almost inevitable that some drips, splatters or spills will end up on the floor. Taking time to properly cover and protect your floors will save you clean-up time later.
There are several effective options for covering floors when painting. The best choice depends on the type of flooring, the scope of your painting project, and your budget. Proper prep work helps ensure you end up with great looking walls and protected floors. Planning ahead also reduces stress and allows you to focus on efficiently applying the paint.
Options for Covering Different Types of Floors
The type of flooring you have will impact the best method for protecting it. Hardwood, laminate, tile, and carpet floors all have different properties that require consideration. Here are some guidelines for covering common floor types during painting projects:
Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors are very prone to damage from paint splatters and spills. The finish can easily be ruined if paint is allowed to sit on the surface. These floors need maximum protection.
– Use a canvas drop cloth to cover the entire floor area. Canvas absorbs drips better than plastic.
– Tape down the edges of the canvas with painter’s tape.
– For very large rooms, tape down plastic sheets before adding the canvas cloth.
– Remove canvas as soon as possible after painting to avoid damage from moisture.
– Place cardboard along baseboards to protect from brush strokes.
Laminate Floors
Laminate flooring is also susceptible to damage from paint splatters. The thin laminate surface can swell and warp if paint sits on it for too long. Take precautions similar to hardwood:
– Use canvas drop cloths to cover the floor.
– Tape down canvas edges and seams.
– Remove canvas as soon as possible after painting.
– Use cardboard along baseboards.
Tile Floors
Tile is very durable and paint will not easily damage the hard surface. However, you still want to avoid getting paint in the grout lines as much as possible.
– Plastic drop cloths or plastic sheeting work well on tile.
– Tape plastic to baseboards to seal edges.
– Cover high traffic areas with extra layers of plastic.
– Remove plastic promptly after painting.
Carpeted Floors
Carpet can easily be stained by paint spills and drips. Properly covering carpet requires more layers of protection:
– Cover with plastic drop cloths first.
– Add a layer of rosin paper or craft paper on top.
– Secure edges with painter’s tape.
– Use cardboard along baseboards.
– Remove covering carefully when painting is done.
– Clean up spills immediately with soapy water and rinse.
Purchased Floor Coverings
There are several effective floor covering products designed specifically for painting that you can purchase:
Plastic Drop Cloths
Disposable plastic drop cloths are a convenient and affordable option. They are available in a range of sizes.
Pros:
– Inexpensive
– Disposable
– Effective for most floor types
Cons:
– Can puncture or tear easily
– Not absorbent for drips
Canvas Drop Cloths
Canvas drop cloths are made from tightly woven cotton fabric. They are reusable and more absorbent than plastic.
Pros:
– Absorb drips better than plastic
– Can reuse many times
– Provide cushioning for hard floors
Cons:
– More expensive than plastic
– Need to let canvas dry before reusing
Paper Drop Cloths
Craft paper or rosin paper provides an extra layer of protection. It absorbs drips and is inexpensive.
Pros:
– Very affordable option
– Absorbent protection for drips
– Disposable
Cons:
– Can tear rather easily
– Absorbs moisture from paint
Painter’s Film
Painter’s film is a thick plastic sheet designed for floor protection when painting. It is more durable than standard plastic.
Pros:
– Thicker and more durable plastic
– Resists punctures and tears
– Disposable
Cons:
– More expensive than regular plastic
– Not absorbent for drips
Make Your Own Floor Coverings
If you want to save money, you can create your own floor protection using common household items:
Newspapers
Newspapers provide a free and disposable covering:
– Layer at least 3-5 pages thick and tape together.
– Works best on hard, smooth surfaces.
– Tape down edges with painter’s tape.
– Replace sheets as needed.
Plastic Sheets
Plastic sheets from around the house can be repurposed:
– Shower curtains, tablecloths, tarps, etc.
– Tape multiple sheets together as needed.
– Use painter’s tape to secure edges.
– Place tape sticky side up to hold plastic in place.
Cardboard
Use cardboard along walls and baseboards:
– Cut cardboard strips to fit along baseboards.
– Helps protect from brush strokes and swipes.
– Can layer for more protection.
– Discard after painting.
Preparing Floors Prior to Painting
Proper prep ensures your floor coverings will be effective. Here are some tips:
– Sweep and vacuum floors to remove any dirt and debris.
– Remove small rugs and doormats that could slide.
– Clean any oil or wax buildup off floors.
– Apply painter’s tape to carpets along edges.
– Cover air vents to prevent paint spray reaching ducts.
– Move furniture away from walls and cover any remaining pieces.
– Inspect floor coverings for damage and replace if needed.
Applying Floor Coverings
Follow these steps for placing floor coverings before painting:
For plastic coverings:
– Spread out plastic and position sheets.
– Use duct tape to secure multiple sheets together.
– Place tape around perimeter with sticky side up to anchor plastic to floor.
– Place additional tape strips every 5-6 feet.
– Make sure plastic extends several feet up walls from baseboards.
– Use scraps and cardboard to protect high traffic areas.
For canvas drop cloths:
– Position canvas over central area first.
– Unroll canvas and smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles.
– Allow excess canvas to run up side walls several inches.
– Use painter’s tape to secure edges and seams.
– Place additional tape strips every few feet across floor.
– Cover high traffic areas with extra canvas.
Removing Floor Coverings
Carefully removing floor protection is key for clean results:
– Allow painted walls adequate drying time first.
– Remove tape slowly from floor and walls.
– Fold and roll drop cloths inward to contain drips.
– Check for any paint drips left behind on floor.
– Clean drips immediately with soap and water.
– For carpets, blot drips with paper towels first.
– Rinse floors thoroughly and allow to fully dry.
– Properly dispose of any soiled covering materials.
Conclusion
Preparing your floors properly before painting will save you clean up time and protect your flooring investment. Plastic sheets, canvas cloths, and rosin paper all provide great protection options at different price points. Taping down the edges is key for keeping the coverings in place while you paint. Carefully removing the coverings after the paint has dried will help provide clean, mess-free results. With some strategic planning and prep, you can enjoy your freshly painted walls without worrying about paint damage to your beautiful floors.